Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

About The Courage You Took For Your Fate on “Dear Rodeo”

Cody Johnson & Reba McEntire - Dear Rodeo
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

“Dear Rodeo” had a very personal meaning for the country music star, Cody Johnson, who is a former rodeo rider. It is a song that tells you his devotion to rodeo, how it pierced his heart and made him the Johnson he is now – how it aided him in his music profession. 

Cody Johnson, together with Dan Couch, originally wrote the track with a bit of sadness as it addressed discontent, pain, and several things that are quite difficult for an adamant man to tell. His solo rendition of it appears on his 2019 album, “Ain’t Nothin’ To It”. However, since Johnson teamed up with McEntire and recorded the song together, he found happiness in the song. 

Among Cody Johnson Songs, this was perhaps the most difficult song since it narrates his halted rodeo career. Though, it’s not just about rodeo. It’s about motivating people to understand that failure doesn’t need to describe you. It is also a story of courage over hardships, of overcoming defeat when times get hard. 

According to Shane Tarleton, who works with Warner Brothers, Reba McEntire was the perfect woman to collaborate with this song. The song is significant for the two – Johnson was a rodeo rider who chose to pursue music, and McEntire, a former barrel racing competitor and whose father was a Rodeo titleholder. McEntire was instantly on board as soon as she heard the song. She said it was very nostalgic, as she recalled her life during the 70s. 

In the music video, the two singers journey into the past. They were reminiscing and expressing their shared hesitation to leave the rodeo. It was filmed in the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN. It features real footage of Johnson’s rodeo career. 

Cody Johnson & Reba McEntire Duet is a renowned music video that earned positions in big top charts, including Top 40 American Songs Chart, and Top 100 USA Music Chart. The reflective single was Top 3 most-added at country radio upon release and has gained over 45 million global streams until recently. It peaked at #11 in the Country Digital Song Sales chart in November 2018. 

If you have not watched and listened to the duet, this is an excellent opportunity for you. Click on the play button of the “Dear Rodeo” video below.

Latest Stories

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Debuting his gospel album on February 28, 2006, Alan Jackson made his own rendition of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel. The song was featured as the ...

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

In 2018, American singer Tori Kelly released a gospel song titled “Never Alone” as part of her album Hiding Place.  The song instantly became one of Tori Kelly’s greatest hits, ...

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FloydFest Horizon 2024Festival Duration:July 24-28, 2024 2024Venue:5826 Floyd Highway FestivalPark in North Check, VirginiaPerformers Include:Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Black Pumas, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets ...

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FairWell Festival 2024Festival Duration:July 19-21, 2024Venue:Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Central Oregon, OregonPerformers Include:Kacey Musgraves, Caamp, Billy Strings, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here Deschutes County Fairgrounds is gearing up ...

Post Malone and Blake Shelton's “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

Post Malone and Blake Shelton’s “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

In 2024, American rapper Post Malone released the country bop “Pour Me A Drink,” featuring country superstar Blake Shelton – and let’s say, it was far beyond what people expected. ...

Country Singer Mark Chesnutt In Recovery After Emergency Heart Surgery 

Country singer Mark Chesnutt from Beaumont, Texas, shared a health update on his Instagram account following an emergency heart surgery earlier in June 2024. In his post, he wrote, “Well ...

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus claims estranged wife, Firerose, has verbally, emotionally, and physically abused him during their seven-month marriage. The claims came about after Firerose filed a response to Cyrus’ divorce ...

Sonny James' Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

Sonny James’ Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

In 1957, legendary country singer Sonny James released one of the timeless covers of the classic hit song “Young Love.” The song was originally released by Ric Cartey and Jiva-Tones ...

Best Country Fiddler Doug Kershaw’s Performance of “Diggy Diggy Lo”

In 1969, Doug Kershaw released his solo version of the hit song “Diggy Diggy Lo,” which surprised fans. The song was originally released by Doug and his brother Rusty in ...

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:Rock the South 2024Festival Duration:July 18-20, 2024Venue:York Farms in Cullman, AlabamaPerformers Include:Eric Church, HARDY, Jelly Roll, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here The biggest party in the South, Rock ...