Country music sensation Cody Johnson is making waves with his heartfelt tributes and genuine storytelling, cementing his place in the hearts of country music enthusiasts. His recent single, "The Painter," dedicated to his wife Brandi, has soared to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay charts, becoming his second number one hit. This poignant track has not only showcased Johnson's deep affection for his wife but has also become the top-streaming single of his career, amassing over 200 million global streams.
"The Painter" is a testament to the strength and inspiration Johnson draws from his relationship with Brandi. With lyrics like "For every wall I built, she saw a canvas," the song encapsulates the transformative power of love and partnership. In an interview with CMT , Johnson's description of the song as a vivid journey through the ups and downs of his life with Brandi underscores the personal significance and emotional depth of this track. It's a reflection on perseverance, love, and the beauty found in shared experiences, especially during challenging times.
Beyond "The Painter," Johnson's new release "Dirt Cheap," another standout track from his ninth studio album "Leather," demonstrates his knack for authentic storytelling. The song, releasing on Monday, March 11, was almost recorded by Luke Combs, found its perfect interpreter in Johnson, a Texas bull rider known for his unapologetic style. "Dirt Cheap" offers listeners a glimpse into Johnson's values and life philosophy, emphasizing the importance of roots, authenticity, and appreciating the simple, yet profound aspects of life.
The backstory of "Dirt Cheap" is as intriguing as the song itself. Initially intended for Combs, the track slipped through the cracks and serendipitously landed with Johnson, thanks to the intuitive suggestion of songwriter Josh Phillips' wife and Phillips' prior connection with Johnson's longtime producer, Trent Willmon.
Phillips remembers the night the suggestion was made in an interview with Country Now , "I walked in the house one night. Jordan, my wife, was lying in bed watching TV. I was kind of just defeated. I said, ‘Baby, I don’t know who to send this to. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.’ She said, ‘Why don’t you send it to Cody Johnson?’
And I said, ‘Well, it’s funny that you say that, because back when I was an artist, many years ago, I wrote with his producer, Trent Willmon, I’ll just send it to Trent if he’s still producing him. Maybe in a long shot, Cody will hear it.”
This twist of fate not only brought the song to an artist who could do it justice but also added a layer of destiny to its journey. Even Combs acknowledged the missed opportunity, praising the song's quality and acknowledging that it found its rightful home with Johnson.
Johnson's music resonates because of its authenticity and the palpable passion he brings to each track. Whether reflecting on his marriage, as in "The Painter," or celebrating his roots in "Dirt Cheap," Johnson's songs are a window into his soul. They invite listeners to find parallels in their own lives, encouraging them to cherish their relationships and stay true to their origins.
As Johnson continues his headlining "The Leather Tour," with upcoming performances, including one in Indianapolis at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, fans have the opportunity to experience his storytelling and emotive performances live. His journey is a reminder of the unpredictable paths songs can take before finding their ideal home and the profound impact personal experiences and relationships can have on an artist's creative output.
In Cody Johnson's case, these elements converge to create music that's not only deeply personal but universally relatable, striking a chord with listeners and earning him a distinguished spot in the landscape of country music.
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