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Cody Johnson’s road to country music acclaim began far from the polished lights of Nashville, rooted instead in the small town of Sebastopol, Texas. Raised in East Texas, Johnson learned the value of hard work early in life, first as a professional bull rider and later as a prison guard at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville. But even then, music wasn’t far from his mind. He formed the Cody Johnson Band with his father Carl and a small group of musicians while still in his teens, performing at local venues and rodeos. Those early gigs helped Johnson develop his signature style—gritty, straight-ahead country with the authenticity of a man who lived every lyric he sang.
Johnson’s professional recording career began with his independently released debut album Black and White Label in 2006, followed by Live and Rocking in 2007 and Six Strings One Dream in 2009. These projects, especially Six Strings One Dream, laid the groundwork for his reputation as a rising force in Texas country. The album produced the singles “Nobody to Blame” and “Texas Kind of Way,” which started to garner attention regionally. His 2011 release, A Different Day, solidified that buzz. It was produced by Trent Willmon and helped Cody gain entry into the Billboard Country Albums chart for the first time, a critical step for an artist still operating independently.
In 2014, Johnson reached a major milestone with Cowboy Like Me, which debuted at number 7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and marked his first significant national breakthrough. Still unsigned by a major label, he accomplished this purely on the strength of grassroots support, relentless touring, and a reputation for delivering high-energy live shows. The album featured fan favorites like “Dance Her Home” and “Me and My Kind,” further expanding his devoted base. That same year, he founded CoJo Music LLC, his own record label, affirming his commitment to artistic control and independent success.
2016’s Gotta Be Me pushed Johnson even further into the national spotlight. The album debuted at number 2 on the Top Country Albums chart and number 11 on the Billboard 200. By this point, Johnson was no longer just a Texas favorite—he was a full-blown national act capable of selling out large venues and topping digital charts. Tracks like “With You I Am” revealed a softer, more introspective side, while still holding true to his cowboy grit. The album’s success caught the attention of major industry players, and in 2018, Johnson took a bold step by signing with Warner Music Nashville—marking the first time in his career he agreed to work with a major label.
The results came quickly. His 2019 album Ain’t Nothin’ to It, released through Warner, became his most commercially successful effort to date. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and included the single “On My Way to You,” which marked his first Top 20 hit on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Critics praised the record’s balance between Johnson’s traditional roots and the polish of Nashville production. He managed to keep his identity intact while reaching a wider audience—a delicate line that many artists struggle to walk.
In 2021, Johnson released Human: The Double Album, a 18-track project that further showcased his versatility and commitment to storytelling. Among the standout tracks was “‘Til You Can’t,” which became a career-defining hit. The song reached number 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and earned him the 2022 CMA Award for Single of the Year, marking a major industry endorsement of his artistic evolution. It also brought him to the forefront of country radio, introducing his music to an even broader demographic without sacrificing his Texas-born authenticity.
As of 2023, Johnson has released eight studio albums, including live projects that capture the raw energy of his shows—something that has always set him apart. Albums like Cody Johnson & the Rockin’ CJB Live reflect the electricity of his concerts, where crowds frequently number in the tens of thousands. His ability to command both small honky-tonks and massive arenas speaks to the range and loyalty of his fanbase. He’s performed on the biggest stages in country music, including a landmark appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he became the first independent artist to sell out the venue.
Offstage, Johnson is just as committed to representing the values his fans cherish. Known for his strong Christian faith, his support of the military and first responders, and his ongoing connection to the rodeo world, Johnson’s authenticity extends far beyond the lyrics. He regularly supports veteran-focused charities and speaks candidly about the importance of faith and family in his life. These connections have only deepened his rapport with fans who view him as more than just a performer—they see him as someone who shares their values and their lifestyle.
Cody Johnson’s journey is remarkable not just for its success, but for how it was achieved. He didn’t rely on reality shows, viral gimmicks, or Nashville shortcuts. Instead, he built a career the old-fashioned way—through relentless touring, a refusal to compromise on sound, and an unwavering bond with his audience. His story is a testament to the enduring power of country music when it’s delivered with honesty, grit, and heart.
