Robby Johnson's Country Thunder: Shaking Up AC/DC's Classic with Southern Grit

Robby Johnson grew up in a quiet town outside Quebec, Canada, far from the bright lights of Nashville he chases today. Born with a creative spark that led him to scribble songs in the shower and strum guitars in the garage, he spent years as a factory worker, selling grommets by day and dreaming bigger by night. English came as a second language, yet he fell hard for American country tunes blasting from the radio, blending them with a rock edge that felt like home. Pushed by his wife to take a real shot, Johnson recorded a demo in 2013, and just like that, the pull of Music City proved too strong to ignore. He packed up and headed south, trading stability for the gamble of a lifetime in music.

That move paid off quicker than most dreamers dare hope. His debut single, "South of Me," exploded with over three million online plays, landing him a spot on The Late Show with David Letterman and opening doors with heavy hitters like producer Jimmy Nichols and songwriter Frank Myers. Johnson built from there, racking up nearly eight million streams and ten million YouTube views across a catalog that mixes heartfelt ballads with boot-stomping anthems. Tracks like "Helluvaride" and "You Pick The Flowers" showcase his whiskey-grit voice and knack for raw stories of love, loss, and the open road. He has shared stages with Keith Urban, belting harmonies that left crowds roaring, and even eyed a dream collab with Garth Brooks, the man who first hooked him on country.

Johnson's latest release flips the script in the best way possible. Out this October, his cover of AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" marks the 45th anniversary of the rock powerhouse from 1980's Back in Black. He infuses the timeless riff with southern twang—gritty guitars, driving drums, and that bold vocal punch that turns theaters electric. Recorded at Blackbird Studios with Nashville pros like Jenee Fleenor on fiddle and Chris McHugh on drums, it honors the original while proving rock and country make natural bedfellows. Johnson calls it a thank-you to the song that shaped him, the one that still sends fans jumping the second it kicks in.

What fires Johnson up most shows in every note: the thrill of connection, whether he is crooning a slow burn or cranking the energy to eleven. This cover captures that pure joy, a high-octane nod to the music that lit his path from Quebec factories to sold-out rooms. With an upcoming album Hot Summer Nights dropping later this year, he keeps pushing boundaries, staying true to the everyday grit and good times that define his sound.

Catch the full spark in our lively on-camera interview with Robby Johnson, where he dishes on the wild ride behind this AC/DC tribute, his Nashville hustle, and what keeps the fire burning after all these years. It is the kind of chat that leaves you grinning and ready to crank the volume. Check it out above and dive into the energy yourself. You will be glad you did. Do not forget to add his music to your playlist and for those who love Christmas, Robby just released two NEW Christmas songs. Preview them here ~Missy

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About Missy Wolf

Co-Founder, Editor, Journalist & Vice President of the American Country Music Association

From an early age I knew music and entertainment were in my blood. I have always been enamored with the idea of being in this industry, though I never wanted to be a front and center "Star". Taking the audience behind the scenes for up close conversations with the artists they love is where I want to be. Life in lyrics has always been my style, so as my favorite country artist Wade Hayes sings, I am living my life and chasing my dreams! Conducting interviews, meeting talented people and sharing stories and adventure are my passion. My new favorite hashtag is #iaskyouanswer, so stay tuned for more interviews, articles and adventures!