Lukas Nelson has proven himself to be an incredibly versatile artist. He can write songs with the best of them and can make nearly any other artist’s songs his own. Whether he’s dipping into the deep well of classic country or playing something more modern, Nelson nails it every time. Recently, he shared an acoustic version of one of Cody Johnson’s biggest hits.
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Last Friday (January 24), Nelson took to social media to share a spirited acoustic cover of Johnson’s hit song “’Til You Can’t.” Nelson’s rendition of the song features up-tempo fingerpicking and his distinctive voice. Much like the original, he’s rather subdued throughout the verses. Then, he cranks the energy up to 11 when he moves into the chorus.
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“Always loved this song by Cody Johnson. Decided to try and learn it this evening,” Nelson wrote in the caption. So, it’s not just a killer cover of a great song it’s also a song that he is just starting to get under his fingers.
Lukas Nelson Covered Cody Johnson’s First No. 1 Single
Not only can Lukas Nelson seemingly play and sing any tune he puts his mind to, but he also knows how to pick the cream of the crop. “’Til You Can’t” was Cody Johnson’s first chart-topping single.
Johnson found some acclaim with his 2019 album Ain’t Nothin’ to It. However, he didn’t really explode until he released Human: The Double Album in 2021. He released “’Til You Can’t” as the lead single from that album and it caught on like wildfire.
Written by Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers, the single topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. It also brought him the CMA Awards for Single of the Year and Video of the Year. Additionally, it won Best Country Song at the Grammy Awards in 2023.
Some fans may not realize that Johnson was over a decade into his career before he secured his first No. 1. His first album, Black and White Label dropped in 2006. Johnson independently released that album and the five that followed it. He wouldn’t release his first major label album until 2019.
Johnson didn’t write “’Til You Can’t” but he lived the lyrics. The song is about perseverance and dedication and his career path proves that he knows plenty about both of those things.
Featured image by Gary Miller/Getty Images for Shock Inc
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