Not just a song, but an homage to one of his biggest inspirations. Merle Haggard is, without a doubt, one of the defining voices in the genre of country music who needs no introduction. But with April 6 marking what would have been Merle Haggard’s 89th birthday, and also the 10-year anniversary of his death, a number of country music stars paid tribute to the country music legend. But Cody Johnson is tipping his hat to the Hag with a full studio version of the Merle Haggard song, “Footlights.” “Merle Haggard’s music has been the soundtrack of my life. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him on his birthday than by sharing our version of “Footlights.” It’s out now. Hope we did it justice.” View this post on Instagram While Johnson’s words might sound like he’s buttering Merle Haggard’s biscuit with those kind words, he’s in fact speaking nothing but the truth in that statement. At the end of last year, Johnson sat down for a conversation with RFD-TV for an episode of On The Record, and he touched on how much Haggard has shaped his career. The “Blame Texas” singer touched on how other country icons have shaped his career during the conversation, highlighting traits from George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Chris LeDoux. “George Strait influenced me probably more than anybody as far as being the cowboy, not taking the hat off whenever they wanted to change his name and take the hat off. And he didn’t, and he wound up being The King of country music. He’s still such a gracious person to be around. He’s always been so cordial to me, and he’s never lost any integrity in his music. Willie Nelson being the man that was told no so many times and still became Willie Nelson. That inspired me. He inspired my lyrics and the way I play guitar so much.  Chris LeDoux, the crazy wild rock show from the guy with the gold belt buckle and the cowboy hat, and it felt like an AC/DC concert, but it was still just a cowboy. That shaped me more than you’ll ever know.” But Johnson shares that no artist has had the same impact on his life and career as Merle Haggard. “But Merle Haggard, even in the up-tempo fun songs, was still a poet. I probably have every Merle Haggard song ever recorded on my phone, and most days that’s what’s going on in my truck, when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m frustrated, everything in between, Merle has sung the soundtrack to my life.  And he still is the only artist that passed away where I cried like it was a family member. I don’t know why. I opened for him three times, got an autograph on my guitar, and man, it hit me in the heart. It’s to the point where my kids have asked, ‘When can we go see Merle Haggard in concert?’ Because I’ve played it so much. My song to my daughter Clara is ‘My Favorite Memory of All,’ and my song to my daughter Cori is ‘The Farmer’s Daughter.’ So Merle is just a part of our family, and always will be.” This statement proves that Johnson’s cover of “Footlights” is more than a cover for him. It’s a chance to continue to honor his greatest inspiration. Johnson embodies the spirit of Merle Haggard outside of “Footlights” as well, and those in the industry recognize that too. Back in 2025, Johnson received the ACM Spirit Award at the ACM Honors. Merle Haggard inspired the Spirit Award, which recognizes his authentic storytelling and independent spirit in country music and continues his legacy. Johnson shared that receiving the award was one of the greatest honors of his life. “Anything tied to Merle Haggard with my name is just one of the greatest honors.” What an honor to receive the @ACMawards Spirit Award. Merle Haggard has always been one of my heroes, so this means the world to me. I’m grateful every day that I get to do what I love. Big thanks to my friend @lukebryan for being a part of it. Long live country music, y’all. pic.twitter.com/h9RfX29kmr — Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson) August 22, 2025 Cody Johnson is following in Haggard’s footsteps, solidifying his name as a staple of the genre and shaping the sound generations to come will listen to and look up to. Merle Haggard would be proud to hear one of his songs sung by Cody Johnson. It’s simply incredible. Fire up “Footlights” before you go. The post Why Cody Johnson’s Cover Of Merle Haggard’s “Footlights” Is Personal first appeared on Whiskey Riff.