Cody Johnson: Former Bull Rider on the Loose at Faster Horses Festival

By on July 31, 2024

As the sun set on the Faster Horses Festival, the clear Michigan sky was not the only thing ablaze. Cody Johnson, the Texas troubadour, took to the stage, delivering a performance that was as scorching as the Sunday weather. The festival, nearing a sell-out, buzzed with anticipation for Johnson’s set, and he did not disappoint.

File Photo: Former rodeo bull rider, Cody Johnson performs at the Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, 2024. (Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Johnson, a former rodeo bull rider turned country music sensation, has a biography that reads like a classic American tale. Born in Texas, his journey from the rodeo circuit to the music charts is a testament to his grit and talent. His accolades include wins at the Country Music Association Awards, where his anthem ‘Til You Can’t’ won two awards in 2022. His hit songs like ‘On My Way to You’ and ‘Nothin’ on You’ have become staples for country music fans, and his recent album ‘Human: The Double Album’ showcases his depth as an artist.

Johnson’s foray into film with “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story” adds another layer to his multifaceted career, offering fans a glimpse into his life beyond the music.

File Photo: Former rodeo bull rider, Cody Johnson performs at the Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, 2024. (Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

The band, an ensemble of seasoned musicians, complements Johnson’s robust vocals with impeccable skill. Jody Bartula on fiddle and guitar, Jake Mears with his lead guitar prowess, Joey Pruski holding down the bass, Miles Stone on drums and percussion, and Harrison Yount with the steel guitar, create a soundscape that’s both expansive and intimate.

The headliners of the festival, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Hardy, set a high bar, but Johnson matched it with his signature blend of neo-traditionalist country and rock-infused energy. His performance was a reminder of why country music, with its stories of life, love, and resilience, continues to resonate across America.

File Photo: Former rodeo bull rider, Cody Johnson performs at the Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, 2024. (Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

In a weekend filled with standout performances, Cody Johnson’s set was a highlight, a moment where music and the human spirit met under the vast Michigan sky. It was a performance that those in attendance are unlikely to forget, a testament to Johnson’s place in the pantheon of country music greats.

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