Brandon Lake is releasing a collaboration with Cody Johnson. After Lake and Jelly Roll‘s successful “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” the Christian singer reveals he is releasing a version of “When a Cowboy Prays” with Johnson.
Lake shared the news during a recent concert, as part of his headlining King of Hearts Tour.
“The cool part about this song is — and I’m not telling anybody except for those who showed up for my tour. But you can’t post about it. This is a secret. But this song I’m about to sing, I just recorded with Cody Johnson, and we’re gonna come out with this. I heard all of your comments. I wrote this song, and you’re like, ‘This sounds like CoJo. You gotta get CoJo.’ And I was like, ‘Honey, already on it.’”
@sdcooper6 One of Brandon Lake’s first performances of his NEW SONG released 9/26/25 – When a Cowboy Prays @Brandon Lake #brandonlake #whenacowboyprays #christianconcert #worshipjesus #worshipmusic ♬ original sound – Stephanie – sdcooper6
The Story Behind Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
Lake was watching the 2024 CMA Awards, when he saw Jelly Roll sing “I Believe” with Brooks & Dunn.
“I fell asleep during the awards show,” Lake recalls to K-Love. “I’m chilling in bed, it’s late at night. I wake up the next morning, and the first thing I see on my phone is a video of Jelly’s performance, and Brooks & Dunn. I opened it up, still laying in bed and I watched this happen. I had never seen church like this happen in this place. It was so unexpected, and I’m literally laying there, and I start bawling my eyes out.
“I felt the spirit of God translate through my phone, from that moment, after the fact,” he continues. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is the dude. He just led the world in worship.’ I don’t think anyone saw it coming. People were standing up, lifting their hands, there are tears rolling down their face. I was just so moved. It gave me all the confidence in the world that this is a dude we have to ask to get on this song.”
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” just gave Jelly Roll his first three Dove Awards. The song is in the Top 35 at country radio.
Why Cody Johnson Isn’t Performing in 2025
Johnson was forced to cancel the remainder of his 2025 tour dates, after he had to have surgery to repair a burst eardrum. Fortunately, Johnson is recovering well, and looking forward to touring again next year.
“Doctor said the surgery went great,” Johnson reveals. “Should make a full recovery with the proper rehab. I’ve got a lot of follow-up doctor’s appointments to go yet. I just wanted to say, thanks for all the texts, the calls, the prayer requests, all the good wishes. I’ve really felt the love. So, I’m gonna do my best to recharge. And I can’t wait to see you guys in 2026.”
Johnson will perform one show in 2026 with George Strait. The show will take place on Saturday, May 22, at Clemson, South Carolina’s Memorial Stadium.