Getting his start fronting a thrash metal band, Cody Jinks segued into country music in the early aughts. Entering the conversation with 2016’s I’m Not the Devil, the Texan outlaw country singer debuted a new side of himself with last year’s Change the Game. Also in 2024, Cody Jinks broadened his reach when he joined Luke Combs on the “Fast Car” singer’s Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour. Here’s why Jinks, 44, is forever grateful to the former Entertainer of the Year for the opportunity.
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How Luke Combs “Went Out on a Limb” For Cody Jinks
For Cody Jinks, staying true to his “outlaw country” sensibilities has meant becoming somewhat of a loner. Last year, the “Ain’t a Train” singer cut ties with his longtime manager and assumed those responsibilities himself.
Unlike Cody Jinks, Luke Combs has had the backing of country radio and a major record label. The “Beautiful Crazy” singer’s decision to invite Jinks along on his Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour may have raised eyebrows for some listeners. But during a recent appearance on The Jarrod Morris Vibe, Jinks opened up about the new level of respect he gained for the six-time CMA Award winner after hitching a ride on his stadium tour.
“Luke’s one of those ones where people are like, ‘You’re on a stadium tour with Luke Combs? That’s big Nashville,’” Jinks said. “And, you know, I’m like, ‘Do you realize how big a set of balls Luke Combs has asking me to run direct support on a stadium tour? Do you understand in Nashville the ripples that that created? People going, ‘Holy crap, he’s taking Jinks with him?’”
“He Freaking Put His Money Where His Mouth Is”
Cody Jinks isn’t afraid to say that he and his band have previously lost out on opening gigs because “we’re normally going to blow anybody off the stage we go before, and everybody knows that.” But, he says Luke Combs wasn’t intimidated.
“He said, ‘I don’t care… I want that guy out on the road with me because he’s badass,” Jinks said. “And he freaking put his money where his mouth is. We got paid more than any other direct support opener I’ve ever even heard of in my life. He flat out told me like, dude. anything you need, anything y’all want, we are so glad you’re here… just a gentleman and just super kind. And, you know, that’s as big a Nashville guy as you can get.”
He continued,“No dude, I love that guy. That guy went out on a limb for me. You go out on a limb for me, bro, and I’m the dog that don’t go away.”
Featured image by Omar Vega/Getty Images
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