Cody Johnson, the platinum-selling artist under COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville, has unveiled a poignant music video for his acclaimed single, “The Painter,” nominated for ACM Song of the Year. The visual accompaniment showcases a painting created by Katie McCormick, a young woman with special needs, whose story resonated deeply with Johnson’s fanbase.
Teresa McCormick, Katie’s mother, shared her emotional journey upon hearing the song: “I was very much in my head that morning with a thousand swirling thoughts, half listening to the conversation because Katie was turning 18 the next day.” As a result of Katie’s intractable epilepsy, this milestone brought forth numerous challenges. However, Johnson’s lyrics struck a chord with Teresa: “‘The Painter’ started playing while my thoughts were still somewhere else. But then a particular lyric – ‘I don’t remember my life before she came into the picture’ – struck her like a bolt of lightning. ‘With every new verse, I had visions of Katie.'”
Despite Katie’s physical challenges, she discovered solace and expression through painting, facilitated by her dedicated art teacher, Debby Francis. Teresa’s text of gratitude to the local radio station sparked a chain of events leading to Warner Music Nashville developing the music video, collaborating with an AI artist to bring Katie’s paintings to life.
“This mom, having a moment in her car listening to the radio, lost it, tears streaming at this point. Ugly crying,” shared Teresa. “Katie has overcome so many obstacles. Every new verse, I could picture a different phase of life, story or image of her. Through a blur of tears, I reached for my phone and sent a text message to the radio station thanking them for playing that song right at that moment. She is the color to MY life.”
Johnson’s gold-certified single “The Painter” stands as a testament to the power of love and support within relationships. It is the lead track from his album “Leather,” which received critical acclaim and charted on various year-end lists. As Johnson’s career continues to ascend, with five ACM Award nominations including Entertainer of the Year, his impact on the country music scene remains undeniable.
Fans can experience Johnson’s musical journey firsthand as he headlines “The Leather Tour,” with tickets available for purchase here. As “The Painter” continues to touch hearts and resonate with audiences worldwide, Cody Johnson’s legacy in country music is firmly cemented.