Cody Johnson and Luke Combs’ Friendship Goes Far Beyond Their Music

Cody Johnson, Luke Combs; Photo Courtesy Luke Combs

For Cody Johnson and Luke Combs, their friendship seems to exist well outside the pressures of country music. When the two are together, conversations can quickly shift away from careers and toward sports, family, hunting and everyday life — a dynamic that ultimately became the foundation for their new collaboration, “Shoot The Bull.”

The song appears on Johnson’s latest album, Banks of the Trinity, and feels like a natural extension of the friendship the two country stars have built over the years.

A friendship that offers an escape from the music industry

Cody Johnson, Luke Combs; Photo by Jay Trevino

While discussing Banks of the Trinity on The Kelleigh Bannen Show on Apple Music Country, Johnson explained that Combs is one of those people he can turn to when the constant activity surrounding their careers becomes overwhelming.

Johnson described being able to spot Combs in a crowded room and immediately know he could sit down with him and simply “BS” for a while.

Their conversations can cover everything from college football to hunting trips in Texas and watches they might want to invest in. For Johnson, that ordinary back-and-forth provides a welcome break from the whirlwind of the music business.

Their relationship has also extended into more serious moments, with the two supporting each other through both professional decisions and difficult personal experiences.

Johnson dedicated his ACM Entertainer of the Year win to Combs

Cody Johnson; Photo Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

That bond was particularly evident in May, when Johnson accepted his first ACM Entertainer of the Year award.

During his speech, Johnson dedicated the honor to Combs and spoke about watching his friend devote himself to country music.

He recalled being in Australia when Combs’ wife gave birth to their son Beau while Combs was overseas on tour. Johnson said he witnessed the emotional toll of Combs missing the birth, followed by the singer returning to the stage the following night to perform for a sold-out audience.

For Johnson, the moment illustrated just how seriously Combs takes his commitment to his music and his fans.

Combs is also someone Johnson turns to for advice

Their friendship isn’t limited to conversations about music.

Johnson revealed that Combs was among the first people he contacted when he recently faced a professional financial decision. Rather than letting pride get in the way, Johnson said he openly asked Combs for advice, acknowledging that his friend was further along in his career.

Combs offered his perspective, and the serious conversation quickly gave way to the kind of casual interaction that appears to define their friendship.

Johnson said they soon moved on to talking about their children over FaceTime, with his daughters even recognizing that he was speaking with Combs.

He jokingly described Combs as “an idiot” who is “just like me,” emphasizing the easygoing relationship between them.

‘Shoot The Bull’ turns their friendship into a song

That chemistry carries naturally into “Shoot The Bull,” an upbeat collaboration featured on Banks of the Trinity.

Written by Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Josh Phillips and Drew Parker, the song centers on two friends putting their responsibilities aside for a night and enjoying some uncomplicated fun.

Johnson and Combs trade verses about escaping everyday pressures, grabbing a cold beer, sharing stories and turning up country music on a jukebox.

The lyrics also reflect the artists’ backgrounds, bringing together Johnson’s Texas roots with Combs’ connection to the mountains of North Carolina.

Rather than focusing on fame or the music industry, the song celebrates the simple pleasure of sitting around with a friend, forgetting your problems and letting the night unfold.

They have already shared the road

“Shoot The Bull” is not the first time Johnson and Combs have worked together.

The pair previously crossed paths professionally during Combs’ 2023 tour dates in Australia and New Zealand, where Johnson served as the opening act.

Their latest collaboration, however, feels particularly fitting because the song reflects the relationship Johnson has described away from the stage.

With their voices blending naturally and both artists known for storytelling through country music, “Shoot The Bull” offers a glimpse of a friendship that seems to work just as well in the studio as it does when the microphones are turned off.