Photo: Jason Stoltzfus
Cody Johnson made a surprise announcement as he debuted his highly-anticipated duet with powerhouse country star Carrie Underwood on Friday (September 27). The collaboration, “I’m Gonna Love You,” is the first single to release from Johnson’s deluxe album that’s set to release this fall.
“Surprise! I love making music for y’all so much, and I’m stoked to announce that I’m releasing the [Leather Deluxe Edition], with 13 new tracks, out November 1st,” Johnson wrote in a caption on Instagram as he revealed details about the extended album. The Texas-born singer-songwriter confirmed the deluxe edition was on the way earlier this year at the 2024 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee; however, he did not share a release date at that time. That album included hit singles “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap,” among other highlights, and followed 2021’s Human The Double Album and 2019’s Ain’t Nothin’ To It.
Johnson and Underwood first met backstage at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. Underwood, who set a record when she won her 24th and 25th CMT Awards that evening, said her impression of Johnson was, “I really like that guy, and I hope I watch him do great things.” Johnson, who performed on the outdoor stage in the pouring rain at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, said the feeling was mutual.
“From the moment I heard this song, I heard Carrie’s voice on it. It was a non-negotiable for me; either we sing it together, or I wouldn’t sing it at all. It’s that special to me,” Johnson previously said in a statement of “I’m Gonna Love You,” written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer and Travis Denning and produced by Trent Willmon. “Working with Carrie has been an absolute pleasure. She’s not only one hell of a singer, but she’s a class act all the way around. It warms my heart to work with someone who’s seen so much success in their career and they’re still so down to earth. I feel like this duet is going to be massive in so many ways, and I couldn’t be prouder of it!”
Underwood added that “from the time I first heard his voice, I knew Cody had something special. I’m excited for our fans to hear this special collaboration.”
Watch the Dustin Haney-directed “I’m Gonna Love You” music video here: