Cody Daniel Johnson born May 21, 1987 is an American country music singer-songwriter. He has independently released six albums, including Gotta Be Me, which debuted at number two on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. In January 2019, he released his first major-label album, Ain’t Nothin’ to It, followed by his second major-label release, Human: The Double Album, in October 2021.
Cody Johnson Biography 2025
Johnson’s music blends contemporary country with neo-traditionalist influences, drawing inspiration from artists such as George Strait and Willie Nelson. His song “‘Til You Can’t” earned him two awards at the 2022 Country Music Association Awards.
Cody Johnson Biography Details
| Birth name |
Cody Daniel Johnson |
| Born |
May 21, 1987 (age 37)
Sebastopol, Texas, U.S. |
| Origin |
Huntsville, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres |
Country, country rock |
| Occupation(s) |
Singer, songwriter |
| Years active |
2006–present |
| Labels |
CoJo, Warner Nashville |
| Spouse |
Brandi Johnson |
Cody Johnson Early LIfe
Cody Daniel Johnson, also known as “CoJo,” was born and raised in Sebastopol, Texas, by his parents, Sheila and Carl Johnson. He began his musical journey at the age of 12, learning from his father, who performed at their local church. There, Cody learned to sing, play multiple instruments, and understand music theory. He started performing at school and local bars, where he realized people enjoyed his music. Alongside his musical pursuits, he also competed in bull riding at local rodeos and worked with his father in the local prison system. At 19, the prison warden encouraged Cody to focus entirely on his music career.
Cody Johnson Musical Style
| Feature |
Description |
| Genre |
Country, Country Rock |
| Subgenre |
Contemporary Country, Neo-Traditionalist Country |
| Influences |
George Strait, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn |
| Musical Approach |
Combination of traditional country sounds with modern influences, emphasizing authenticity and storytelling |
| Vocal Style |
Deep, resonant voice with a strong Texas twang |
| Instrumental Style |
Focus on guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar, incorporating both acoustic and electric elements |
| Lyric Themes |
Life experiences, love, hardship, and personal growth |
| Known For |
Traditional country sound with a fresh, contemporary edge |
Albums and Major Releases
| Album Name |
Release Date |
Chart Performance |
Notable Tracks |
| Black and White Label |
2006 |
Independent release |
“Damn Straight” |
| Live and Rocking |
2007 |
Independent release |
“Long Live the Cowboy” |
| Six Strings One Dream |
2009 |
Top 10 Texas music charts |
“The Only One” |
| A Different Day |
2011 |
Independent release |
“The Truth” |
| Cowboy Like Me |
2014 |
Debuted at #25 on Billboard Country |
“Me and My Kind” |
| Gotta Be Me |
2016 |
Debuted at #2 on Billboard Country Albums |
“On My Way to You” |
| Ain’t Nothin’ to It |
2019 |
Top 10 Country Albums |
“On My Way to You” |
| Human: The Double Album |
2021 |
Top 5 Country Albums |
“Human” |
| Leather |
2023 |
Top 10 Country Albums |
“Dirt Cheap” |
Notable Career Milestones
| Event |
Year |
Description |
| Debut Major Label Album |
2019 |
Released Ain’t Nothin’ to It with Warner Nashville |
| Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo |
2018 |
First unsigned artist to sell out a show |
| CMA Awards Win |
2022 |
Won two awards for “‘Til You Can’t” |
| Collaboration with Brooks & Dunn |
2019 |
Re-recorded “Red Dirt Road” for Reboot album |
| Awards Nominations |
2023 |
Multiple nominations for Academy of Country Music Awards |
Career Transitions and Changes
| Milestone |
Year |
Impact on Career |
| Leaving Day Job |
2011 |
Focused entirely on music after leaving his job at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice |
| Band Changes |
2006-2012 |
Formation of the Cody Johnson Band, lineup changes over the years |
| Signing with Warner Nashville |
2019 |
Marked the transition from independent artist to major label success |
Cody Johnson Awards and Nominations
| Award |
Year |
Nominee/Work |
Result |
| Country Music Association |
2022 |
“‘Til You Can’t” |
Won: Single of the Year, Music Video of the Year |
| iHeartRadio Music Awards |
2023 |
Cody Johnson |
Won: Best New Country Artist |
| CMT Music Awards |
2022 |
“‘Til You Can’t” |
Won: Male Video of the Year |
Influences on Cody Johnson Music
| Influence |
Impact |
| George Strait |
Johnson cites Strait as a key influence in shaping his traditional country sound. |
| Willie Nelson |
Emulated Nelson’s authenticity and dedication to his unique musical style. |
| Merle Haggard |
Haggard’s storytelling and emotional depth influenced Johnson’s own lyrics. |
| Hank Williams |
Johnson draws from Williams’ timeless influence on country music. |
Cody Johnson Personal Life
| Aspect |
Details |
| Spouse |
Brandi Johnson |
| Family |
Raised by his parents, Sheila and Carl Johnson, in Sebastopol, Texas |
| Children |
Father to one daughter |
| Hobbies |
Bull riding, working on a ranch, and participating in rodeos |
Cody Johnson Legacy
| Legacy Aspect |
Impact |
| Influence on Country Music |
Considered a leader in the “back to country” movement, blending traditional sounds with modern elements. |
| Independent Success |
Pioneered the route of independent success before signing with a major label. |
| Live Performances |
Known for his captivating live performances, including historic events like his sold-out show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. |
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
| Project |
Release Date |
Details |
| Leather |
2023 |
Latest album, which includes the hit single “Dirt Cheap” |
| Touring Plans |
2025 |
Cody Johnson plans to continue touring, bringing his authentic country music to more fans. |
Contribution to the “Back to Country” Movement
| Contribution |
Facts |
| Musical Style |
Focus on traditional country themes while embracing modern country influences. |
| Performance Style |
Incorporates cowboy culture and personal life into his performances, resonating with fans on a personal level. |
The Importance of Storytelling in Cody Johnson’s Music
| Storytelling Aspect |
Details |
| Personal Experiences |
Cody Johnson draws from his background in bull riding and working in the prison system to create authentic and relatable music. |
| Song Topics |
His songs cover themes of love, loss, and personal growth, resonating deeply with country music fans. |
Cody Johnson Net Worth
Cody Johnson is an American country music singer and songwriter who has a net worth of $5 million.
Cody Johnson Summary
Cody Johnson is a Texas-born country singer-songwriter known for his blend of contemporary and neo-traditionalist country music. His career began with self-released albums, gaining widespread success after signing with Warner Nashville. Influenced by legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson, Johnson’s music is deeply personal, reflecting his life experiences. He has received numerous awards, including CMA and iHeartRadio accolades. Johnson continues to grow as a leading figure in modern country music with hits like “Til You Can’t” and successful albums like Human: The Double Album and Leather.
