Cody Johnson has released a special music video for his No. 1 single, “The Painter,” featuring a painting by a young woman with special needs named Katie McCormick, whose mother, Teresa, connected with their local radio station after being especially moved by the song’s lyrics. “The Painter” was the first single off Johnson’s 12-track studio album Leather which was released last fall, and details his relationship with his wife, Brandi.
After Katie’s story made its way to Warner Music Nashville (Cody’s label) he began to develop the video in collaboration with an AI artist. A post on Johnson’s socials read: “Hey y’all, check out The Painter (Katie’s Version) that brings to life a painting by Katie McCormick, a young woman with special needs. Her mother, Teresa, connected with their local radio station one morning after being especially moved by the song’s lyrics. Because of Katie’s intractable epilepsy and many surgeries throughout her life, she has right sided weakness and a learning delay disability. However, she discovered a love of painting as a therapeutic outlet through a connection with her incredible and dedicated art teacher, Debby Francis. Katie’s story made its way to Cody’s label, Warner Music Nashville, who developed the video in collaboration with an AI artist. The result is a beautiful burst of color and movement, serving as an answer to the question – “how can we take Katie inside one of her own paintings? ** While this song is written about a man’s love for his wife and how she colors his world, it allows everyone who hears it to drift away in thought to that person who adds beauty and color to their own life. Be that a child, a parent, spouse, or friend,” Teresa shared. “This is what country music is all about. – Team CoJo”
Says Katie’s mom, Teresa: “While this song is written about a man’s love for his wife and how she colors his world, it allows everyone who hears it to drift away in thought to that person who adds beauty and color to their own life. Be that a child, a parent, spouse, or friend. This is what country music is all about.”
Take a look at the video for “The Painter (Katie’s Version)” – here.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
