HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama A&M Athletics announced Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and R&B legend Johnny Gill as the special musical guest for Louis Crews Classic Weekend, adding another marquee attraction to one of the university's premier annual celebrations.
 
Gill will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Alabama A&M Event Center. Tickets go on sale on Monday, August 3 and are $80 per person and $1,000 per table. Tickets can be purchased through Hometown Ticketing at aamusports.com or by calling the Alabama A&M Ticket Office at 256-372-7255 or 256-372-7254.
 
Gill, whose career spans more than four decades, has established himself as one of the most accomplished voices in R&B history. A successful solo artist and member of the iconic group New Edition, Gill has earned multiple No. 1 hits across four decades while also finding success as part of the supergroups L.S.G. and Heads of State. His most recent single, "One Night," reached No. 1 on Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay chart in February 2026, marking the fourth Billboard No. 1 of his solo career.
 
"We're thrilled to welcome Johnny Gill to Alabama A&M University for Louis Crews Classic Weekend," Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant said. "Louis Crews Classic Weekend is more than a football game — it's a celebration of Bulldog pride, HBCU culture and community. Having an internationally recognized artist like Johnny Gill join us elevates the entire experience for our students, alumni, fans and supporters."
 
Recognized for timeless hits such as "Rub You the Right Way," "My, My, My," "Let's Get the Mood Right" and "This One's for Me and You," Gill has remained one of R&B's most enduring performers. His career includes chart-topping success as both a solo artist and with New Edition, making him one of the few artists to earn No. 1 hits as a solo act, in a duo and with multiple groups.
 
Beyond his music, Gill is known for philanthropic work supporting children with autism through the L.A. Speech & Language Therapy Center. He continues to perform with New Edition while releasing solo music through his J Skillz label.
 
Louis Crews Classic Weekend annually brings thousands of Bulldog alumni, students and fans back to "The Hill" for a weekend filled with traditions, entertainment and championship-caliber football. Gill's appearance adds another exciting element to a weekend celebrating the history and legacy of Alabama A&M University.
 
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics — the Rocket City's only Division I program — visit aamusports.com. Follow the Bulldogs on Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), X (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).