Cody Johnson Scores His Highest Hot Country Songs Debut With ‘Travelin’ Soldier’
Cody Johnson has made a significant mark on the country music scene with his recent debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, dated November 22, with his rendition of The Chicks’ classic “Travelin’ Soldier.” This milestone is particularly noteworthy as it represents Johnson’s highest entry on the chart to date, following a series of successful releases, including his previous hit “’Til You Can’t,” which dominated the charts for nine weeks in 2022. The new version of “Travelin’ Soldier” has garnered impressive numbers, accumulating 11.9 million official U.S. streams, a radio audience of 1.3 million, and 5,000 copies sold between November 7-13, according to data from Luminate. This track not only marks a personal triumph for Johnson but also reignites the legacy of the original song, which was first recorded by Bruce Robison and famously covered by The Chicks, reaching the top of the charts in March 2003.
Johnson’s interpretation of “Travelin’ Soldier” has been a staple in his live performances over the past few years, and fan demand prompted him to release this studio version ahead of Veterans Day, reflecting the song’s poignant themes of love and sacrifice. The Chicks’ original version of the song holds a significant place in country music history, particularly due to the controversy surrounding the group at the time of its release, which reshaped their relationship with country radio. As Johnson celebrates this achievement, he is also preparing for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, where he has received four nominations, including entertainer of the year and male vocalist of the year. Although he will be absent from the event due to recovery from surgery for a ruptured eardrum, his presence is felt through his accolades and the impact of his music.
In addition to Johnson’s success, Kelsea Ballerini has also made headlines, debuting at No. 37 on the Hot Country Songs chart with her new track “I Sit in Parks,” which is featured on her recently released EP, *Mt. Pleasant*. With 2.9 million streams and 1,000 copies sold, Ballerini is set to perform at the CMA Awards and is nominated for female vocalist of the year, showcasing the vibrant and competitive landscape of today’s country music scene. As both artists continue to rise, their contributions highlight the evolving narratives within country music, blending personal stories with broader cultural themes.
Cody Johnson
debuts at No. 2 on
Billboard
’s
Hot Country Songs
chart (dated Nov. 22) with a take on The Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier.” The update starts with 11.9 million official U.S. streams, 1.3 million in radio audience and 5,000 sold Nov. 7-13, according to Luminate.
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It’s Johnson’s highest entrance on the survey, where he’s collected four top 10s, with his first, “’Til You Can’t,” having ruled for nine weeks in 2022. The new “Travelin’ Soldier” also launches atop both Country Streaming Songs and Country Digital Song Sales, becoming his second and fourth No. 1, respectively.
Written and first recorded by Bruce Robison, “Travelin’ Soldier” has been a staple in Johnson’s live set in recent years. He previously issued a stripped-down version during a 2020 livestream and continued fan demand led to the new studio recording, released Nov. 7 ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
The song carries a notable chart legacy. The Chicks’ rendition topped Hot Country Songs for a week in March 2003, marking the group’s sixth and most recent No. 1. It reigned days after the trio drew intense backlash following Natalie Maines’ criticism of then-U.S. president George W. Bush — a flashpoint that reshaped the group’s relationship with country radio and has been widely
chronicled
in the decades since.
Ballerini Strolls In
Kelsea Ballerini opens at No. 37 on Hot Country Songs with “I Sit in Parks” (2.9 million streams, 1,000 sold). The track appears on her six-song EP,
Mt. Pleasant
, released Nov. 14. She’ll perform Wednesday (Nov. 19) at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, airing on ABC, and is nominated for female vocalist of the year.
Meanwhile, Johnson, recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured eardrum, will sit out the telecast. Still, he enters the night as one of its
leading contenders
, earning four nominations, including entertainer and male vocalist of the year.
