In December 2013, Cody Johnson graced “the big show” with a performance that would soon resonate across the country music landscape. He debuted his then-new radio single, “Dance Her Home,” a song that ignited a wildfire of popularity even before it officially hit the airwaves. Such was the demand for “Dance Her Home” that fans, unable to find it anywhere else, turned to the internet, eagerly searching for and sharing pirated live concert videos. These unofficial recordings racked up tens of thousands of views, a testament to the song’s immediate impact, all achieved without any formal radio play.
Cody Johnson, a true luminary from Texas, embodies the spirit of authentic country music. He represents the next wave of Texas music, and indeed, country music as a whole. Johnson’s appeal isn’t built on fleeting trends or attention-grabbing antics. He avoids gimmicks, instead focusing on delivering electrifying live performances, crafting exceptional music, and penning lyrics that resonate with genuine emotion and thoughtful narratives.
This approach evokes echoes of another young Texan who redefined country music in the early ’80s, signaling a return to the roots of the genre. For Johnson, his music transcends regional boundaries. “I’m not necessarily Texas country music, I’m necessarily not Nashville Music,” he stated, emphasizing his broader commitment to the genre. “But I know that I believe in country music. And I’m gonna just keep doin’ my thing.”
Addressing the evolving sound of country music, with its increasing pop and hip hop influences, Johnson offers a balanced and accepting perspective. “Eventually country music is gonna be turned back to country music,” he observes, demonstrating an optimistic outlook for the genre’s core identity. Yet, he also expresses gratitude for his place within the current scene: “but I love every bit of it and I’m proud to have my songs on the radio… Just to have my songs on the radio, that blows my mind.”
Johnson’s contagious energy and passion are mirrored in his music. His highly anticipated album, Cowboy Like Me, was set to launch in 2014, promising to further solidify his position in the country music world. Experience the song that started it all and download “Dance Her Home” today and witness the organic rise of a country music sensation.
