Cody Johnson Receives the ACM Spirit Award
Cody Johnson was honored with the ACM Spirit Award during the ACM Honors on August 20, recognizing his authenticity, traditional country roots, and unwavering dedication to storytelling — traits that echo the legacy of Merle Haggard, the icon for whom the award was named.
Honoring Merle Haggard’s Legacy
The ACM Spirit Award is presented each year to a singer-songwriter who carries on Merle Haggard’s influence by “following his or her own path, crafting great songs, and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.”
Past honorees include Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, and Charlie Daniels — all known for their authenticity and artistry.
According to the Academy of Country Music, Johnson embodies that same spirit:
“His unwavering commitment to traditional Country values and his Texas roots have set him apart in a time when the genre often trends toward pop. With nearly 10 billion global streams, Johnson’s sound resonates deeply with heartland America and pays homage to the spirit of Merle Haggard’s timeless storytelling. Staying true to his traditional Country sound, Johnson is not just a success story—he is.”
Luke Bryan’s Powerful Tribute
Every honoree at the ACM Honors receives a tribute performance — and this year, Luke Bryan stepped up to celebrate his friend Cody Johnson.
Bryan performed Johnson’s career-defining hit, “’Til You Can’t,” the 2021 single that became a #1 hit in 2022 and went on to be certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA. Written by Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers, the song also earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2023.
Onstage at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Bryan poured his heart into the performance, capturing the song’s life-affirming message and honoring Johnson’s emotional storytelling. Audience videos show him giving it everything — a passionate, soulful delivery that brought the crowd to its feet.
Backstage Moments & Broadcast Highlights
The ACM Honors event later aired as part of a CMT Hot 20 Countdown special on September 27, which featured exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and never-before-seen performances from the ceremony.
One of the most talked-about clips from the night came backstage — a lighthearted “bromance” moment between Luke Bryan and Cody Johnson, where the two stars exchanged laughs, hugs, and mutual respect.
A Fitting Tribute to a Modern Traditionalist
For Cody Johnson, this award is more than a trophy — it’s a recognition of his steadfast commitment to keeping country music’s soul alive. From “Dear Rodeo” to “’Til You Can’t,” Johnson has built his career on truth, grit, and heart — the same qualities Merle Haggard embodied.
The ACM Spirit Award cements Johnson’s place among the few modern artists carrying the torch of real country music.
🎥 Watch Luke Bryan’s full performance of “‘Til You Can’t” and his backstage celebration with Cody Johnson below.