The Texas native known for his explosive live shows and electrifying stage presence, COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson became the third performer ever to sell out opening night of RODEOHOUSTON on Monday (2/28). Following records set in previous years by Garth Brooks (2018) and George Strait (2017), Johnson attracted a crowd of 70,554 cheering fans to help launch the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s ™ 90thanniversary season after a forced hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic. Johnson’s appearance marked his fourth since 2017 when he first stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Old Dominion, becoming a must-see performer at the Rodeo since. Read the Houston Chronicle’s show review HERE.
“Monday night was a historical night for myself as well as Rodeo Houston; sold-out opening day!!” shared Cody. “I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out and showing support to me and my band. CAN’T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR!”
Johnson grew up in Sebastapol, Texas and worked the rodeo circuit as a bull rider before turning to music full time. Proving the circuit is in his DNA, his daughter Clara Mae competed in the mutton bustin’ event Monday night shortly before his set. On Saturday (2/26), the Texas native also served as Grand Marshal for the Downtown Rodeo Parade. A tradition since 1938, the annual parade celebrates Western heritage and marks the beginning of the Rodeo season.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education.
Cody Johnson has established a following of passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. In the last year, Johnson, who MusicRow predicts “just might be the future of real country music,” has released a critically acclaimed, award-winning feature-length documentary (Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story), delivered two celebrated albums (Human The Double Album and A Cody Johnson Christmas), seen his gold-selling “’Til You Can’t” single reach the #1 position on Billboard’s airplay, streaming and sales-based ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, added more RIAA platinum and gold singles and album certifications bringing his career total to 12 certifications, played sold-out concerts and more. In fact, Johnson increased his worldwide streams by nearly One Billion in 2021, growing from Two Billion to nearly Three Billion streams.
Johnson’s new album Human The Double Album has received tremendous media praise making the ‘best-of’ lists with All Music(Favorite Country Albums of 2021, Human), Billboard (15 Best Country Songs of 2021, “’Til You Can’t), Holler (Country Records of the Year, Human), New York Times (Best Album of 2021, Human), Saving Country Music Best Mainstream Country Albums of 2021, Human), Taste of Country (Best Country Albums of 2021, Human and Top Country Songs of 2021, “’Til You Can’t), Yardbarker's (Country Music’s Biggest Breakout Stars of 2021) and more.
