Wednesday night touring powerhouse Cody Johnson made his debut as headliner at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. Johnson moved over 7,500 hard tickets in less than 48 hours immediately following the announcement that he had been added to the bill. In front of a crowd of over 60,000, Johnson turned in an electrifying set that whipped the audience into a frenzy and an hour long singalong. Fans burst into song numerous times during his set that included classics “Me And My Kind,” and his current Billboard single “With You I Am.” When Johnson sang his breakout hit “Texas Kind Of Way” the deafening and over-the-top response from the crowd literally stopped Johnson in his tracks and brought him to tears.
Johnson was truly moved, “I’ve been wanting to play here my whole life. For a kid who grew up in the shadow of the Astrodome…it’s a dream come true. It’s pretty surreal to get the call.” In true cowboy style, and the delight of a smitten crowd, Johnson took a page out of George Strait’s book riding out of the stadium on horseback.
Rave reviews have been pouring in online from fans, the media and promoters.
“Cody Johnson was incredible at his Rodeo Houston debut! His performance surpasses his reputation!”
– Jason Kane, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Managing Dir. – Entertainment & Concert Production
“He has a raspy mumble of a voice that at times echoed George Jones. It adds a layer of sincerity to his songs, including “I Ain’t Going Nowhere Baby,” “Ride With Me” and “The Only One I Know (Cowboy Life).” The former rodeo rider and prison guard made the most of the opportunity and turned NRG Stadium into the world’s biggest Honky Tonk.”
– Houston Chronicle
“Center stage at RodeoHouston can be an intimidating prospect for even the most seasoned performers. So to be ready to take that stage for the very first time with less than 48 hours notice is a tall order indeed. Cody not only stepped up to that challenge, but he displayed an ease and comfort in entertaining 60,000 people that made it look like he’s been on that stage dozens of times before. Exiting the arena on horseback, he left those in attendance with the kind of concert experience that will be talked about for years to come and those who weren’t wishing they’d been there to see it in person.”
– Chris Huff, Assistant Program Dir./Music Dir. 100.3 The Bull
About Cody Johnson:
Johnson has been streamed over 160 million times in the last 12 months. In the last year and a half the singer has sold over 65,000 albums, 300,000 singles and over 500,000 hard tickets to his concerts. His explosive live shows recently landed Johnson the coveted cover of Pollstar magazine. His latest album Gotta Be Me made its debut at #1 on the iTunes Country album chart and #2 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. His music has earned critical acclaim from: Rolling Stone, People, Billboard, Southern Living, Pollstar and The New York Times among countless others. The demand for Johnson is clear, as is the fact that his authentic brand of country is resonating with fans nationwide who hunger for traditional country music.
For a complete list of upcoming shows log onto www.thecodyjohnsonband.com
