Cody Johnson is known for his gritty, cowboy country sound, but beneath the hat and boots, there’s a man with a deep-rooted faith. Nowhere is that more evident than in his acoustic performance of His Name Is Jesus, recorded at The Nashville Vineyard Church in 2019 as part of Country Rebel’s “The Church Sessions” series.
With nothing but his voice and a guitar, Johnson delivered a raw, emotional rendition of a song that showcased his vocal strength and gave fans a glimpse into his personal relationship with faith.
A Simple Question That Changed Everything
Before singing His Name Is Jesus, Cody Johnson shared a personal story explaining why this song matters to him.
For years, Johnson would credit “the man upstairs” when talking about his success, playing it safe when publicly expressing his faith. But then, his friend Randy Weaver, pastor of Lone Star Cowboy Church, asked him a question that hit him right in the heart:
“Would it kill you to say Jesus Christ? Would it kill you to say His name?”
That simple challenge made Johnson realize that if he talked about his faith, he needed to say it with conviction.
So, he didn’t hold back the next time he took the stage—at the Houston Rodeo in front of 60,000 people. He thanked “my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” a moment that solidified his commitment to being open about his faith.
A Song That Speaks to the Soul
Johnson wrote His Name Is Jesus on Christmas Day. However, he later admitted forgetting about it until his mother reminded him. That alone says a lot—it wasn’t a song crafted to fit a trend or score a hit. It was a genuine moment of inspiration; that authenticity comes through in every note.
For You
The song’s lyrics paint a powerful picture of who Jesus is, calling Him by the names that have defined His presence throughout history:
“Immanuel, King of all Kings / Son of the Father, Prince of Peace / Hosanna, Lighthouse at Sea / Rock of Ages, He’s a friend to me.”
It’s not just a song—a statement of faith, a reminder that even in the hardest times, there’s a name we can call on.
Johnson’s His Name Is Jesus performance is a raw, unfiltered moment that strips away all distractions. There are no flashing lights or production tricks—just one man, a guitar, and a deep belief in the words he’s singing.
Johnson’s boldness is refreshing in an industry where many artists tiptoe around faith to avoid controversy. He’s not preaching or trying to be something he’s not—he’s just singing what’s in his heart.
And sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing an artist can do.
Watch Cody Johnson’s acoustic performance of His Name Is Jesus and experience the unshakable faith behind the music.
