50 Facts About Cody Johnson

Early Life and Family

Cody Johnson's journey to country music stardom began in a small Texas town. His upbringing and early experiences shaped the artist he is today.

1. Cody Johnson was raised in a musical family in Sebastopol, Texas. His love for music began at a young age, and he started singing and playing the guitar at twelve years old.
2. Before making a name for himself in the country music scene, Cody Johnson was a professional rodeo rider. His passion for music emerged during his rodeo days when he started writing and performing songs for fellow riders and audiences.

Independent Music Career

Cody Johnson's rise to fame is a testament to his hard work and determination. He built his career from the ground up, without the backing of a major record label.

3. Unlike many other country artists, Cody Johnson achieved success without the backing of a major record label. He self-released multiple albums that garnered a massive following and led to sold-out concerts across the country.
4. Cody Johnson measures about 6 feet tall, which is above the U.S. average for men, roughly 5 feet 9 inches.
5. Cody Johnson has released several celebrated albums, including "Leather," "Human The Double Album," "A Cody Johnson Christmas," "Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live," and "Ain’t Nothin’ To It".
6. His album "Ain’t Nothin’ To It" debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart, solidifying his position as one of the most talented and successful country artists of his generation.

Traditional Country Sound

In an era where country music is constantly evolving, Cody Johnson stays true to his roots. His music reflects the timeless sound that fans love.

7. In an era of evolving country music, Cody Johnson stays true to his roots and embraces the traditional sound that made the genre so iconic. His music resonates with fans who appreciate the timeless and authentic country style.
8. Cody Johnson’s songwriting style resonates with fans due to its authenticity. His lyrics draw from personal experiences, capturing emotions and stories that listeners can connect with on a deep level.
9. When Cody Johnson takes the stage, he effortlessly captivates the audience with his dynamic energy and powerful vocals. His stage presence and genuine connection with fans make his live shows an unforgettable experience.

Industry Honors and Achievements

Cody Johnson's talent has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

10. Cody Johnson has received numerous industry honors, including recognition as a CMT Artist of The Year, three CMT Music Awards wins, two CMA Awards, and being named “Best New Country Artist” at the iHeart Music Awards.
11. His television appearances have entertained fans on the Today Show, the Kelly Clarkson Show, and the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, in addition to outstanding live TV performances at various award shows and festivals.
12. Cody Johnson has an award-winning feature-length documentary titled “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story,” which showcases his journey from rodeo rider to country music star.
13. Cody Johnson has 47 career RIAA certifications, a testament to his widespread popularity and critical acclaim.
14. He has been awarded the Pandora Billionaire Award, recognizing his nearly 7.5 billion global streams.
15. Cody Johnson has two #1 singles, demonstrating his ability to craft hit songs that resonate with a broad audience.

Notable Performances

Cody Johnson's live performances are legendary. He has played at some of the most prestigious venues and events in the country.

16. His new single “Dirt Cheap,” from his album “Leather,” is one of the fastest chart-moving songs of his career, further solidifying his position in the country music scene.
17. Cody Johnson made his debut at the Houston Rodeo in 2017, replacing another artist at the last minute, much like George Strait did in 1983.
18. In 2018, he became the first unsigned artist to sell out NRG Stadium, a testament to his growing popularity and dedication to his craft.

Texas Roots and Influences

Cody Johnson's music is deeply influenced by his Texas roots and the legendary artists who came before him.

19. Despite his national success, Cody Johnson remains deeply rooted in Texas, often incorporating elements of his home state into his music and performances.
20. While some fans compare him to George Strait, Cody Johnson acknowledges the influence of Willie Nelson, who has been a significant inspiration in his career. He appreciates the comparison to Strait but emphasizes his own unique path.
21. The turning point in his career came when he signed a deal with Warner Nashville in 2018, allowing him to maintain full creative control, publishing rights, and ownership of his master recordings.

Personal Life and Dedication

Cody Johnson's personal life and values play a significant role in his music and career.

22. Cody Johnson credits his success to his personal dedication to his faith, family, and career. He often mentions God’s influence in his life and music.
23. His music reflects his genuine authenticity, which is a key factor in his connection with fans. He stays true to his roots and traditional country sound, setting him apart from other artists.
24. Not only does Cody Johnson possess a remarkable voice, but he is also a gifted songwriter. He has penned many of his own songs, showcasing his abilities as a storyteller and adding a personal touch to his music.
25. His rodeo background has significantly influenced his music, often incorporating themes of hard work, perseverance, and the American West into his songs.
26. Cody Johnson has a passionately loyal fan base who regularly sell out shows across the country. His electrifying live performances and genuine connection with fans make him a standout artist.

Major Appearances and Performances

Cody Johnson has graced the stage at some of the most significant events in country music.

