Derek Johnson

Meet: Derek Johnson; Born in the deep south, Mobile, Alabama, he grew up in small nearby towns of Saraland, Excel, and Perdue Hill. He's also resided in Mississippi, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, California, and Colorado, all of which molded him into who he is.

He started learning guitar at age five by his Grandfather who was a roommate to and worked with Hank Williams Sr., as well as toured the same circuits during the 1940's with other artists such as: Red Foley, Bob Wills, George Morgan, and the list continues. After graduating from the University of Alabama, Derek moved to Music City and worked on Music Row with many notable artists, songwriters, and producers from 2008 to 2011.

In 2011, he had a heart-felt calling to wear a different pair of boots. He enlisted in the United States Army and served as a 14S, Air and Missile Defense Crew Member. He enlisted with dreams of becoming a Warrant Officer and Pilot, but those were cut short due to multiple severe injuries earning the titles: Disabled Veteran and Wounded Warrior.

After walking on a cane for a few years, extensive rehabilitation and therapy, he shed the cane and now walks with a noticeable limp. Despite the continued aches and pains, you cannot find him without the lack of humor or positivity, as he's coined his own motto: "I walk with a limp not just cause I'm country!"

He moved back to Nashville and reunited with several colleagues including hit songwriter's and producer's Phil O'Donnell and Billy Lawson to launch his career as a singer/songwriter.

His *Brand New* Album “That Guy” features the lead-off single “That Guy” and 10 other stellar tunes (5 of which Derek penned himself or co-wrote). “That Guy” is hitting Country Aircheck, Billboard and also Texas Radio Stations.

His debut Album is self-titled, and features debut single “Real Cool Kinda Hot” that reached #120 on the Country Breakout Chart in 2017. It also features songs: “Boys Will Be Boys”, “Put Me in a Truck” and “South Side of Heaven” which have all seen significant airplay on Texas and Texas Select Radio. Produced by: Phil O’Donnell (Philbilly); whose also produced: Chris Janson, Tyler Farr, Craig Morgan; plus several hits as a songwriter.

Not only will he finish with honors this May with his Master's degree in Business from Colorado State University, he's also releasing and proud to introduce to you his new Album which shares the title of his new single: "That Guy." It features 11 stellar tunes, 5 of which he wrote.

Thank you for getting to know 'this guy' on behalf of 'that guy!'