Cody Johnson is an American country singer known for his independent breakthrough album Gotta Be Me and the hit song "'Til You Can't." He is also recognized for his traditional country sound, his CMA Award-winning album Leather, and his rise from Texas music venues to the national country scene.
Personal life
Cody Johnson has been married to Brandi Johnson since November 8, 2008. They first met as teenagers at a Future Farmers of America event and crossed paths again at a local bar. When Johnson left his prison job to pursue music full-time, Brandi left college and worked two jobs to help support their family.
The couple have three children: daughters Clara Mae and Cori, born in 2015 and 2017, and son Jaycee Daniel, born in October 2025. Clara Mae and Cori have joined their father on tour.
From prison officer to independent country artist
Johnson began playing music at age 12, learning from his father, Carl Johnson, who performed in their local church. He played guitar and drums, studied music reading, and performed at schools, churches, bars, and rodeos. He also rode bulls professionally and worked alongside his father in the Texas prison system.
In 2006, Johnson formed the Cody Johnson Band with Carl Johnson and drummer Nathan Reedy. The band placed second in a major Texas state talent contest and released the album Black and White Label through Johnson's CoJo label. Its professionally produced album Six Strings One Dream followed in 2009, with three singles reaching the top 10 of the Texas music charts.
A prison warden encouraged Johnson to leave his day job and commit to music when he was 19. He later left the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, released music independently, and built his career without major-label support or widespread radio play.
Breakthrough with *Cowboy Like Me* and *Gotta Be Me*
Johnson's 2014 album Cowboy Like Me became his second album to be produced by Trent Willmon. It sold 8,000 copies in its first week, reached No. 7 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, and reached No. 33 on the Billboard 200. The song "Me and My Kind" later went viral on TikTok and became a concert staple.
His 2016 album Gotta Be Me marked his major independent breakthrough. It debuted at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 11 on the Billboard 200, making it his most successful release at that point. Johnson made his Grand Ole Opry debut in April 2017.
In March 2018, he became the first unsigned or independent artist to perform for a sold-out crowd at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. His first major-label album, Ain't Nothin' to It, arrived in 2019 through Warner Records Nashville and included "On My Way to You," his first Top 20 hit on Country Airplay.
'Til You Can't, *Human*, and *Leather*
Johnson released "'Til You Can't" in 2021 as part of Human: The Double Album. The song became his first country radio chart-topper, earned him the Grammy Award for Best Country Song, reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified six-times Platinum.
His 2023 album Leather produced several successful singles, including "The Painter," "Dirt Cheap," and "I'm Gonna Love You," a duet with Carrie Underwood. "The Painter" became Johnson's second country chart-topper, while Leather won the CMA Award for Album of the Year in 2024. Johnson also collaborated with Brooks & Dunn on "Red Dirt Road" and with Terri Clark on "I Just Wanna Be Mad."
Johnson won ACM Song of the Year for "Dirt Cheap" and the CMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year in 2025. His music is associated with contemporary country, neo-traditionalist country, and cowboy styles, with influences including George Strait, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and Loretta Lynn.
Quick facts
- At age 19, a prison warden encouraged Cody Johnson to leave his job and pursue music full-time.
- Johnson formed the Cody Johnson Band in 2006 with his father, Carl Johnson, and drummer Nathan Reedy.
- Johnson's 2016 album Gotta Be Me reached No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart without major-label support or widespread radio play.
- Johnson became the first unsigned or independent artist to perform for a sold-out crowd at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March 2018.
- "'Til You Can't" became Johnson's first country radio chart-topper and earned him the Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
- "'Til You Can't" reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified six-times Platinum.
- Johnson's album Leather won the CMA Award for Album of the Year in 2024.
- Johnson's song "Dirt Cheap" won ACM Song of the Year in 2025.
- Johnson learned to play music from his father, who performed in their local church.
- Johnson's song "'Til You Can't" was inspired by his experience of nearly being in a plane crash.
FAQs about Cody Johnson
How many times has Cody Johnson been married?
Cody Johnson has been married once. He has been married to Brandi Johnson since November 8, 2008.
Is Cody Johnson a Christian?
Yes. Cody Johnson identifies as a Christian and has spoken publicly about his faith and upbringing in church.
Does Cody Johnson have kids?
Yes. He and Brandi Johnson have three children: Clara Mae, Cori, and Jaycee Daniel.
Who are Cody Johnson's parents?
Cody Johnson's parents are Sheila and Carl Johnson. His father performed in their local church and was part of the early Cody Johnson Band.
When did Cody Johnson become famous?
Johnson's major independent breakthrough came with his 2016 album Gotta Be Me, which reached No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart. His national profile grew further through "'Til You Can't," released in 2021.
Is Cody Johnson a Democrat or Republican?
Cody Johnson is identified as a Republican.
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