Cody Johnson has released a cover of Merle Haggard's ‘Footlights', to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Country legend's passing.
As an avid Haggard fan, Johnson has paid tribute to him numerous times, acknowledging that he was one of his biggest musical influences. “Merle was a poet,” Johnson said. “When I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm frustrated, and everything in between, he has sung the soundtrack of my life.” Watch more of what Cody had to say about Haggard in this interview with Suzzanne Alexander for “On The Record” on RFD-TV.
In 2025, Johnson received the ACM Spirit Award for his genuine, songwriter-focused country music that reflect Merle Haggard’s legacy. The award recognizes artists who follow their own path, creating great stories and songs.
Johnson’s current radio single, ‘The Fall', written by Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, and Ray Fulcher, is from his ‘Leather Deluxe Edition' album. His headline tour continues in April and wraps in Europe this Fall.
“Cody Johnson Live 26” schedule
| 4/10/2026 | Bossier City, LA | Brookshire Grocery Arena |
| 4/11/2026 | New Orleans | Caesars Superdome – Honda Rodeo Fest* |
| 4/18/2026 | St. Louis, MO | Chaifetz Arena |
| 4/24/2026 | Indio, CA | Stagecoach* |
| 5/2/2026 | Clemson, SC | Death Valley (Clemson Stadium) w/ George Strait |
| 5/8/2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center |
| 5/9/2026 | Des Moines, IA | Casey's Center |
| 5/29/2026 | Grand Rapids, MI | Van Andel Arena |
| 5/30/2026 | Rosemont, IL | Allstate Arena |
| 6/5/2026 | Nashville, TN | Nissan Stadium – CMA Fest* |
| 6/13/2026 | Atlanta, GA | Braves Country Fest* |
| 6/26/2026 | Milwaukee, WI | American Family Ins Amp |
| 7/9/2026 | Ottawa, ON | LeBreton Flats (Ottawa Bluesfest)* |
| 7/11/2026 | Cavendish, PE | Cavendish Beach Music Festival* |
| 7/17/2025 | Columbus, OH | Nationwide Arena (2nd Show) |
| 7/18/2025 | Columbus, OH | Nationwide Arena |
| 7/25/2026 | Jacksonville, FL | Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena |
| 8/8/2026 | Oklahoma City, OK | Paycom Center |
| 8/22/2026 | Knoxville, TN | Food City Center |
| 8/29/2026 | Saint Paul, MN | Grand Casino Arena |
| 9/11/2026 | Vancouver, BC | Rogers Arena |
| 9/12/2026 | Tacoma, WA | Tacoma Dome |
| 9/17/2026 | Edmonton, AB | Rogers Place |
| 9/19/2026 | Winnipeg, MB | Canada Life Centre |
| 10/24/2026 | Manchester, UK | AO Arena |
| 10/27/2026 | London, UK | The O2 |
| 11/1/2026 | Birmingham, UK | Utilita Arena |
| 11/2/2026 | Glasgow, UK | OVO Hydro |
| 11/4/2026 | Belfast, UK | SSE Arena Belfast |
| 11/5/2026 | Dublin, IE | 3Arena |
*Festival dates
Openers on this year's tour include Clint Black, Randy Houser, Scotty McCreery, Kip Moore, Ian Munsick, Jon Pardi, Drew Baldridge, Chayce Beckham, Carter Faith, Alexandra Kay, Parker McCollum, Walker Montgomery, and Emily Ann Roberts.