27. Cody Johnson has performed at the CMT Giants honoring Vince Gill, further solidifying his place in the country music community.
28. He has delivered outstanding live TV performances at the iHeart Music Awards, showcasing his talent to a broader audience.
29. Cody Johnson has also appeared at the CMA Music Fest, another significant event in the country music calendar.
30. He has been featured in the CMT Artist of the Year Special, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the genre.

Chart-Topping Albums and Singles

Cody Johnson's music consistently tops the charts, earning him a place among the best in the industry.

31. Despite the evolution of country music, Cody Johnson remains committed to the traditional sound that has defined the genre. His music resonates with fans who appreciate the timeless and authentic country style.
32. His heartfelt lyrics draw from personal experiences, capturing emotions and stories that listeners can connect with on a deep level. This authenticity is a key factor in his connection with fans.
33. When Cody Johnson takes the stage, he effortlessly captivates the audience with his dynamic energy and powerful vocals. His stage presence and genuine connection with fans make his live shows an unforgettable experience.
34. Cody Johnson’s live shows are consistently sold out, a testament to his popularity and the loyalty of his fan base. His electrifying performances have become a hallmark of his career.

Media Features and Interviews

Cody Johnson's story and music have been featured in various media outlets, giving fans a deeper look into his life and career.

35. He was featured in Texas Monthly, where he discussed his career, influences, and the significance of his Texas roots in his music and performances.
36. In an interview with Texas Monthly, Cody Johnson shared insights into his career, including the turning point when he signed with Warner Nashville and maintained full creative control, publishing rights, and ownership of his master recordings.
37. While some fans compare him to George Strait, Cody Johnson acknowledges the influence of Willie Nelson and emphasizes his own unique path. He appreciates the comparison but emphasizes staying true to himself.

Rodeo and Music Connection

Cody Johnson's rodeo background has played a significant role in shaping his music and career.

38. Cody Johnson made his debut at the Houston Rodeo in 2017 as a last-minute replacement, much like George Strait did in 1983. This moment marked a significant turning point in his career.
39. In 2018, he became the first unsigned artist to sell out NRG Stadium, a testament to his growing popularity and dedication to his craft. This achievement solidified his position as a rising star in the country music scene.
40. The release of his major-label debut album, “Ain’t Nothin’ To It,” was a significant milestone in his career. The album topped the charts, further solidifying his position as one of the most talented and successful country artists of his generation.

Personal Growth and Faith

Cody Johnson's personal growth and faith have been instrumental in his success.

41. His song “Doubt Me Now” from the new album reads like a middle finger to those who doubted him. It’s a very diplomatic middle finger directed at the circumstances he’s overcome, including those who told him to change his sound to succeed outside of Texas.
42. Cody Johnson credits his success to personal growth and dedication. He started seeing success when he got out of the way of himself and focused on bettering himself as a husband, father, leader, business owner, musician, and singer-songwriter.
43. His faith plays a significant role in his life and music. He often mentions God’s influence in his life and performances, which adds a personal and authentic touch to his music.

Fan Connection and Songwriting

Cody Johnson's connection with his fans and his songwriting process are key elements of his success.

44. Cody Johnson appreciates his fans immensely. He values the loyalty and dedication of his audience, often incorporating elements of their stories and experiences into his songs.
45. His songwriting process is deeply personal. He draws from his own experiences and emotions to craft songs that resonate with listeners on a deep level. This authenticity is a key factor in his connection with fans.

Live Performances and Industry Recognition

Cody Johnson's live performances and industry recognition highlight his talent and dedication to his craft.

46. Cody Johnson has delivered outstanding live TV performances at various award shows and festivals, including the iHeart Music Awards, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and CMT Giants honoring Vince Gill.
47. He has been featured in the CMT Artist of the Year Special, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the country music genre.
48. Cody Johnson has also appeared at the CMA Music Fest, another significant event in the country music calendar. His performances at these events have further solidified his place in the country music community.

Legacy in Country Music

Cody Johnson's dedication to his craft and his traditional country sound have earned him a lasting legacy in the industry.

49. Cody Johnson’s numerous industry honors include recognition as a CMT Artist of The Year, three CMT Music Awards wins, two CMA Awards, and being named “Best New Country Artist” at the iHeart Music Awards.
50. As Cody Johnson continues to rise through the ranks of country music, he leaves a lasting legacy with his traditional sound, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying live performances. His dedication to staying true to himself and his roots has earned him a place among the most notable figures in the genre.

Cody Johnson's Lasting Impact

Cody Johnson's journey from a small-town Texas boy to a country music star is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to traditional country sound, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying live performances have earned him a loyal fan base and numerous industry accolades. With albums like "Ain’t Nothin’ To It" and "Human The Double Album," he's proven that staying true to one's roots can lead to incredible success. His rodeo background, faith, and personal experiences deeply influence his music, making it relatable and authentic. Cody's story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and staying true to oneself. As he continues to rise in the country music scene, his legacy grows stronger, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Cody Johnson isn't just a musician; he's a symbol of authenticity and dedication in country music.