Cody Johnson lights up the crowd in Las Vegas as he wraps up The Leather Tour. photo by Jay Travino
Cody Johnson keeps in touch with his country roots through his music.
In a world where country music often drifts closer to pop, Cody Johnson remains true to the traditional style. Born and raised in Sebastopol, Texas, Johnson has been immersed in values that reflect traditional country music: hard work, family, and grit. He learned music in his church as his dad played piano every Sunday for the choir. He was immersed in the rhythm and beat all his life, learning the drums first, followed by a few chords on the guitar. From basic notes to singing harmonies of the piano keys, Johnson was essentially guaranteed a life in music.
While Johnson is thriving in the music community, his first love is the rodeo. His high school agriculture teacher Larry Fortenberry is the man who introduced him to the “cowboy life.” What began as a dream of competing in the arena became a defining part of his identity, and Fortenberry has been by his side every step of the way. Johnson began competing at the rodeo and at the same time was making music on his own, selling CDs out of his truck.
Johnson’s bull riding career was cut short by a multitude of things, including many injuries that forced him to hang up his spurs. This setback and feeling of defeat actually opened the door for him to realize he had a greater calling. Johnson decided to become a full-time musician. Even after he made the decision to pursue his passion for music, he never left the rodeo world behind. Johnson is still a very active member of the rodeo community, performing at events, and occasionally competing in team roping.
What sets Johnson apart in today’s music world is his commitment to keeping his cowboy roots alive. Unlike many mainstream artists who blend country with pop, Johnson stays faithful to the true and pure beat. His song “Dear Rodeo” serves as a tribute to his time in the arena, telling a story about how that part of his life has shaped him and made him the person he is. “Me and My Kind” and “On my Way to You” are both traditional country songs highlighting heartbreak, love, and resilience. His hit ‘Til You Can’t” reflects the values of living life to the fullest and family, a message that stems directly from his hard working, faith centered life.
While they are traditional, Johnson still finds a way to make his songs unique. Rather than chasing pop-influenced trends, Johnson embraces his small town Texas upbringing, ensuring that his steel guitar and fiddle always have a place in his music. His approach mirrors legends like George Strait and Chris LeDoux who also balanced creating music with the rodeo life. By blending his real life experiences as a cowboy with authentic sounds, Johnson proves that having a modern audience doesn’t require you to abandon your values or roots. Cody Jonhson is more than just a small town boy, but an inspiration to all who want to pursue music without sacrificing who they are.
