Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson Sing a Waylon & Willie Classic
Lainey Wilson surprised the crowd during Cody Johnson’s final show of the year.
Over the weekend, Cody Johnson wrapped up his year of touring with two sold-out shows in Las Vegas. He took the stage at the MGM Garden Arena during the second weekend of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
For his last live performance of 2024, Johnson knew he had to make it memorable— and he delivered.
To the crowd’s surprise, Johnson welcomed Lainey Wilson to the stage. Together, they gave a stunning duet of the classic country hit “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
The song was originally written and recorded by Ed Bruce in 1976. While Bruce’s version appeared on his self-titled album, the song is best known for the rendition by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
The duo recorded the track for their 1978 duet album. It quickly became a country music staple, soaring to No.1 on the country charts. Later, their version earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group in 1979.
This isn’t the first time Johnson has covered the iconic song. The “Dirt Cheap” singer previously released his own rendition, recorded live during the 58th Annual ACM Awards in 2023. The performance was part of a special tribute celebrating Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday.
In his recording of the iconic track, Johnson drew attention by putting a personal spin on the lyrics, changing the famous line to say “Mamas don’t let your cowboys grow up to be babies.”
When Johnson and Wilson performed their cover of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” their energy together was electric. The two superstars couldn’t hide their excitement about sharing the moment, and at one point, Johnson proudly shouted to the crowd, “That’s Lainey Wilson!”
Watch Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson perform “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” in the video below.