In the tradition of his forebears, Johnson writes sturdy, no-nonsense songs of his own that practically define the idea of “outlaw” country.
Johnson has long been a champion for working-class values in his music, from “High Cost of Living” to “In Color” to “Can’t Cash My Checks.” His songs speak directly to the experiences of everyday Americans in a way that few contemporary artists can match.
“I chose this for me,” Johnson has said. “I could be a lot bigger. There’s ways to go about becoming more popular. I don’t want to do that. That’s got nothing to do with writing songs, and it’s got nothing to do with traveling and singing or being me.”