From Roughie to Country Rockstar: Cody Johnson’s Journey and What’s to Come

Cody Johnson is no stranger to the rodeo world. As he has discussed in previous interviews and his hit song “Dear Rodeo”, Johnson competed in rodeos riding bulls prior to his music career and still has some involvement in the sport today.

While attending a team roping jackpot this past week, I had the privilege of meeting Johnson and discussed what his life was like hitting the road and riding bulls, and how much his life has changed since his music has taken off.

When asked, “What was your involvement in rodeo growing up”? Johnson said “In high school I rode bulls, and I thought that’s what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Honestly, I didn’t really count my blessings with the gift of music, and I always put bull riding first”. Johnson jokingly said, “I actually talked trash about team ropers back then”. Ironically enough he was sitting on his horse ready to rope in the next go.

Furthermore, he explained “Since I quit riding bulls, music took over and my career has been going off for the last thirteen years. I am just now to the point where my schedule allows me to team rope and ride cutting horses. It never really left, I just had to get that roughie out of my system”.

I asked Johnson “What is your involvement in rodeo like now”? and to explain more in depth what keeps him driven to be involved in team roping events such as the jackpot he attended. He answered “I’m roping at everything I can. I roped at the BFI, placed eighth in Hamilton in the heartland and won a little check. I’m just slowly progressing; you’ve got to start somewhere. You can get your butt kicked at all these little jackpots just like you can at the NFR”.

He explained that he ropes whenever he can and enjoys roping at home. It’s been something that has become more therapeutic for him more than anything. “It helps me detach from the road, detach from the situation in our country, and focus. It’s very therapeutic for me and I just love it”.

In addition, I asked Johnson to tell me how much his life has changed since his music career has taken off. He responded “It’s changed a lot, but it has all been good. God has a really funny way of taking uncontrollable and overwhelming situations and showing favor if you’re obedient. I’ve always given him credit for knowing my ability to play music and my work ethic. He has placed people around me that I needed in my life. It’s been a pretty fun ride. It’s been hard, there’s been a lot of sacrifice, and hard work, but I wouldn’t trade any of it”.

Lastly, I asked Johnson a question the Cojo Nation has been dying to know, “What can we expect to see from you in the near future”? Johnson says “We’ve got a double album coming out, there will be a Willie Nelson duet to kick it off next month. There are eighteen songs that are on this album and it will be out in October. We’re going to release two songs a month until then, it will be side A and side B”.

Furthermore, he said to expect “A Dear Rodeo documentary, the movie will be coming out pretty soon, either on iTunes or YouTube. There’s also a Christmas album in the works, a lot of good stuff coming”. Sounds like there are a lot of exciting things ahead for the Cojo Nation to look forward to!

It was an absolute honor to have the opportunity to interview Cody Johnson. I admire his attitude and outlook he has on his career, and how humble he is towards his success he has earned. I am so excited to see his documentary and hear his new tunes, I know he will not disappoint!