Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story

COJO Nation, are y’all ready? Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story is coming to cinemas nationwide on August 10th. COJO Music, Warner Music Nashville, and Trafalgar Releasing are thrilled to announce this theatrical event release, there will be limited screenings. Resistol and Wrangler are proud sponsors for Cody Johnson.

At the start of the film, you’ll see Johnson’s first attempts at bull riding in high school. Johnson learned the hard way that nobody’s going to pick you up and dust you off. He was a rookie and got on some bulls he had no business getting on. You’ll see some never-before-seen footage of Johnson’s countless bull rides along with his first times performing on stage at the Future Farmers of America talent show in high school. You’ll see what it was like when Johnson was shifting gears and taking on a different road. 

Through all the highs and lows, the dreams you grasp onto to the ones that have slipped away, you’ll witness it all in this film. You’ll see Johnson in the back of a chute at a rodeo to singing about his journey to a crowd of 75,000 fans. This film is full of every kind of emotion Johnson has experienced over the past 20 years and it tells an incredible story.

“I think oftentimes a cowboy isn’t something you do, as much as it is who you really are inside.”

Cody Johnson

There will be some special guest appearances by Navy Seal Chris Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle, Johnson’s wife Brandi Johnson, Reba McEntire, Houston Ranch’s James Barton, Johnson’s producer, Trent Willmon, his high school teachers, and his pastor, Randy Weaver. Johnson opens up on how life as a country star was unexpectedly prepared by his years on the rodeo circuit. 

Cody Johnson’s hit song, “Dear Rodeo” gave you some insight into how rodeo was his first love that he had to let go of. The song wasn’t long enough to tell people the full story though. So this documentary will give you all the details as to how and why Cody Johnson made his move from rodeo life to now being a country music superstar on the radio. 

Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story is a unique and one-of-a-kind documentary that is directed by Shaun Silva. This film is much more than just sharing Johnson’s story, his autobiography, it dives deep and has a strong message to give. This film presents you with a love letter to everyone who has had to cast aside a dream in order to find a new passion and purpose in life.

“It went from being my life story to being everybody’s life story.” 

Cody Johnson

Through hard work, dedication and staying true to himself, Cody Johnson has become a rising country music artist icon. You’ll see Johnson’s journey from playing at old rodeo arenas of rural Texas to now playing on some of the biggest musical stages in the United States. Be sure to check out Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story on August 10th. For ticketing and the most current information regarding participating theaters please visit, www.codyjohnsonfilm.com. 

Last Updated on 08/07/2021 by Megan deFabry

About the Author:

Megan deFabry

Biography:

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music.

For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys.

I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI.

Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.

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