Cody Johnson’s music makes an impact far beyond the Country music charts. Always one to record songs he believes in, connects with and hopes will inspire, Johnson’s fans have confirmed he’s doing just that by expressing how his music has impacted — and even saved — their lives.

During a recent chat with Audacy’s Scotty Kay from US99, Johnson shared a story he heard from a fan in Australia who literally owed her life to one of his songs. “I had a lady in Australia [who] came to a meet and greet and she said, ‘the night that I was going to take my own life… I heard, ‘Human,’ and I decided not to,” he shared. “I stood there with her and I cried and I thought, ‘Who cares about a #1 or a Platinum record? That’s real. That’s real music that went across the ocean and touched somebody.”

While many of the life-chasing stories he hears are surrounding his life-affirming songs like “Human,” and “’Til You Can’t,” there’s also a number of love stories he’s touched. Later in their chat, Scotty Kay introduced Johnson to DJ Dom Nagella, who was approached by a bi-racial couple to help them turn Johnson’s song, "On My Way To You" into a cross-genre track for their wedding.

“She was born and raised in Texas and he’s Puerto Rican, so they wanted ‘On My Way To You,’ with Marc Anthony,” Nagella explained before playing him the track. Johnson was all smiles listening to the mix. “I love Marc Anthony! That is freakin’ cool, man! This is great.”

He continued, “Puerto Rican is a little bit different than the Tejano Mexican culture that we have in Texas, and I’m so deeply rooted in that… That means a lot, that’s really cool... Hey, maybe I’ll make a Tejano album,” he laughed.

Beaming with pride, Johnson reiterated, “It’s not about getting #1 hits, it’s not about getting Platinum records, it’s not about getting awards, it’s about making music that actually touches people — I say that from my whole heart, this is not an act.”

If you're having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention at 988 to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time. Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. Find a full list of additional resources here.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Scotty Kay