“Vince Gill Would Be So Proud”: It Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This Cody Johnson Cover of “When I Call Your Name”

With nearly two decades in country music, Cody Johnson proved himself to be a top singer in the genre, releasing songs like “Wild As You” and “Long Live Cowgirls.” Drawing inspiration from singers like Willie Nelson and George Strait, Johnson went on to release nine studio albums and win numerous awards. Continuing to climb the charts in country music, Johnson once performed at the Grand Ole Opry. But instead of celebrating himself, the country singer decided to honor Vince Gill as he covered “When I Call Your Name.” 

Back in July 2022, the Grand Ole Opry decided to host an Opry Loves the 90s event. It just so happens that Gill released “When I Call Your Name” in May 1990 on the album of the same name. With Gill holding such a special place in music, Johnson commanded the stage as he mastered the song. 

Gaining over one million views, fans loved Johnson’s cover, writing, “Man I hope he’s working on a cover album. He covers this, travelin soldier, and she’s actin single amazingly and I want them released on Spotify so bad.” Another person insisted, “We need an album of covers!  She’s Actin Single, Traveling Soldier, When I Call Your Name, Wichita Lineman, When Whoever’s in New England, etc!  Cody Johnson is the REAL DEAL!  He’s amazing live and can sing anything!  Real Country Music is alive!!” 

Maybe no one put it better than this TikTok user who simply stated, “Vince Gill would be so proud.” In a world filled with cover performances—some good and some not so good—it’s always great to see an artist do an original track justice.

[RELATED: “That’s How It’s Done”: Cody Johnson Absolutely Crushes National Anthem Rendition at MLB All-Star Game]

Cody Johnson Discusses The Early Years Of Writing Songs

Outside of covering hit songs, Johnson hopes to write a few classics himself. Once speaking with Holler about the early years of his career, the singer explained, “I’ve got a book about 4” thick full of terrible country songs. I used to write about everything: the girl I liked, the girl who dumped me, the girl who didn’t dump me, growing up, fishing, hunting and eventually wanting to rodeo.” He continued, “I would play those songs for everybody and anybody that would listen to me. I still have that book.”

Although singers can be harsh on their own work, Johnson added, “I recently went through it thinking, ‘I wonder if there’s something in here that’s really good.’ There was not. But you know, Babe Ruth held two records in baseball: the most home runs and the most strikeouts. That’s how I feel about those songs I wrote in the beginning.”

(Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)