The Baton Rouge Songwriter Behind Cody Johnson’s Powerful Hit
- LouisianaCountryMusic
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
By Louisiana Country Music — October 19, 2025
How Benjy Davis brought Louisiana heart to Cody Johnson's No.1 Single, “The Painter”
When Cody Johnson released “The Painter”, fans immediately recognized it as something special. The song’s heartfelt message — about love that brings color to life’s black and white — has connected deeply with listeners across the country.
And behind that message is Benjy Davis, a Baton Rouge native whose songwriting has quietly shaped some of modern country’s most moving moments.
From baton rouge roots to Nashville rooms
Before Nashville ever knew his name, Benjy Davis was already leading a loyal following across Louisiana as frontman of the Benjy Davis Project, a Baton Rouge-based folk-rock group known for its rich storytelling and emotional depth.
But while his voice first carried on local stages, it was in Nashville’s writing rooms that Davis found his true calling. Over the years, he’s penned songs for Rascal Flatts, Jake Owen, Chris Young and more, carving out a respected reputation among Music City’s top-tier songwriters.
Then came the session that would change everything — the day he helped bring “The Painter” to life.
The moment "the painter" was born
Like most great songs, “The Painter” started with a simple, honest idea. Co-writer Ryan Larkins mentioned that his wife “always brought color to his life.” The line struck something in the room.
Together with Benjy Davis and Kat Higgins, that spark became a portrait of love painted through the lens of gratitude — a story about the kind of partner who sees light where others see walls.
“For every wall I built, she saw a canvas.”
That lyric became the heart of the song — and eventually, a career-defining moment for Cody Johnson.
A Career High for Cody Johnson — and a Milestone for Its Writers
“The Painter” went on to become Cody Johnson’s second No. 1 single at country radio, certified Gold, and NSAI's 2024 Song of the Year. It’s a love letter wrapped in melody, and Davis’s fingerprints are all over it.
What makes the song so powerful is its authenticity. It’s built from real relationships, real gratitude, and real-life imperfections — the kind of truth Louisiana songwriters have always been known for capturing.
Why This Matters for LouisianaCountry music
For Louisiana Country Music fans, this moment is bigger than one song. Benjy Davis proves that our region’s songwriters aren’t just part of the conversation — they’re helping shape the next generation of country music.
His success shows how a voice rooted in Louisiana storytelling can find its way into the heart of Nashville and still carry the soul of home. Because when you listen to “The Painter,” you don’t just hear Cody Johnson — you hear a piece of Louisiana woven into every line.
Check out other songs Benjy has written — here!
Follow Benjy Davis on Spotify, where he releases his own music:
We’re keeping an eye on Benjy Davis and the next generation of Louisiana songwriters making
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