top of page

CODY JOHNSON SHOWCASES TEXAS COUNTRY SPIRIT AND UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY ON THE LEATHER DELUXE TOUR IN INDIANA

sippinoncountry
Photo credit: Westney Photography
Photo credit: Westney Photography

Cody Johnson lit up the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, with an electrifying performance on his Leather Deluxe Tour, reminding fans why he's one of country music's most authentic voices. From heartfelt storytelling to hip-shaking energy, Johnson proved he's the real deal, blending humility, humor, and pure talent into an unforgettable show.


Opening with his fiery anthem, "Texas Not Heaven," Cody set the tone for a night packed with passion and authenticity. As he powered through hits like "Me and My Kind," one of my personal favorites, it was clear he was having just as much fun on stage as the crowd was in the stands. Lifting his cowboy hat throughout him performance gave a more personal view of Cody and his stage presence had everyone hooked from the get go.


Between songs, Cody shared stories that brought his journey full circle. Reflecting on his early days, he recalled playing in the bed of his truck, selling homemade CDs for five bucks a pop. “Who remembers burning CDs? Who remembers Napster?” he joked, before stripping things back for an intimate acoustic moment. Asking fans to light up their phones, he performed a raw and heartfelt version of "When You’ve Got Nothing On," with just him and his guitar, reminding everyone of the simple power of country music.


As the show continued, Johnson paused to connect with the audience on a deeper level. He asked how many were seeing him live for the first time, chuckling as hands went up. “What you’re telling me is, I just got started in country music after 20 years!” he said, while absolutely expressing gratitude to the crowd with a heartfelt thank-you.


In one of the night’s most poignant moments, Cody spoke about unity: “No matter your color, creed, gender, political views, or how much money you have or don’t have, we’re all just humans trying to figure this life out.” This led into a stirring performance of “Human,” a song that felt especially impactful in the context of his message and the state of the world these days.


Photo credit: Westney Photography
Photo credit: Westney Photography

Switching gears, bringing us back upbeat, Cody declared, “Time to play a bluegrass song!" He shared a story about a late-night jam session with his fiddle player Jody Bartula, guitarist Jake Mears and some moonshine-fueled inspiration, he launched into the lively "Georgia Peaches." The high-energy tune had the audience clapping along, proving his versatility as an artist within country music and shining a light on his Texas country roots,


Johnson kept the hits coming with fan favorites like “The Fall” and “I’m Gonna Love You.” A surprise duet with Carrie Underwood, her image appearing on the big screen for a pre-recorded performance, added a special touch.


He then took a break from music to engage directly with the audience, delivering a powerful speech about embracing disagreements and coming together as Americans. This led to a patriotic rendition of “God Bless America,” igniting a passionate “USA” chant throughout the arena. Being able to break down those walls in a packed arena is something that really shows the connection an artist has with their fans.


Cody made sure to spotlight his incredible band members, introducing each with a touch of humor and pride. From Joey Pruski on bass to Harrison Yount on keys and Seth Wilson, who started as their merch guy and now plays keys, each musician got their moment to shine with impressive solos.


Photo credit: Westney Photography
Photo credit: Westney Photography

The set closed with anthems like "Dirt Cheap," a brief soulful cover of the start of Jelly Roll’s "Son of a Sinner," this lead into him his second #1 hit, the emotional “The Painter.” Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without “Til You Can’t,” Cody’s chart-topping hit that had the entire arena singing along.


For the encore, Johnson leaned into his roots with heartfelt renditions of “Travelin’ Soldier” and “Long Haired Country Boy,” leaving fans on a high note and proving that he’s more than just a performer—he’s a storyteller, a connector, and a champion of country music’s rich traditions. It felt like an interesting choice to close out the show with two covers but also just shows his passion for the genre.


Photo credit: Westney Photography
Photo credit: Westney Photography

Cody Johnson’s Leather Deluxe Tour is more than a concert; it’s a celebration of life, music, and the unity we find in both. If you haven’t caught this powerhouse live yet, now’s the time—because Cody isn’t just making country music; he’s making history.

8 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page