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 contemporary and neo-traditionalist country music singer from America. He initially self-released six albums, with 'Gotta Be Me' achieving significant recognition on Billboard's Country Albums chart. In 2019, he released his first major-label album, 'Ain't Nothin' to It,' followed by 'Human: The Double Album' in 2021. Johnson's music is influenced by artists such as George Strait and Willie Nelson. His song "'Til You Can't" won two awards at the 2022 Country Music Association Awards, and his album 'Leather' won the CMA Album of the Year in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Formation of the Cody Johnson Band and Album Recording

In 2006, Cody Johnson formed the Cody Johnson Band with his father, Carl, and drummer Nathan Reedy. Together they recorded an album, Black and White Label. Matt Rogers later joined, and they recorded a live album at Shenanigans and Confetti's Club in Huntsville; Johnson's father later quit the band in 2006.

September 2009: Release of 'Six Strings One Dream'

In September 2009, the Cody Johnson Band released their first professionally produced album, "Six Strings One Dream", and 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 the Cody Johnson Band.

2011: Release of 'A Different Day' and Award Win

In 2011, Cody Johnson released his album "A Different Day", produced by Trent Willmon, and won the Texas Regional Music Award for New Male Vocalist of the Year. He also left his job with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

2012: Dancin' and Drinkin' at Johnson Park Tour and Band Name Change

In 2012, Cody Johnson teamed with Kyle Park for the Dancin' and Drinkin' at Johnson Park Tour. Also in 2012, Johnson's band 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", which debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and 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.