On July 25, 1980, AC/DC released 'Back In Black' in the U.S., followed by the album's U.K. release on July 31. It was the band's first album without lead singer Bon Scott, who had died a few months earlier after passing out and choking on his own vomit following a long night of drinking.

 

The group quickly decided to press on and hired Brian Johnson from the band GEORDIE to take over on vocals, and they headed to the Bahamas for about six weeks to do the album. AC/DC had made some serious headway in America before Scott's death, but no one knew how "Back In Black" would be received. The album took off, and eventually sold over 22 million copies in the U.S.

 

Despite its massive success, it never got higher than No. 4 on the album charts. The band's next album, 'For Those About To Rock', reached No. 1.

 

'Back In Black' is No. 6 on the list of the biggest-selling albums in the U.S.

 

The album was produced by Robert "Mutt" Lange, who went on to produce DEF LEPPARD, FOREIGNER, THE CARS, and BRYAN ADAMS.