Brian Johnson

This article is about the English singer. For other people named Brian Johnson, see Brian Johnson (disambiguation).

Brian Johnson
Johnson in 2014.
Johnson in 2014.
Background information
Born (1947-10-05) 5 October 1947 (age 77)
Dunston, County Durham, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active1962–2016; 2019-present
Member of
Formerly of
Websitebrianjohnsonracing.com

Brian Francis Johnson De Luca (born 5 October 1947) is an English singer and songwriter. In 1980, at the age of 32, after the death of Bon Scott, he became the third lead singer of the Australian rock band AC/DC.

Johnson was one of the founding members of the rock band Geordie formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1971. After a few hit singles, including UK Top 10 "All Because of You" (1973), the band split up in 1978. Following the death of Bon Scott on 19 February 1980, Johnson was asked to audition for AC/DC. AC/DC guitarists and founders Angus and Malcolm Young initially reached out to Brian remembering when Bon had been impressed with him after seeing him perform with Geordie. His first album with AC/DC, Back in Black, became the second-best-selling album of all time, according to most estimates. The Guardian ranked the successful transition to Johnson at No. 36 on their list of 50 key events in rock music history.[1]

Johnson and the rest of the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. In March 2016, he temporarily stepped away from the band during the Rock or Bust World Tour due to hearing problems. In September 2020, AC/DC officially confirmed that Johnson along with fellow band-mates Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams had rejoined the band in August 2018 to record the album Power Up (2020).[citation needed]

Johnson is known for his distinctive singing voice and strong Geordie accent.[2] In July 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Music by Northumbria University in the city of Newcastle in recognition of his significant contribution to the music industry.[3]

  1. ^ Hann, Michael (12 June 2011). "AC/DC recruits Brian Johnson". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Ac/Dc's Brian Johnson To Receive Honorary Doctorate From U.K.'S Northumbria University". Blabbermouth. 12 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Brian Johnson speaks of his pride at hometown honour pride". The Journal. 12 December 2016. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2016.