Cody Johnson’s newly released album Banks of the Trinity includes a duet with Luke Combs called “Shoot the Bull” — and the collaboration is rooted in one of country music’s most openly acknowledged friendships.
Johnson released Banks of the Trinity this past week, and the Combs feature stands as one of its most personal moments. The two artists have cultivated a genuine bond over years of shared stages and mutual professional admiration, with Johnson frequently crediting Combs as a guiding force in his career development. That relationship recently stepped into the spotlight in a significant way during the 2026 ACM Awards.
A Dedication From the ACM Stage
When Johnson won ACM Entertainer of the Year in May, he used his acceptance speech to honor Combs directly — a gesture that carried real weight given that Combs has been nominated for the same award seven times without a win. Johnson told the audience about a moment he witnessed firsthand: Combs, in a state of emotional anguish after missing the birth of his second child while on tour in Australia, still stepped onstage and delivered a commanding performance.
“I watched him get on stage…and play country music, and preach the message of country music to a bunch of Australians across the world,” Johnson said. “So tonight, I want to dedicate my first Entertainer of the Year award to my buddy Luke Combs. I love you, brother.”
A Friendship That Goes Beyond the Stage
Johnson has been candid about how far back the relationship goes. Speaking with country music host Bobby Bones, he recalled opening for Combs when the North Carolina star was still playing tennis courts, and said he took careful note of how Combs managed every facet of his career — from finances to recording to the content he released.
“I have nothing but respect for Luke,” Johnson told Bones. “The way he handles his camp, the way he handles his finances, the way he records his records, the content that he’s putting out, I had a lot of respect.”
That admiration has translated into an ongoing mentorship of sorts. Speaking with Kelleigh Bannen on The Kelleigh Bannen Show on Apple Music Country, Johnson described the ease of their dynamic in professional settings and acknowledged leaning on Combs for direct career counsel. “This year there was some career professional finance stuff that I just called him and was like, ‘Hey, I have no pride in this deal. I know that you’re further along than I am right now as far as career wise. Give me your advice on this. What would you do here?'”
With Banks of the Trinity now out, listeners can hear that friendship captured on record — and Johnson’s full conversation with Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music Country offers a deeper look at the bond behind “Shoot the Bull.”
