Alabama

New Gap ad features Alabama musician, and an iconic pop star approves

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2024

New Gap ad features Alabama musician, and an iconic pop star approves

You know you’ve crushed a Janet Jackson cover when Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) is into it.

The Gap’s new holiday ad campaign has nine “sing-fluencers” — vocalists popular on social media — performing a version of Jackson’s 1997 chart-topper “Together Again” whilst clad in Gap gear.

Among that nonet, north Alabama musician Lamont Landers, whose TikTok followers number over a half-million. Other singers in the Gap campaign include two gifted young nephews of pop star Bruno Mars, who go by the names of Nyah Music and Zyah Rhythm.

Jackson’s classic track was a sensual banger. The Gap version stripes it down to a stirring a capella ballad.

After the Gap shared a video of the “Together Again” cover on the San Francisco headquartered clothing retailer’s Instagram, Jackson’s account commented with a black heart.

Other celebs — including ‘80s pop icon Debbie Wilson, Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Camille Kostek — also expressed their fondness for the clip, in the form of likes or comments. As have notable influencers, like Sarah Nicole Landry and Aubrey Fisher, with millions of IG followers.

The Gap content was filmed over two days in Los Angeles a few months ago. Other singers include Hana Effron, Aneesa Strings, Paige Fish, PawPaw Rod, Amaria and Liamani.

North Alabama musician Lamont Landers, as shot for the Gap’s 2024 holiday ad campaign. (Courtesy Samuel Bradley)Samuel Bradley

Landers says, “Everybody was so cool, and we all meshed very well. We sang the commercial live, so what you hear and see is a live performance. There’s no Auto Tune or us in a studio doing it after the fact. It put the onus on us to really have it tight and sound good.

“I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it was an overwhelmingly enjoyable experience. It was cool. To represent north Alabama and a nationwide campaign is very cool – and the money didn’t hurt at all.”

The vocal arrangement for the Gap ad was done by Patrick Lawrence Zappia, whose resume ranges from metal band Slipknot tor virtual-reality headset Meta Quest, and Alexander Lloyd Blake, who’s worked on films like “Wakanda Forever” and Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect.”

“It was almost like an impromptu high school choir,” Landers says. Back in the day, Landers sang choir at Decatur High School under choral director Dr. Carl Davis. “It felt like a throwback to that,” he says.

Landers deft, deep-soul vocals are endearingly juxtaposed to his bespectacled, baby-faced, pale-skinned and redhead appearance. As Kiss frontman Paul Stanley posted on X early this year, ” If you love R&B like I do you’ll LOVE him. No, he doesn’t look what you expect but just goes to show ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. LOVE him.”

Landers was on tour as the opening act for acclaimed soul-rock band Black Pumas, when his manager called him with the news he’d locked down the Gap gig. He says since the campaign launched November 1, he’s gained a couple thousand followers on Instagram, pushing him back over 300,000 there.

“More so than any kind of benefit I’ve reaped from it,” Landers says, “it’s been cool to see the positive response for the campaign. It’s always good to participate in something that’s successful and that people enjoy rather than, you know, the commercial come out and people are like, ‘Well, this sucks.’”

The Gap content is one of the most effective uses of music in advertising since the now-classic iPod ads featuring the likes of Jet and U2 and Volkswagen’s Super Bowl spot this year with Neil Diamond classic “I Am … I Said.”

“You gotta take every avenue these days,” Landers says. “It’s not a one-shot deal.”

That said, Landers is building a career via more traditional music biz paths too. Touring with Black Pumas “was like a dream,” Landers says. “We got to play these venues that were way above our pay grade.” The trek brought Landers and his band to stages like Brooklyn Paramount Theater and Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion. The last night of the tour, Black Pumas brought Landers onstage with them to sing on a cover of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” This year, Landers also played sets at Atlanta’s Shaky Knees Festival and Tennessee’s Pilgrimage Fest.

Landers is no stranger to the spotlight. In spring 2018, the Lamont Landers Band wowed on Fox TV’s “Showtime at The Apollo.” They did a hot version of Bill Withers funk-pop classic “Use Me” at Apollo Theater, the hallowed Harlem, N.Y. venue where legends like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson broke through early in their careers.

The Apollo performance helped score Landers a slot on Tuscaloosa Amphitheater’s Bicentennial Bash, a daylong 2019 concert headlined by Grammy-winner Jason Isbell. That summer, Landers returned to TV. He appeared on top-rated NBC show “America’s Got Talent,” performing Al Green soul standard “Let’s Stay Together” in front of judges including Simon Cowell, the notoriously blunt “American Idol” heel, with whom Landers had a (staged) on-camera confrontation.

Next year should be Landers’ biggest yet. He’s signed a recording contract with a label founded by A-list Americana producer Dave Cobb, known for his work with Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Slash, Great Van Fleet, and Red Clay Strays. “I’m really excited about it,” Landers says. “The man’s got nine Grammys.”

Landers checks in for this phone interview from writing sessions in Muscle Shoals for his debut full-length album, targeted for a first-quarter 2025 release.

“I’ve got eight songs cut right now,” he says, and I gotta go back and hit some more. We’re gonna finish it by the end of the year.” He describes the sound as “contemporary southern soul and Americana-ish.”

Musicians on Landers’ upcoming album include drummer Derek Phillips (credits include Michael McDonald, Vanessa Williams), bassist Brian Allen (Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga), and keyboardist Philip Towns (Brent Cobb, Anderson East).

Cobb connected with Landers after The Roots drummer and “The Tonight Show” musician Questlove shared an Instagram clip of Landers nailing the lead vocal from “The Rubberband Man,” a 1976 hit by R&B group The Spinners.

“And because of that,” Landers says, “Dave Cobb reached out to me on Instagram. And lo and behold, a couple days later I was in Savannah, Georgia to meet with him, and we talked, and he wanted to sign me.”

Landers also has an EP in the can recorded with an indie-rock-meets-vintage-soul project called Player’s Club, with Brittany Howard/Alabama Shakes bassist Zac Cockrell. Muscle Shoals legend Spooner Oldham is on keyboards.

Landers says his contract with Low Country Sound includes a provision allowing him to release the Player’s Club recordings, which he plans to drop between his first and second albums for Cobb’s label. Landers previous recordings include a strong self-titled EP, recorded at local studio Clearwave and featuring alt-rock tinged single “Into the Fold.”

Thursday, Landers will perform in Nashville at East Iris Studios, headlining a 7 p.m. bill of north Alabama’s best new artists, including Camacho, Common Man and Local Brand. The show, a collaboration between the Huntsville Music Office, Huntsville commercial development MidCity (home of Orion Amphitheater), and major label Universal Music Group will stream live on volume.com.

All signs point to Landers being the next north Alabama musician to break big, following the footsteps of Jason Isbell, Alabama Shakes and Brittany Howard. He isn’t taking doing a touchdown dance just yet though.

“Something’s gonna happen next year regardless,” Landers says. “I’m just not sure which turn it’s gonna be, but I’m feeling very optimistic with the songs we’ve got and the songs that I’m currently writing. It’s just you just never know how people are gonna receive it. And that’s the scary thing. I can think everything’s good all day, but it’s up to the people to decide whether it’s good.”

A former Huntsville resident, during the pandemic Landers returned to his Decatur hometown, where he currently resides with his fiancé and young child. “Having something worth coming home to,” Landers says, “it’s so good, man. It’s the best.”

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

10 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

22 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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