Cody Johnson is heading into tonight’s 58th annual ACM Awards with three nominations for his latest hit, “’Til You Can’t.” While the singer-songwriter is grateful for the recognition, he says it’s the life-changing stories the single prompted that are the real prize for him.
LISTEN NOW: Cody Johnson talks success of ’Til You Can’t’ and how it’s impacted Country fans
“I’ve had people come up to be and say, ‘That song kept me from committing suicide, that song pulled me out of depression, that song saved my wife and I’s marriage,” Johnson told WYCD’s Josh, Rachael and Grunwald in the Morning. “To hear those things, it’s like that’s more rewarding than awards, that’s more rewarding than #1’s… It wasn’t that it was the perfect timing for radio, it wasn’t the swing in the pendulum of the industry, it’s just a song about what needed to be said.”
He continued, “that’s a real life-impacting moment that I got the pleasure to record and sing… To me, that’s what Country music’s about, that’s what it should be about.”
While the passion-filled song was clearly a life-changing hit for several fans, COJO says there is one change he’d make if he could go back and re-record it — the big note at the end.
“I instantly regretted recording that,” he laughed. “‘Cause then I was like ‘now I’m going to have to do that every time for the rest of my life.' That key is going to drop six keys by the time I’m in my 60s.”
He continued, “When I recorded that part, Trent Willmon, my producer, he goes, ‘Man, that was great, you have no idea how many people are going to screw that up.’”
While definitely a vocal challenge for Cody every time he performs it live, he says it’s exactly what’s needed to share the passion, purpose and message of the song.
“Take the chances while we’re here, go chase a dream, tell somebody you're sorry, tell somebody you love ‘em because spoiler alert, we’re not going to be here forever,” he said of the song’s message.
“That’s what Country music used to be, is stories that impacted everybody’s life.”
Catch Cody perform “’Til You Can’t” at tonight’s 58th annual ACM Awards taking place live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX. The show can be streamed via Amazon’s Prime video beginning at 7 PM ET / 6PM CT / 4PM PT.
If you're having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention at 988 to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time. Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. Find a full list of additional resources here.
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