Valentine’s Day has always held a special place in my heart, filled with nostalgia and memories of my parents taking my siblings and me out for dinner and activities during my childhood. While this is certainly different from singing classic country music in my dad’s truck on the way home, Cody Johnson, affectionately nicknamed CoJo, was able to bring a piece of my family to Music City to help fill that void. With high energy, wholesome speeches and romantic ballads, the “Leather Deluxe Tour” is a concert I will never forget.
The night started with a newer artist on the country music scene, Chayce Beckham, who previously won American Idol in 2021. With an amazing band and a simple set of string lights, Beckham brought energy to the stage with songs like “Waylon in ‘75” and “This Ol’ Rodeo.” He continued his set with what would become my personal favorite, “Everything I Need,” explaining that the simplest things in life are all he needs to be happy. Beckham ended with a cover of George Strait’s “Here for a Good Time,” saluting the crowd with his red solo cup as he exited the stage.
If a newer artist wasn’t quite your speed, then you were sure to love the next opener, Randy Houser. He entered the stage in a classic country outfit complete with a cowboy hat and boots, taking me back to the music I grew up listening to on the radio. Houser started the set with his traditional hits from the early 2000s, “Boots On” and “Goodnight Kiss.” Halfway through the set, he was presented with a gold record for a newer single, “Note To Self,” which he sang after the award. It was the perfect ending to his performance, showing the growth and heart he’s continued to carry for his craft even after more than a decade.
Following two exciting openers, the lights dimmed and Johnson made his way on stage. As a Texas native, it made perfect sense when he started his set with “That’s Texas,” a high-energy love letter to his home state with a traditional country sound. He followed this with two of his best hits, “Me and My Kind” and “Dance Her Home,” keeping the energy while engaging the crowd with his signature blend of honky-tonk rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. Fans sang along, their voices echoing through the arena as Johnson worked the stage with his signature cowboy charm.
As the night went on, Johnson took a moment to slow things down, sharing stories behind his songs and connecting with the audience on a personal level. With each note, it was clear — the Texas native wasn’t just performing; he was giving his fans a piece of his journey, one song at a time. To give the audience a true Valentine’s Day experience, Johnson continued his set with songs like “With You I Am” and “Nothin’ on You,” both love songs that led to hugs and hand-holding from couples in Bridgestone. Lyrics like “You always turn heads, impress, the second you walk through the door,” gave way to a heartwarming feeling that is difficult to replace.
While Johnson has many songs that are obviously written for a special person in his life, one song on the setlist stood out as a special love song — not one to a person, but to an experience. “Dear Rodeo” paints a heartbreaking picture of how the rodeo was Johnson’s first love that he lost, explaining the importance of strength over adversity. He continued this heartwarming, insightful experience with songs like “Human” and “The Fall.”
More than halfway through the set, Johnson went back to honky tonk energy with “People in the Back,” a song meant to shout out those at his concert whether they are in the front row or in the nosebleeds. After a note of appreciation to those in attendance, he turned his attention to recognizing those who serve our country through healthcare, the military and more. He asked the crowd to join him in removing their hats and singing a cover of “God Bless America,” followed by his own “Made In The USA.”
After a shoutout to his band, Johnson finished his set with some of his greatest hits: “Dirt Cheap,” “The Painter” and “Til’ You Can’t.” Each of these songs is retrospective and touches on what he believes is truly important in life. As Johnson sang the final notes of “’Til You Can’t,” the crowd erupted in cheers, singing along with every word. The passion in his voice was undeniable, and the raw emotion of the moment made for a powerful ending.
After coming back with Randy Houser for a cover of “Seven Spanish Angels” for the encore, Johnson said a heartfelt thank you and left the stage to thunderous applause. It was a night filled with energy, storytelling and a deep appreciation for the country music tradition — one that fans wouldn’t soon forget.
