KC Johns: A Whiskey-Soaked Honky-Tonk Hurricane, Blowing Through the UK
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
KC Johns is a force of nature, a blend of Miranda Lambert’s raw power, Sheryl Crow’s soulful grit, and a touch of Brandi Carlile’s heartfelt honesty. Her music is an infectious, whiskey-soaked journey into the heart of a classic honky-tonk, delivered with powerhouse vocals that leave audiences breathless. With her viral 2024 hit “Rodeo Queen” (a Texas CMA Top 10 song, nearing a million streams) and the rising “Break from the Heart” (#2 Surging and Emerging on Texas CDX Radio), Johns is poised to unleash her latest single, “Smoke Show,” on April 4th, just before embarking on a highly anticipated UK tour.
“Smoke Show” is an anthem for women, a celebration of their strength, beauty, and intelligence. As Johns explains, “It should be okay for women to tell women they are beautiful, strong, intelligent and straight up SMOKE SHOWS! During live shows, from the stage, I will often point out, when a girl has taken the time out of her hard workin’ day to curl her hair, mellowly fix her makeup and search for the perfect outfit (to maybe impress someone) – that she is an absolute SMOKE SHOW! Women should tell women this more often – lets build each other up EVERYDAY! #SMOKESHOW”
Johns’ relentless touring schedule speaks volumes about her dedication. With 150 shows a year, spanning the U.S. from Washington to Florida, and international forays into Norway and the UK, she’s a seasoned performer. Her impressive resume includes appearances at Gordy’s HWY 30 Music Festivals, Big As Texas Festival, The Steamboat Musicfest, Grand Jam Music Fest, and upcoming performances at the Ellensburg Rodeo and Fantasy Fest.
Born and raised amidst the musical melting pot of Memphis and Hernando, Mississippi, Johns’ upbringing was a unique blend of rodeo energy and classic rock influences. Named after KC and the Sunshine Band, she grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, and Sheryl Crow. “My mom is a championship barrel racer, and my stepdad was a bull rider,” she recalls, highlighting the contrasting yet equally vibrant influences that shaped her.
At 17, she took a leap of faith, moving to Nashville with her acoustic guitar to pursue her musical dreams. Her journey included a seven-year stint as a cruise ship performer, honing her stage presence before returning to Nashville to carve her own path. She opened for major acts like Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Randy Houser, Trailer Choir, and Morgan Wade, solidifying her place in the country music scene.
The pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity. Johns leveraged social media, connecting with audiences worldwide through live online performances. This led to international gigs, including shows in Norway, and fueled the momentum for her 2022 digital debut album, “Thunder.”
In 2023, Johns expanded her brand with the launch of KC Johns’ Thunder Mesquite Smoked Bourbon Whiskey, partnering with Cali Distillery. The bourbon, available nationwide and online, has already garnered critical acclaim, including multiple awards at the Sunset Magazine Spirits Competition.
From her roots in the American South to her burgeoning international presence, KC Johns is a force to be reckoned with. Her mission is simple: to connect with people through her music. As she embarks on her UK tour, she’s ready to bring her unique blend of honky-tonk energy and heartfelt storytelling to a new audience.
KC Johns UK Tour Dates:
- April 10th: Eat Rodeo Keep It Country (Wolverhampton)
- May 11th: Foodies Festival (Cardiff)
- May 16th: Colne Delta (Brightlingsea)
- May 17th: Boots on the Coast (Southampton)
- May 22nd: Forty Five Vinyl Cafe (York)
- May 24th: Buckle and Boots (Stockport)
- May 25th: LeeStock Music Festival (Suffolk)
- May 26th: Foodies Festival (Syon Park London)