Jamey Johnson is a prominent figure in American country music, known for both his singing and songwriting talents. His music often reflects a traditional country sound and explores themes common to the genre, such as heartbreak, working-class struggles, and rural life. While achieving success as a performer, Johnson has also penned songs for other notable country artists, further solidifying his influence within the industry. He's recognized for his authentic, often gritty portrayal of country life and his dedication to preserving the genre's classic roots. His distinctive voice and storytelling abilities have garnered him a dedicated following among country music enthusiasts.
July 14, 1975: Birth of Jamey Johnson
Jamey Johnson was born on July 14, 1975.
1976: The Band's Farewell Concert
The Band's farewell concert, known as "The Last Waltz", took place in 1976.
2000: Moves to Nashville
Jamey Johnson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2000 to pursue a career in country music.
2005: Co-writes "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk"
In 2005, Jamey Johnson co-wrote the hit song "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" for Trace Adkins.
2005: Signs with BNA Records
Jamey Johnson signed to BNA Records in 2005.
2005: Signs with BNA Records and Releases "The Dollar" Single
Jamey Johnson signed with BNA Records and released his first single, "The Dollar", in 2005.
March 2006: Releases Debut Album and First Single
Jamey Johnson released his debut album, "The Dollar", and his first single of the same name in March 2006.
2006: Co-writes George Strait's 51st No. 1 Hit
After losing his record deal, Jamey Johnson co-wrote George Strait's 51st No. 1 hit, "Give It Away", in 2006.
2006: Releases "The Dollar" Album and is Dropped from BNA
In 2006, Jamey Johnson released his debut album, "The Dollar", under BNA Records. He was subsequently dropped from the label the same year.
September 2007: Nashville TV Series Cancelled
The Fox TV series "Nashville", which Jamey Johnson was a part of, was cancelled after two episodes in September 2007.
2007: Co-writes Hits for Trace Adkins and Joe Nichols
In 2007, Jamey Johnson co-wrote two hits for Trace Adkins, including his first No. 1 in 10 years, "Ladies Love Country Boys", and also a Top 20 hit for Joe Nichols.
March 2008: Signs with Mercury Nashville and Releases "That Lonesome Song"
In March 2008, Jamey Johnson signed with Mercury Nashville Records and released his second album, "That Lonesome Song".
March 2008: Releases "In Color" Single
Jamey Johnson released the single "In Color" in March 2008.
June 2008: "In Color" Enters Top 40
Jamey Johnson's single, "In Color", entered the Top 40 charts in June 2008.
2008: Follow-up to "That Lonesome Song"
In 2010, Jamey Johnson released "The Guitar Song", a follow-up to his 2008 album, "That Lonesome Song".
January 2009: "In Color" Reaches No. 9
"In Color" peaked at No. 9 on the Country chart in January 2009.
April 2009: "That Lonesome Song" Certified Gold
Jamey Johnson's album "That Lonesome Song" was certified Gold by the RIAA in April 2009.
July 13, 2009: Releases "My Way to You" Single
The single "My Way to You" was released on July 13, 2009.
July 2009: "My Way to You" Single Issued
Jamey Johnson's fifth single, "My Way to You", was issued in July 2009.
September 2009: "My Way to You" Peaks at No. 52
The single "My Way to You" peaked at No. 52 in September 2009.
2009: Nominated for CMA Awards New Artist of the Year
Jamey Johnson was nominated for the CMA Awards New Artist of the Year in 2009.
2009: Grammy Award Nominations and ACM, CMA Wins
In 2009, Jamey Johnson received three Grammy Award nominations: Best Country Album (That Lonesome Song), Best Country Song ("In Color"), and Best Male Country Vocal Performance ("In Color"). "In Color" also won Song of the Year at both the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.
September 14, 2010: Releases "The Guitar Song" Album
Jamey Johnson released his album "The Guitar Song" on September 14, 2010.
2010: Grammy Award Nominations
In 2010, Jamey Johnson received two Grammy Award nominations for his single "High Cost of Living": Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
2010: Releases "The Guitar Song"
Jamey Johnson released his third album, "The Guitar Song", in 2010.
2010: Releases "Playing the Part" Single and Music Video
Jamey Johnson released the single "Playing the Part" and its music video, directed by and starring Matthew McConaughey, in 2010.
2010: Nominated for ACM Top New Solo Vocalist
Jamey Johnson was nominated for the Academy of Country Music Top New Solo Vocalist award in 2010.
July 2011: Tours with Kid Rock and Willie Nelson
Jamey Johnson toured with Kid Rock and Willie Nelson during the summer and through July of 2011.
September 25, 2012: "Living for a Song" Vinyl Release
"Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran" was released on vinyl on September 25, 2012.
October 6, 2012: Releases "Living for a Song" Album
Jamey Johnson released his fourth studio album, "Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran", on October 6, 2012.
October 16, 2012: "Living for a Song" General Release
"Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran" was released on other formats on October 16, 2012.
2012: Releases "Living for a Song"
Jamey Johnson released "Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran" in 2012.
November 2014: Releases "The Christmas Song" EP
Jamey Johnson released his Christmas EP, "The Christmas Song", in November 2014.
2014: Releases "The Christmas Song" EP
In 2014, Jamey Johnson released a Christmas EP titled "The Christmas Song".
January 2015: Releases "Alabama Pines" Single
Jamey Johnson released the single "Alabama Pines" as a free download in January 2015.
2017: Discusses Songwriting Difficulties
In a 2017 interview, Jamey Johnson discussed his struggles with songwriting after suffering a concussion about seven years prior.
2019: Performs on The Last Waltz Tour
In 2019, Jamey Johnson participated in The Last Waltz Tour, celebrating The Band's 1976 farewell concert.
March 19, 2022: Grand Ole Opry Invitation
On March 19, 2022, Jamey Johnson was invited by Bill Anderson to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Johnson had frequently performed at the Opry for seventeen years prior to the invitation.
May 14, 2022: Grand Ole Opry Induction
On May 14, 2022, Jamey Johnson was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
December 15, 2023: Commencement Speech and Honorary Doctorate
On December 15, 2023, Jamey Johnson delivered the commencement address at Jacksonville State University's fall graduation ceremony. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the university. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared December 15th as Jamey Johnson Day.