Emerging country music artist Derek Johnson hails from Mobile, Alabama and currently calls Nacogdoches, Texas home. The singer-songwriter grew up in what he calls “T-Shirt Pocket Size” towns— complete with four way stops, caution lights, and old men playing dominoes in the hardware store while hiding from their wives! The grandson and son of farmers, salt of the Earth people, his humble roots have left their mark on his musical output.
After graduating from the University of Alabama, Derek moved to Nashville to find his niche in the music industry. After spending a few years in Music City working alongside top songwriters and producers, he felt a calling to support and defend his country. He joined the United States Army, serving one stint, as a 14S Air and Missile Defense crew member. He served with the elite unit, the 1/11 Armored Calvary Regiment Blackhorse, only to suffer severe injuries that would cut his military career short. Derek often participates in Veteran Suicide Awareness marches, which raise awareness for his fellow brothers and sisters in arms struggling to transition.
The rising star currently works with songwriter-producer Phil “Philbilly” O’Donnell who has written three #1 singles for Blake Shelton (“Doin What She Likes”), George Strait (“Give It All We Got Tonight”), and Montgomery Gentry (“Back When I Knew It All”). He also produced Craig Morgan’s six-week #1 hit, “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
Derek’s self-titled album is filled with songs about his life: from church, to farm, to military, to finding his dream girl. Enjoy the official music video for this track “Real Cool Kinda Hot” below!
Enjoy what you hear? Snag Derek’s album here and keep up with the talent via Facebook here.