Complete List Of Cody Johnson Songs From A to Z
- 18 Wheels – A Different Day – 2011
- A Different Day – A Different Day – 2011
- Ain’t Nothin’ To It – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Another Double – Black And White Label – 2011
- Another Try – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Away In A Manger – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Baby’s Blue – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Billy’s Brother – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Black & White – Black And White Label – 2011
- Bottle It Up – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- By Your Grace – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Chain Drinkin’ – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Christmas All Year Long – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- COJO Nation (Intro) – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- Cowboy Like Me – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Cowboy Scale Of 1 To 10 – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Dance Her Home – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Dear Rodeo – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Dear Rodeo (Intro) – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- Diamond In My Pocket – A Different Day – 2011
- Diamond In My Pocket (Intro) – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- Dirt Cheap – Leather – 2023
- Double Down – Leather – 2023
- Doubt Me Now – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Down By The River – Black And White Label – 2011
- Driveway – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Every Scar Has A Story – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Feliz Navidad – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Fence Posts – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Finally Free – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Get Back Home To You – A Different Day – 2011
- Give A Cowboy A Kiss – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- God Bless The Boy (Cori’s Song) – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Gotta Be Me – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Grass Stains – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Guilty As Can Be – A Different Day – 2011
- Half A Song – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Hat Made Of Mistletoe – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- His Name Is Jesus – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Holes – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Honky Tonk Hardwood Floors – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Honky Tonk Mood – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Human – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Human (Intro) – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- Hurtin’ – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Husbands And Wives – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- I Ain’t Going Nowhere Baby – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- I Always Wanted To – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- I Can’t Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand) – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- I Don’t Know A Thing About Love – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- I Don;t Care About You – A Different Day – 2011
- I Know My Way Back (Clara’s Song) – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- I’ll Be Home For Christmas – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- (I Wouldn’t Go There) If I Were You – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- If We Make It Through December – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Im Not Responsible – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Its Amazing (Bonus Track) – Black And White Label – 2011
- Jesse’s Name – Black And White Label – 2011
- Jesus Ain’t Watching – A Different Day – 2011
- Jesus Loves You – Leather – 2023
- Keep Her Man – A Different Day – 2011
- Kiss Goodbye – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Known For Loving You – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Leather – Leather – 2023
- Let’s Build A Fire – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Long Haired Country Boy – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Long Haired Country Boy (Intro) – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- Long Live Country Music – Leather – 2023
- Longer Than She Did – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Lucky – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Made A Home – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Make Me A Mop – Leather – 2023
- Me And My Kind – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Monday Morning Merle – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Never Go Home Again – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- No Tears In My Eyes – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Nobody To Blame – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Noise – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Nothin’ On You – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Ocean Of Whiskey – A Different Day – 2011
- On My Way To You – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- On My Way To You (Intro) – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- People In The Back – Leather – 2023
- Picture Of A Man – Black And White Label – 2011
- Pray For Rain – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Pretend – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Pretty Paper – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Proud – Cowboy Like Me – 2014
- Ride With Me – A Different Day – 2011
- Sad Songs And Waltzes – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Santa Claus Is Back In Town – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Seeing The Light – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- She Hurts Like Tequila (with Carín León) – Non-album song – 2025
- She’s My Woman – Black And White Label – 2011
- Silent Night – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Slam The Door – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Son Of A Ramblin’ Man – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Stronger – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Talk To Me Right – Black And White Label – 2011
- Texas Kind of Way – Six Strings One Dream – 2009
- Texas Rain – Black And White Label – 2011
- That’s Texas – Leather – 2023
- The Grandpa Song (Acoustic) – A Different Day – 2011
- The Fiddle’s Gone – Black And White Label – 2011
- The Only One I Know (Cowboy Life) – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- The Painter – Leather – 2023
- The Rockin’ CJB Solos – Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live – 2022
- The Way She Loves Me – A Different Day – 2011
- There’s You – Black And White Label – 2011
- ‘Til You Can’t – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Treasure – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Understand Why – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Underneath This Hat – Black And White Label – 2011
- Walk Away – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Watching My Old Flame – Leather – 2023
- What’s Left Of Texas? – A Different Day – 2011
- When It Comes To You – Human: The Double Album – 2021
- Where Cowboys Are King – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- Whiskey Bent – Leather – 2023
- White Christmas – A Cody Johnson Christmas – 2021
- Wild As You – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- With You I Am – Gotta Be Me – 2016
- Work Boots – Leather – 2023
- Y’all People – Ain’t Nothin’ To It – 2019
- You Thought I’d Never Be – Black And White Label – 2011
Albums
Six Strings One Dream (2009): 10 songs
Black And White Label (2011): 13 songs
A Different Day (2011): 13 songs
Cowboy Like Me (2014): 12 songs
Gotta Be Me (2016): 14 songs
Ain’t Nothin’ To It (2019): 15 songs
Human: The Double Album (2021): 18 songs
A Cody Johnson Christmas (2021): 10 songs
Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live (2022): 7 songs
Leather (2023): 12 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Cody Johnson articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Top 10 Cody Johnson Songs
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