Cody Johnson Wins Album of the Year: The Artist, Not the Writer

Cody Johnson’s Leather winning Album of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards has sparked heated debate among fans and industry insiders alike. While the award recognizes the overall excellence of an album, the fact that Johnson didn’t write any of the songs on Leather has raised questions about the role of songwriters in country music and how much credit should go to the performer versus the creators behind the scenes.

A Win for the Performer, Not the Writer

Leather showcases Cody Johnson’s ability to bring raw emotion and authenticity to every track. His vocal delivery and stage presence have long been celebrated, and this album was no exception. Featuring a collection of expertly crafted songs by some of Nashville’s top songwriters, Leather became a commercial and critical success, cementing Johnson’s status as a country music heavyweight.

However, unlike some of his peers, Johnson didn’t contribute to the songwriting process for this album. Instead, he leaned on the expertise of industry legends and up-and-coming writers, bringing their words to life with his signature grit and charm.

Fans Are Divided on Cody's Win

Cody Johnson’s win for Leather has sparked a range of reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. Many are applauding his vocal talent and ability to connect with listeners, while others are questioning whether an artist without songwriting credits should take home the coveted Album of the Year award. On social media, some fans are calling Johnson’s win well-earned, citing his emotional delivery, while others argue that the unsung heroes—songwriters—deserve more recognition.

For some, songwriting lies at the core of country music’s authenticity. The absence of Johnson’s name among the songwriters has reignited the debate about how much weight the craft of writing should carry when recognizing an album’s success. Discussions online point to a growing sentiment: while Johnson’s performance is undeniable, the songwriters behind Leather deserve equal recognition.

Others have argued that awards like Album of the Year are about the bigger picture—combining exceptional performances with well-crafted songs, regardless of who wrote them. The conversation continues to divide fans, with passionate opinions on both sides of the debate.

The Industry’s Perspective

This isn’t the first time a country star has won a major award without contributing to the songwriting process. The debate over whether performers or writers deserve more recognition has been ongoing in Nashville for years. Critics argue that awards like Album of the Year should honor the collaboration between artists and songwriters, as both play vital roles in creating memorable music.

Others, however, believe that an artist’s ability to interpret and perform songs is just as important as writing them. Cody Johnson’s win highlights the artistry of bringing stories to life and connecting with audiences—something he has mastered over the years.

Songwriters Deserve Their Flowers

Despite the focus on Johnson’s performance, Leather is also a testament to the incredible talent of its songwriters. Tracks like “The Painter” (written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins) and “Dirt Cheap" (written by Josh Phillips) wouldn’t exist without the creative minds behind the scenes. Many fans and industry professionals hope to see more recognition for these unsung heroes, whether through more prominent awards or collaborative acceptance speeches.

What This Means for Country Music

Cody Johnson’s win sparks an important conversation about the balance of credit in country music. Should the focus be on the performer, the songwriter, or the team as a whole? As the genre continues to evolve, so will its awards and the criteria for success.

One thing is certain: Cody Johnson’s Leather win has left a mark, both for its impact on fans and for the broader discussions it has ignited.

What do you think? Should performers without songwriting credits be eligible for Album of the Year? Or does this award celebrate the bigger picture? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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