When Bon Scott (the original lead singer for AC/DC) died in February 1980, AC/DC not only lost one of the best front men in Rock n Roll, and a terrific singer, they also lost their lyricist. Finding a new lead for the band was difficult for Angus and Malcolm Young as neither of them were proficient at writing lyrics. They were very lucky to find Brian Johnson, a great rock singer who could also write song lyrics.
You Shook Me All Night Long is AC/DC’s most popular song. The first song released off the Back in Black album in 1980, however, it only reached 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although not terrible for a hard rock/heavy metal song, most people, including us, were surprised it didn’t chart much higher based on its iconic status and popularity. The Back In Black album is one of the top ten best selling albums of all time.
1. This was the first song Brian Johnson was tasked with writing lyrics for as a new member of AC/DC. Angus told him we have a song and the title and it's called, "You Shook Me All Night Long". Brian felt a lot of pressure and wanted to impress both Angus and Malcolm and was able to write all the lyrics in one evening.
2. Brian took the inspiration for the lyrics from cars. Brian is a huge car buff. The lyrics “She was a fast machine; she kept her motor clean” is like a car. Brian said “women and cars are very much alike, they go fast, let you down, but make you happy when a new model comes out". We are very much aware that AC/DC is not known for deep meaningful lyrics. But who cares, it all works.
3. We can’t verify this one, but feel there may some truth to it, You Shook Me All Night Long is the most played song in strip clubs in North America. We urge you to do your own research.
4. This is one of the most covered songs in popular music history and has been covered by none other than Celine Dion, Shania Twain, and a bluegrass band called Hayseed Dixie (to each their own, but we are NOT big fans of the Hayseed Dixie version). It is interesting to note, the producer of the Back In Black album, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, has also worked with Shaina Twain and Celine Dion.
5. Brian Johnson says this is his favourite AC/DC song and thinks it’s one of the best Rock N Roll songs ever written/recorded. Sure, he is a little biased, but based on the reaction we get when we play this song at events, he might be right.
6. Bonus fact - There was an original pressing of the single that was a mistake. The song pressed was "Shake A Leg" with the title "You Shook Me All Night Long". At the time many people returned the single back to the record store, however, it is now considered a collectors item.
5 facts you didn’t know about the song “You Shook Me All Night Long"
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