When it comes to country music, there are very few artists as unifying and well-loved as Texas’ Cody Johnson. The 37-year-old singer-songwriter self-released six albums and saw success on the charts even before his first major record label release in 2019. With the classic Wranglers and button-down look of predecessors like Garth Brooks or George Strait, Johnson easily appeals to longtime country fans. His relatable writing and honest, open approach on social media continue to reel in newer and often younger country music fans. Simply: Johnson makes music for everyone.
Johnson’s first big single came in 2019, with “On My Way to You” off Ain’t Nothin’ to It and it was followed by a wildly popular collaboration on a “Red Dirt Road” redux alongside Brooks and Dunn. A couple of years later, he found major radio success and an ever-increasing fan base thanks to the heartfelt, anthemic and message-driven “‘Til You Can’t.” The single picked up hardware at the Grammys, the CMT Awards and the CMA Awards. The collection of fans, followers and award nominations continues to pile up thanks to Johnson’s newer songs, specifically “Dirt Cheap.” While it tells the familiar story of developers trying to coerce land from a farmer, it’s Johnson’s tear-jerking mention of his wife and little girl that hit the right note with listeners.
His fans know, though, that those lyrics only scratch the surface of Johnson’s heart and emotional transparency. A popular clip among fans on TikTok is the story Johnson shared during a live performance at CMT of Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December.” Before starting the song, Johnson shared a time during one Christmas when he and his wife, Brandi, were living paycheck to paycheck, like many Americans. They stressed about their situation on a car ride home together with bills to pay and not enough money to pay them. At home, Johnson checked the mail and found his very first paychecks from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), saving the holiday season for their family. That glimpse into his life, along with many others along the way, has solidified Johnson’s spot in the hearts of millions of country fans.
Johnson’s latest single, “The Painter,” comes off his latest album, 2023’s Leather. It is the ultimate love song and a tribute to his wife. It’s often bookended by more stories, tidbits and shoutouts to Brandi. With multiple albums at his back and a well-documented love for classic country, a Cody Johnson concert is full of bangers even a casual fan can sing along to.
And on stage? Cody Johnson fans — known as Cojos — have seen him play shows of all sizes over the years. He’s performed alongside the likes of Alan Jackson, Jon Pardi and Luke Combs, never hogging the stage but always holding his own and delivering the sound his Cojos love and expect. They’ll tell you to expect their favorite cowboy to take the stage in his classic jeans and button-down combo, of course, along with boots and the ever-present cowboy hat. His music may fit solidly on modern country radio, but he very much plays the part of the traditional cowboy and Texan.
Cody Johnson plays Heritage Bank Center on Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. More info: heritagebankcenter.com.
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Feb. 19 print edition.
This article appears in Feb 19 – Mar 4, 2025.