‘Catch of the Day’ – Robby Johnson – “Hate Me Tonight” [VIDEO]

Today we feature an up-and-coming singer from Quebec, Canada, who learned to speak accent free English by watching American television. He also credits American music, especially country music for his ascension into the American way.

Robby Johnson turned to American television as an escape from the loneliness of his parents divorce. Johnson was enthralled by everything American, immersing himself in a culture that was so foreign to his French-Canadian surroundings. He learned English by submerging himself in American programs, videos and networks. He was a shy boy, surrounded by despair and solitude, dreaming of the day he would find his way out.

His out was always music. Working in a manufacturing plant after high school, Johnson would sing at the top of his voice to help drown out the noise of the machinery. His life was forever changed when one Christmas he received an unusual, yet welcomed gift…a paid demo recording session. For the first time he realized that the voice that had been his inner peace could also affect others that listened. He believed so strongly in this dream, that when his employer refused him time off, he took the gigantic risk of packing up and moving to Nashville.

In Nashville, Johnson met veteran musician and producer Jimmy Nichols. Nichols was brought in to oversee the arrangements on the young singers demo, but when he heard Johnson’s voice and saw his drive, Nichols brought in Grammy award winning songwriter and guitarist Frank Myers to be a part of the project. Nichols and Myers helped the youngster sort his way through the maze that is the Nashville music scene.

The hard work paid off, as one of the first songs Johnson recorded found its way to talent bookers for  David Letterman. The Canadian was asked to perform on the Late Show, and accomplishment unheard of for an independent recording artist. This incredible break led to some tremendous collaborations on Johnson’s debut album, Don't Look Back, including Vince Gill, who brought his guitar to sit in on the album.

The second single from the album is in our spotlight today. Robby Johnson and "Hate Me Tonight" is today's Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you're going to want to hear it again.