Copyright billboard
Skip to main content Cody Johnson Chris Douglas Trending on Billboard Five years after Cody Johnson first recorded his version of The Chicks’ hit “Travelin’ Soldier” during a livestream performance session, and three years after he released an acoustic performance rendition of the song, he has finally released his official version of the track. Cody Johnson See latest videos, charts and news In a video posted on Instagram Thursday (Nov. 6), Johnson spoke about his fans’ love for the tender song about a young woman whose love story with a deployed soldier ends in heartbreak and tragedy. Hilary Duff Has 'Mature' Conversation With Her Past Self on Comeback Single: Stream It Now Katy Perry Cheats Death While Narrowly Escaping One Disaster After the Next in Vulnerable 'Bandaids' Video Tems' Leading Vibe Initiative Releases '72 Hours in Lagos' Mini Documentary About Three Rising Female Producers “We recorded this song in 2020 on a livestream during COVID, and then it kind of went viral,” Johnson explained in the video. “I’ve traveled all over the world and there’s signs in the crowd that say, ‘Play “Travelin’ Soldier”‘ and people come to the meet-and-greets and say, ‘Play “Travelin’ Soldier.”‘ It kind of turned into this thing, like, ‘I guess we’re going to have to record this song.'” Singer-songwriter Bruce Robison wrote and first recorded “Travelin’ Soldier” in 1996. Ty England also recorded a version of it for his 1999 album Highways & Dance Halls. But it was trio The Chicks’ rendition that became a No. 1 Billboard Hot Country Songs chart hit in 2003. However, that victory was short-lived, as country radio stations pulled the song from airwaves after The Chicks’ lead singer Natalie Maines told an audience in London on March 10, 2003, just prior to the Iraq War, that she was ashamed to be from the same state as George W. Bush, who was president at the time. Two weeks after Maines’ comment, “Travelin’ Soldier” was no longer in the top 40 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs/Country Airplay charts. Still, the song has remained a longtime fan favorite, and Johnson has previously included the song in his concerts. In the video, Johnson said, “This is just because we love you guys and figured we’d give you what you want.” He releases the song just before Veterans Day, and as his radio single “The Fall” continues climbing Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart. Hear Johnson’s studio version of “Travelin’ Soldier” below: Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about? Get in the know on Visit Billboard Pro for music business news Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Powered by WordPress.com VIP optional screen reader Manage Account Billboard Hot 100™ Billboard 200™ Hits Of The World™ Songs Of The Summer Year-End Charts Decade-End Charts R&B/Hip-Hop Business News Record Labels View All Pro Songwriters & Producers Artist Index Royalty Calculator Market Watch Industry Events Calendar Billboard Español Cultura y Entretenimiento Crossword Puzzle GET ACCESS TODAY
