Cody Johnson was only 14 years old when he snuck out of his house to chase a dream that nearly got him grounded for life. He hopped into a truck with a 16-year-old friend and headed straight for a local Texas honky-tonk. By the time he was three songs into a surprise set on stage, he spotted his father standing in the back of the room.
It was a classic “oh no” moment that every rebellious kid understands. His father, Carl, took him home and gave him a serious whipping to teach him a lesson. He warned Cody that playing in bars would lead to a life of drugs and ruin. Then, in a twist that changed everything, his dad looked at him and said he actually sounded really good.
Watch the interview here to hear how that one night shaped a superstar.
Cody Johnson Shares a Childhood Memory on BobbyCast
Fans are loving this peek into his past. One person said that is a good dad for giving a whipping and a compliment at the same time. Another viewer noted that he had an amazing mother and father to keep him grounded. It is a story that feels real to anyone who grew up with old-school discipline.
That raw honesty from his childhood paved the way for the massive hits we hear on the radio today. Cody went from sneaking into bars to selling out stadiums with songs that mean something to the soul. He learned early on that music is about more than just a melody. His biggest song, “’Til You Can’t,” carries that same message about not wasting a single second of your life.
Cody Johnson – ‘Til You Can’t (Official Music Video)
This performance is exactly why he is a star. He sings about car crashes and family moments with a voice that sounds like worn-in leather. It is a powerful reminder to chase your dreams while you still have the chance. People everywhere say this song changed their lives because it told them to stop waiting for tomorrow.
Cody Johnson stays true to his cowboy roots because he lived every word of his journey. He went from bull riding and prison guarding to becoming a country legend. Follow Cody Johnson on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to see where the trail leads next.