Today is the birthday of rock icon, Brian Johnson, who has been the frontman of one of the biggest hard rock bands in the world, AC/DC, for 43 years. The artwork above and his portrait on the musical birthday calendar/reference below were made by me, Frieke.
Brian Johnson was born on October 5, 1947, in Dunston, a place in the northeast of England, and he grew up in a musical family. Johnson gained worldwide fame when he joined AC/DC in 1980, shortly after the tragic death of the previous singer, Bon Scott.
Johnson grew up in a working-class family; his father was a coal miner, and his mother was from Italy. He was the oldest of four children. From an early age, he showed an interest in music and began singing in various local bands. One of his first bands was The Gobi Desert Canoe Club, but he only gained some recognition with the band Geordie. Geordie had some success in the 1970s with songs like All Because of You and Black Cat Woman, but their success paled in comparison to what Johnson would later achieve with AC/DC.
After Bon Scott’s death in 1980, the remaining members of AC/DC were searching for a new singer. They heard about Johnson after he was recommended by a record executive who knew his work with Geordie. Johnson auditioned and made such a great impression that he was given the position of lead singer. That same year, in 1980, AC/DC released the legendary album Back in Black, their first with Johnson as singer. This album became one of the best-selling albums of all time and marked AC/DC’s definitive breakthrough on a global scale. Brian Johnson's raw, powerful voice fit perfectly with AC/DC’s hard rock style. He sang on many of their most iconic albums, such as For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981), The Razors Edge (1990), and Black Ice (2008).
Despite his success, Johnson has always remained humble and true to his roots. His no-nonsense attitude and typical British humor made him beloved by fans around the world. In 2016, Brian Johnson had to temporarily stop touring due to severe hearing problems, which put him at risk of becoming completely deaf. He was temporarily replaced by Axl Rose, the singer of Guns N' Roses, for the remainder of AC/DC's tour. Johnson underwent various medical treatments and ultimately managed to restore his hearing with the help of new technologies. In 2020, he returned to AC/DC and participated in the album Power Up proving that he is still a rock icon.
Brian Johnson is known for his love of cars and racing. He has participated in several car races himself and has shared his passion for classic cars in documentaries. He lives in the United States but maintains a strong connection to the United Kingdom. Despite his success, he has always kept a modest and down-to-earth personality. Johnson’s distinctive vocal style has become a defining part of AC/DC’s sound. Many fans consider him an integral part of the band, despite joining later in its history.
Brian Johnson is not only a rock icon but also a living legend who has defined rock music for decades. His career serves as an inspiration to many, not just because of his musical achievements but also due to his resilience and perseverance, especially after his health issues. In his autobiography, The Lives of Brian, he tells his story.
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