MUSIC CITY MINUTE

Cody Johnson’s gruesome eardrum injury: finding gratitude in the pain and anguish of recovery | Music City Minute

Dec 1, 2025, 4:44 PM

There is no denying Cody Johnson is tough as nails. Before hitting it big and country music, Johnson was a professional bull rider and prison guard. However, even those experiences were not enough to prepare him for the physical and mental toll of a severely perforated eardrum. The “Till You Can’t” singer admits the recovery from emergency eardrum surgery has been excruciating. Compounded by the maddening inability hear correctly made Cody a dull and bristly boy. Despite the long healing period, limited travel and canceled shows, the Texas native recognizes the ordeal has also been a blessing in disguise. Cody’s convalescence has forced him to slow down, take care of himself and taught him to be a more patient man. Furthermore, the uninterrupted time with his growing family is perhaps the greatest gift of all.
I’m Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.

Music City Minute

Broadway in Nashville...

Sheena

Nashville’s people and places: here today, gone tomorrow | Music City Minute

Perpetual change throughout life’s ebb and flow is inescapable. Thankfully, two things always remain constant: time marching forward and a relatable country song. On that note, sweeping winds of change […]

7 hours ago

Dierks Bentley...

Sheena

Dierks Bentley recruits legendary musician for epic passion project | Music City Minute

Well, well, well, look who is living their bluegrass dream! One of Colorado’s (favorite) adopted sons, Dierks Bentley, will be heading out on tour this summer with the legendary Ricky […]

4 days ago

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA)...

Sarah Nelson

Tim McGraw was on the verge of burnout until Faith Hill showed him a better life | Music City Minute

Music is a way of interpreting human experience. Whether it’s hiring a wino to decorate your house, your daddy giving you a funny name, waiting on a woman or describing […]

5 days ago

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 13:  Singer Thomas Rhett performs onstage during the 2015 CMA Festival on June...

Sheena

Thomas Rhett teases musical shift | Music City Minute

In a bustling music hub such as Nashville, artists are a dime a dozen. That said, a musically versatile artist would likely have more opportunities than the one-trick pony. Over […]

11 days ago

Ella Langley...

Sarah Nelson

Move over boys, Ella Langley is cookin’ (and it ain’t biscuits)! | Music City Minute

Country music has evolved significantly over the decades, yet male dominance in the format has stayed the same. Legendary female artists like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba, The Judds, Shania […]

12 days ago

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 16: Carrie Underwood receives CMT Artist of the Year award during a remot...

Sheena

Gotcha! Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley left Carrie Underwood in hysterics on ‘American Idol’ | Music City Minute

Country music artists have a lot of pride in their work. Viral songs, award winning albums and touring the world are a reflection of their dedication and spirit, after all. […]

13 days ago

Cody Johnson’s gruesome eardrum injury: finding gratitude in the pain and anguish of recovery | Music City Minute