Cody Johnson Opens Up About His Unique Friendship With Luke Combs
on Jun 29, 2026
Cody Johnson Opens Up About His Friendship With Luke Combs
Country music stars Cody Johnson and Luke Combs have openly shared their strong friendship and mutual respect for one another.
Johnson credits Combs as a major influence on his career, and has previously shared that Combs has opened several doors for him.
“I have nothing but respect for Luke, and I’ve been opening for Luke Combs since he was playing tennis courts,” Johnson told country music host Bobby Bones. “The way he handles his camp, the way he handles his finances, the way he records his records, the content that he’s putting out, I had a lot of respect.”
Johnson Honors Combs After Winning 2026 ACM Entertainer Of The Year
Back in May, Johnson even dedicated his ACM Male Artist of the Year to Combs. Combs has been nominated for the ACM’s Entertainer of the Year Award 7 times, but has never won.
During his speech, Johnson recalled a moment when Combs was in a state of “anguish” after missing the birth of his second child while on tour in Australia. Despite the emotional toll, Johnson said that once Combs stepped on stage, he watched him completely take over and deliver an incredible performance.
“I watched him get on stage…and play country music, and preach the message of country music to a bunch of Australians across the world. So tonight, I want to dedicate my first Entertainer of the Year award to my buddy Luke Combs. I love you, brother.”
Cody Johnson Features Luke Combs On His New Album
So it seems fitting that when Johnson released his new album Banks of the Trinity this past week, he featured a duet with Combs. Titled “Shoot the Bull,” the track reflects their very real and genuine friendship.
“I think that when we’re around each other in professional settings, award shows, shows, interviews, it’s like you see the guy in the room where you’re like, ‘I can totally just go sit in the corner and BS with this guy,’ and the industry’s going on around us in this whirlwind,” Johnson said during a recent interview with The Kelleigh Bannen Show on Apple Music Country.
Johnson says he values Combs’ experience in the industry, and seeks his advice for a variety of things.
“This year there was some career professional finance stuff that I just called him and was like, ‘Hey, I have no pride in this deal. I know that you’re further along than I am right now as far as career wise. Give me your advice on this. What would you do here?’
You can watch that full interview with Cody Johnson below.
