Cody Johnson has been steadfast in his music career and gaining more momentum as time goes on. While he draws a larger crowd in his home state of Texas, he’s still selling out shows across the US. Some might think that snow and ice would deter a Missouri crowd, but that was not the case on this particular Saturday night. The sold-out show of 7,000 at Silverstein Eye Arena was one of a few headlining stops he is making before joining Miranda Lambert on tour this year. Cody brought with him, fellow Texans, Jesse Raub, Jr., and Jon Wolfe.

Jon Wolfe | Cody Johnson | Jesse Raub Jr. | All Photos By Kaeleigh Grace

I had the opportunity to see Jesse for the first time in November of last year when he opened for Josh Ward in Manhattan, Kansas. Jesse is a fantastic song writer and person. He and his band experienced sound issues beyond their control for most of the set. In a situation like that, it would be easy to walk away, but the band held their composure while on stage. By chance, I passed Jesse after his set and several people also came up to him as they passed by, commenting on how well he handled the situation and how much they enjoyed his music.

Houston, Texas native Jesse Raub Jr. has made his own way the last ten years by hitting all the stops in his home state. Artists such as Cody Johnson began to take notice of the talent that this young Texan has. Johnson’s 2011 album, A Different Day, included Jesse as a co-writer for the hit tune, “The Way She Loves Me.” Jesse would again co-write with Johnson on his first #1 on Texas Radio with “Dance Her Home.” Raub Jr. would breakout with his third studio album in 2016 titled, Sitting Here. Jesse has had eight recordings of his own that would go on to chart in the top 50 of the Texas Music Chart and the Texas Radio Report. You can learn more about Jesse Raub Jr. here: jesseraubjr.com

I hadn’t seen Jon in Kansas City in a couple years. Last year was very busy for him with getting married and starting his tequila line, Juan Lobo. He continued to get the crowd’s energy going with his own style of Texas country music. Jon walked on the catwalk as he ended his set and signed boots and other items that fans were holding out for him.

Jon Wolfe | All Photos By Kaeleigh Grace

The story of Jon Wolfe and his musical career is an interesting one. Jon was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was raised in Miami, Oklahoma. Like a large number of musicians, Jon’s journey began with the gospel. He grew up singing in church and began listening to classic pop music, which is regarded as having existed between the mid-1940s and mid-1950s. Wolfe moved to Chicago where he worked in the oil business and was transferred to Houston in 2003, where he was roommates with Hayes Carll. This is where his musical interest would begin to become a serious endeavor. Jon Wolfe’s career has gone on to include the making of five studio albums, along with a live album that was recorded at John T. Floore’s Country Store. Jon released his first, self-released, album in November of 2004 titled, Almost Gone. During this time, Wolfe has also written songs for other musicians such as Clay Walker. In 2010, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” went on to be a top five song for Walker. Joe Nichols would also record one of Jon’s songs, “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” for his 2011 album, It’s All Good. You can learn more about Jon Wolfe here: jonwolfecountry.com

Now I’m not saying the last time Cody Johnson came to Kansas City was two years ago, but that’s the last time I saw him. In fact, it was almost exactly two years ago to the date. He played to a sold-out crowd at The Truman. There’s a contagious energy he and his team have while waiting to take the stage. And, there’s an evident and pure joy he has every time he’s on it. Without a doubt, he’s having fun.

Cody Johnson | All Photos By Kaeleigh Grace

His set started with the song “With You I Am.” As I walked around the arena, there were more couples than I could count, dancing wherever they could find space, especially during “Dance Her Home.” Riding the rail was a young girl with a homemade poster stating it was her first concert. Fans with faces lit up, smiling while singing every word of the songs like “Ride With Me,” “Y’all People,” and “Long Haired Country Boy.” You’d never know if it was the first time they’d seen him or not, but either way, they love and support his brand of country.

With all this success, he remains humble, not forgetting the hard work that has led him to where he is, or the fans who’ve kept food on their tables. And, he reminds us in “Dear Rodeo” that it’s possible to follow our dreams and be successful, despite nights spent in bars with only the staff to play to, and who tipped them because they felt bad. We were treated to hearing “Red Dirt Road,” originally recorded by Brooks and Dunn, and was also recorded with Cody for their Reboot album, released last year. I soaked in the moment of the night as they played the closing song, “On My Way To You.” More about Cody Johnson here: codyjohnsonmusic.com

If you haven’t seen these talented artists yet, make sure you check them out. At one time, Cody Johnson and his band played the dive bars or were openers for larger acts, and now they’re the headliner. As music fans, it’s so important for us to show up for and support the opening act. The shows wouldn’t be the same without them.

Photos and Article By Kaeleigh Grace of Wildflower Soul Photography:

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