Cody Johnson gave his Nashville fans a night they’ll never forget when he brought out country music legends Brooks & Dunn for the first-ever live performance of their duet, “Long Live Country Music.”
Midway through his February 2nd show at Bridgestone Arena, Johnson hinted that “special guests” were on the way. As the crowd buzzed with curiosity, he explained his passion for real live music—no backing tracks, just musicians giving it their all. Moments later, he welcomed Brooks & Dunn to the stage, and the arena erupted in cheers.
@musicmayhemmagazine.com @Cody Johnson and @brooksanddunn delivered a surprise performance of #LongLiveCountryMusic in Nashville lastnight at Bridgestone Arena. #CodyJohnson #BrooksAndDunn
Before launching into the song, Johnson shared how deeply the duo had influenced him. “I’ve strived my whole career to try to keep country music alive because of these two men right here,” he said. Wearing his signature cowboy hat, pearl-snap shirt, and Wranglers, Johnson joined the “Neon Moon” hitmakers for a foot-stomping, heartfelt performance. The crowd sang along to the chorus:
“Long live country music / Long live longnecks, bar stools, neon Saturday nights / Oh, long live country music / May that three-chord dirt-road soundtrack to our lives never die.”
Afterward, a grinning Johnson told the sold-out crowd, “I just played a song with Brooks & Dunn.” The track, co-written by Trent Willmon, Phil O’Donnell, and Wade Kirby, appears on Johnson’s 2023 album Leather and is a love letter to the genre, filled with nods to icons like Patsy Cline, Deana Carter, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Johnson revealed the idea for the song came after a CMT Awards speech where he closed with, “Long live country music.” That same night, the song was written, and after some back-and-forth over who would record it, Johnson and Brooks & Dunn decided to cut it together—three artists united in their mission to keep traditional country alive.
Leather also features hits like “The Painter” and “Whiskey Beat” with Jelly Roll. Johnson has hinted that a deluxe edition with 12 new tracks—including a duet with Carrie Underwood—is coming soon.
Right now, Johnson is in the middle of his headlining Leather Tour, joined by guests like Justin Moore, Dillon Carmichael, Chris Janson, and Drake Milligan. But for Nashville fans, that February night—three cowboys on stage, playing real country music—will be hard to top.
