Cody Johnson’s Memorable Experience with George Strait
As a proud Texan and passionate fan of country music, Cody Johnson holds George Strait in high regard, considering him one of his greatest musical influences. Recently, Johnson had the chance to perform alongside Strait at Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as “Death Valley,” in South Carolina, an event he cherished deeply.
A Special Conversation
In a recent interview with Country Now and other media outlets, Johnson reminisced about the unforgettable experience of opening for the legendary Country Music Hall of Famer. He highlighted a significant moment they shared post-show.
“I had the opportunity to sit on the bus with George for about 30 minutes, and we talked about everything under the sun. From golf to cattle, we found common ground as Texans,” Johnson recalled.
Words of Encouragement
What happened next left a lasting impression on Johnson, who is known for his hit song “Dear Rodeo.”
“To hear George Strait say, ‘Son, you’re doing it the right way,’ was incredible. He encouraged me not to change anything about my approach. He said he was proud of me and felt I was representing Texas, country music, and cowboys well. Those words meant everything to me,” Johnson shared.
Breaking Records
During their chat, Johnson brought up a light-hearted topic regarding his recent performance at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where he set a new attendance record of over 80,000 fans, surpassing Strait’s previous record.
“I mentioned to him, ‘Well, I broke your record at Houston,’ and he was surprised. He responded, ‘Do what?’ I explained, and he joked, ‘Well, I guess I’ll have to come back eventually and kick your ass.’ I replied, ‘I hope you do because I’d love to see that,'” Johnson laughed.
A Year to Remember
While Johnson may have had the last laugh by breaking Strait’s record, the most meaningful takeaway from their exchange was the affirmation from his longtime idol that he’s on the right path in his career.
Reflecting on the experience, Johnson chuckled, “It’s been a pretty good year so far.”
Source: countrynow.com