Career Timeline of Cody Johnson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Cody Johnson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cody Johnson is a prominent American country music singer known for his contemporary and neo-traditionalist style. He gained initial recognition through self-released albums, with 'Gotta Be Me' achieving significant chart success. His major-label debut, 'Ain't Nothin' to It,' was followed by 'Human: The Double Album.' Johnson's music is influenced by country legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson. His breakthrough single, "'Til You Can't," earned him two Country Music Association Awards in 2022. In 2024, his album 'Leather' won the CMA Album of the Year, solidifying his position in the country music scene.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Formation of the Cody Johnson Band

In 2006, Cody Johnson formed the Cody Johnson Band with his father, Carl, and drummer Nathan Reedy. The band recorded the album, Black and White Label, and later added Matt Rogers on lead guitar and recorded a live album, Live and Rocking, at Shenanigans and Confetti's Club in Huntsville. Later that year, Cody's father quit the band.

September 2009: Release of 'Six Strings One Dream'

In September 2009, Cody Johnson released 'Six Strings One Dream', his first professionally produced album. Three singles from the album reached the top 10 of the Texas music charts.

2010: Change in Band Members

In 2010, Jody Bartula replaced Chris Whitten on fiddle in Cody Johnson's band.

2011: Release of 'A Different Day' and Award

In 2011, Cody Johnson released 'A Different Day', produced by Trent Willmon. He also won the 2011 Texas Regional Music Award for New Male Vocalist of the Year and left his job with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to focus on music full-time.

2012: Dancin' and Drinkin' at Johnson Park Tour

In 2012, Cody Johnson teamed with Kyle Park for the Dancin' and Drinkin' at Johnson Park Tour. His band also changed their name to the Rockin' CJB.

January 14, 2014: Release of 'Cowboy Like Me'

On January 14, 2014, Cody Johnson's fifth album, 'Cowboy Like Me', was released. It debuted at number 25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 33 on the Billboard 200.

August 5, 2016: Release of 'Gotta Be Me'

On August 5, 2016, Cody Johnson released his sixth album, 'Gotta Be Me'. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart.

March 2018: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Performance

In March 2018, Cody Johnson made Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo history by becoming the first unsigned/independent artist to play to a sold-out crowd.