Cody Johnson

Cody Johnson

Cody Johnson is a country singer from the United States. He is associated with country music and a country-rock style, and he records for CoJo Music and Warner Music Nashville.

Early life and background

Johnson grows up in Sebastopol in East Texas. He is homeschooled and spends time around the piano with his family. His first music lessons come from his father, Carl Johnson, who teaches him the chords to “I’ll Fly Away.” As a teenager, he starts public school as a freshman and expands from playing guitar and drums at church into writing his own songs.

While still at school, an agricultural science teacher hears him play an original song and encourages him to form a band with other FFA members. That group later finishes runner-up in the Texas State FFA talent contest.

Early career

Johnson begins performing in small honky-tonks and bars and tries several musical styles before settling on the sound he is known for. He also spends three years bull-riding and sells acoustic CDs from the back of his truck during that period. After graduating, he works for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, supervising prison inmates.

In Huntsville, he meets drummer Nathan Reedy. With Carl Johnson on bass, the trio begins touring as the Cody Johnson Band. Their first CD, Black & White Label, helps fund travel and radio promotion.

Recorded work and recognition

Johnson reaches many Texas listeners through singles from Six Strings, One Dream, including “Nobody to Blame,” “Pray for Rain,” and “Texas Kind of Way.” These songs chart on Texas radio, with “Pray for Rain” reaching number one.

He later records A Different Day in Nashville with studio musicians selected by Trent Willmon, who produces the album. Johnson says he does not want to be defined only by Texas or Nashville, and describes himself as a mix of Texas, outlaw, cowboy, country, and faith-based identity.

In 2011 he wins New Male Vocalist of the Year at the Texas Regional Music Awards. He is also known as “CoJo.”

Performance style

Johnson first gains attention opening for other artists, then becomes a draw in his own right, particularly in Texas dance halls. His shows are described as energetic, and he performs both large and acoustic shows, with acoustic sets presented as more intimate. He is regarded as a performer, songwriter, and individual who gives the same effort to small and large audiences.

Personal life

Johnson says his wife, Brandi, gives him important support when he decides to leave his day job and pursue music full time.