Trent Willmon's Impact on Country Music with Cody Johnson

Trent Willmon, a prominent figure in country music, continues to leave his mark through his songwriting and production talents.
April 3, 2025
Want to invest in the music royalties featured in this article?
Become a Royalty Exchange member.
Start Investing

Known for his work with artists like Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton, Willmon's recent collaboration on the song "She Hurts Like Tequila" with Cody Johnson and Carín León showcases his ability to blend genres seamlessly. His role in Cody Johnson's top hits, including "I'm Gonna Love You" with Carrie Underwood, highlights his exceptional skill in crafting memorable and impactful music.

She Hurts Like Tequila: A Cross-Cultural Musical Fusion

"She Hurts Like Tequila" is a captivating collaboration between country sensation Cody Johnson and Mexican singer-songwriter Carín León. This intoxicating ballad beautifully blends country and traditional Mexican music, broadening the appeal of both genres to a wider audience. The song's creation involved a talented team of songwriters, including Cody Johnson, Johan Sotelo, Orlando Aispuro, Carín León, and Trent Willmon, with Willmon also serving as the producer. The track features verses in both English and Spanish, showcasing the artists' versatility and commitment to a cross-cultural musical experience. The lyrics metaphorically compare the intensity of love to the effects of tequila, crafting a vivid and relatable narrative. The collaboration has been praised for its smooth sound and seamless blending of musical styles, suggesting it has the potential to become a massive hit and further cement the artists' places in the music industry.

Trent Willmon: A Pillar of Country Music

Trent Willmon, an American country music artist, songwriter, and producer, has left an indelible mark on the country music scene. Born and raised on a ranch in Amarillo, Texas, his roots have deeply influenced his musical style and cowboy persona. While he began his career as a recording artist with Sony/Columbia Records, releasing albums like "Trent Willmon" and "A Little More Livin'," it is his songwriting and producing prowess that have truly set him apart. Willmon has penned hits for prominent artists such as Brad Paisley, Eric Church, and Blake Shelton. His work with Cody Johnson, particularly the award-winning single "Til You Can't," showcases his exceptional talent, earning him a CMA Award for "Single Of The Year." Willmon's ability to craft authentic cowboy ballads and his influential collaborations continue to shape the sound of contemporary country music.

Top 5 Songs Produced by Trent Willmon

Explore five standout tracks showcasing Trent Willmon's exceptional production skills in contemporary country music, highlighting his ability to blend traditional and modern elements seamlessly.

I'm Gonna Love You by Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood

"I'm Gonna Love You," a captivating duet by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood, stands out as a testament to the power of collaboration and persistence in the music industry. Released as part of Johnson's deluxe album "Leather," the song quickly gained recognition, earning a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 60th ACM Awards. Its blend of traditional and modern country elements, highlighted by a piano-driven instrumental and electric guitar solo, creates a rich musical landscape. The song's themes of enduring love and resilience are brought to life through the dynamic vocal interplay between Johnson and Underwood. Trent Willmon's role as both songwriter and producer was pivotal, as he expertly balanced acoustic and electric elements, enhancing the song's emotional depth. His production, combined with contributions from legendary musicians like Vince Gill, elevated the track to new heights, making it a standout piece in contemporary country music.

Dirt Cheap by Cody Johnson

"Dirt Cheap" by Cody Johnson is a testament to the power of storytelling in country music, capturing the hearts of listeners with its poignant narrative. The song, penned by Josh Phillips and brought to life by producer Trent Willmon, tells the story of a farmer's emotional connection to his land, emphasizing themes of heritage and memory. This track was nominated for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the CMA Awards, highlighting its impact and resonance within the industry. Willmon's production expertise shines through, enhancing the song's authentic country sound and emotional depth, which are hallmarks of Johnson's music. The collaboration between Johnson and Willmon, both rooted in Texas country traditions, elevates "Dirt Cheap" to a standout piece in Johnson's discography.

On My Way to You by Cody Johnson

"On My Way to You" by Cody Johnson is a heartfelt country ballad that beautifully captures the essence of love and perseverance. Co-written by Brett James and Tony Lane, the song stands out as Johnson's first major-label release under Warner Music Nashville. It achieved significant commercial success, selling over 107,000 copies in the U.S. and earning 2x Platinum certification. The track's neotraditional country sound, featuring a blend of acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar, is elevated by Trent Willmon's production. Known for his authentic cowboy style, Willmon skillfully balances traditional and modern elements, adding a contemporary edge with a bold electric guitar solo. His production highlights Johnson's powerful vocals, making "On My Way to You" a defining piece in Johnson's career and a testament to Willmon's influential role in shaping contemporary country music.

The Painter by Cody Johnson

"The Painter" by Cody Johnson is a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Brandi, capturing the essence of their 15-year marriage through vivid, paint-themed metaphors. Released as the lead single from his 2023 album Leather, the song highlights Johnson's commitment to traditional country music, a style expertly preserved by producer Trent Willmon. Known for his authentic cowboy ballads, Willmon's production emphasizes acoustic instrumentation and Johnson's rich baritone, aligning perfectly with the song's introspective tone. Although Johnson did not pen the lyrics himself, the songwriters Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins crafted words that resonate deeply with his personal experiences. This collaboration resulted in a track that not only stands out in Johnson's discography but also reinforces his dedication to meaningful storytelling in country music.

Nothin’ On You by Cody Johnson

"Nothin' On You" by Cody Johnson is a standout track from his major-label debut album, Ain’t Nothin’ to It, released under CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville. The song, co-written and produced by Trent Willmon, showcases Johnson's blend of traditional and modern country music. While the lyrics embrace familiar romantic themes, the song's production, featuring a 3/4 time signature and rich instrumental textures, draws favorable comparisons to Keith Urban's style. The track debuted at No. 60 on the Billboard Country Digital Songs chart and has become a favorite in live performances, resonating with audiences for its anthemic quality. Willmon's role as both songwriter and producer was pivotal, ensuring the song's alignment with Johnson's authentic Texas country roots while appealing to a broader audience.

Unlock the Value of Your Music Catalog

Trent Willmon's impressive catalog, featuring collaborations that have shaped the sound of country music, is a testament to the power of songwriting and production. For songwriters and producers like Willmon, exploring the financial potential of your music catalog has never been easier. Royalty Exchange offers a platform where you can unlock the true value of your work without any commitment. With a free catalog valuation, you can understand your music's worth based on real market data. The process is fast and flexible, allowing you to explore deal options at your own pace while maintaining control over your terms. Whether you're curious or ready to take the next step, there's no risk in getting a free valuation. Discover new opportunities for your career today with Royalty Exchange.

Become a Royalty Exchange Member
Sign Up
Get An Instant Catalog Analysis & Valuation
Sign Up
Interested In Royalty Investing?
Sign Up

Creator Stories

Andrew Goldstein and the Making of 'Forever Overdose'
Andrew Goldstein, a versatile producer known for his work with artists like Demi Lovato and Maroon 5, continues to make waves in the music industry.
Read Post
Discover the Magic Behind Malik Ninety Five's Top Collaborations
Malik Ninety Five, a visionary producer and songwriter from New Orleans, continues to shape the sound of modern music with his innovative production style.
Read Post
Inside 'SEARCHING': Mike Hector's Role in Crafting a New R&B Anthem
Mike Hector, a multi-platinum, Grammy-award-winning producer, continues to shape the music industry with his innovative production style.
Read Post
No items found.