Cody Jinks
Cody Jinks is an American outlaw country singer and songwriter raised in Haltom City near Fort Worth, Texas.[1] Early Career and TransitionJinks initially pursued music in the thrash metal genre as the frontman of the band Unchecked Aggression before shifting to country music in the early 2010s.[2] He honed his craft performing in local bars and honky-tonks, embracing a DIY ethos that defined his independent rise in the industry.[3] Breakthrough and Achievements
Jinks achieved his breakout with the 2016 album I'm Not the Devil, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.[4] Over the course of his career, he has released eleven full-length studio albums, all charting near the top of the Billboard Country and Independent charts, while accumulating over 5 billion streams across platforms as of 2025 and securing eight songs certified Platinum or Gold by the RIAA (three of which are Platinum or higher).[3][5] In 2023, he was honored as MusicRow's Independent Artist of the Year for the second time.[3] His music blends classic outlaw country with Southern rock influences, earning him a dedicated fanbase for its raw, authentic storytelling.[6] Recent Work
Jinks' eleventh studio album, In My Blood, was released on July 25, 2025, via his own Late August Records label, marking a new chapter in his ongoing evolution as an artist.[7]
Personal background
Early life
Cody Jinks, born Meredith Cody Jinks on August 18, 1980, in Haltom City, Texas, grew up in a working-class family in the North Texas area. His parents held blue-collar jobs, with his father working on freight docks, reflecting the economic realities of their household. Jinks attended Haltom High School, where he completed his secondary education without pursuing further formal studies at a college or university. As a teenager, Jinks' family encountered significant financial difficulties, which led to his parents and younger sister—then 12 years old—relocating to East Texas in search of stable employment. Jinks, aged 18 at the time, chose to remain in the Fort Worth region to finish high school, maintain his early relationship, and begin working, marking a pivotal separation in family dynamics during his late adolescence. Music entered Jinks' life early through familial influences, as his father introduced him to the guitar around age 15, teaching basic chords that sparked his initial passion for rock and heavy metal genres. This exposure during his teenage years laid the groundwork for his creative pursuits, though he balanced it with blue-collar labor similar to his parents' occupations.Family and personal life
Cody Jinks married his wife, Rebecca, in the early 2000s around the age of 23; a songwriter herself, she has served as both a creative muse and steadfast partner throughout his personal and musical journey.[8] Jinks is the father of two children—a son named Larson and a daughter—and has openly discussed the difficulties of reconciling his demanding tour schedule, which once exceeded 200 shows annually, with being present for his family.[1] In August 2023, Jinks quit drinking cold turkey, prompted by an incident where his children witnessed him fall down drunk and driven by mounting career stresses alongside a commitment to prioritize his family's well-being.[9][10] This decision, supported by his wife Rebecca's long-standing encouragement without pressure, fostered a profound reconnection with her and their children, enabling him to reengage emotionally after years of alcohol-induced numbness.[10] Jinks and his family reside in Fort Worth, Texas, where he embraces a grounded lifestyle as a devoted family man while maintaining his independence from major record labels through his own imprint.[8][1]Music career
Early musical endeavors
Cody Jinks launched his music career in the late 1990s as the lead vocalist and guitarist of Unchecked Aggression, a thrash metal band formed in Fort Worth, Texas, when he was around 17 years old. Drawing heavy influence from Metallica, particularly James Hetfield's vocal style, the band explored themes of aggression and discontent through high-energy performances in local Texas club scenes, including rough venues around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They recorded a self-released LP and toured regionally, fostering a dedicated but niche following in the metal community before disbanding in the mid-2000s.[11][8][12] Following the band's end, Jinks balanced music with bartending jobs while beginning to write more introspective songs, eventually committing to a full-time music career in 2007. His debut solo album, Cast No Stones, arrived in 2008 as a self-released effort that showcased his evolving songwriting, blending rock edges with personal narratives and limited distribution through independent outlets like local shows and direct sales. This marked an initial pivot from metal's intensity toward more vulnerable, acoustic-driven material.[8][13][14] Jinks continued self-producing his work with the 2010 album Less Wise, which delved deeper into themes of relationships and self-reflection, distributed primarily via his website and regional performances to cultivate a growing Texas fanbase. The 2012 release 30 further honed this personal style, featuring raw, unpolished tracks that resonated with local audiences through grassroots promotion and constant touring across the state. These early independent efforts, sold at shows and online, helped establish Jinks' reputation in outlaw and red dirt circles without major label support.[13][15][16] The aggressive energy from his metal roots occasionally surfaced in Jinks' later country arrangements, adding grit to his outlaw sound.[11]Transition to country music
Following his time fronting the thrash metal band Unchecked Aggression in the early 2000s, Cody Jinks began transitioning to country music in the late 2000s, driven by personal discontent and life changes that prompted a desire for more authentic self-expression through storytelling. Married to Rebecca Jinks since the mid-2000s and starting a family, he sought music that reflected his maturing perspectives on relationships, vulnerability, and everyday struggles, drawing from the country sounds of his childhood influences like Merle Haggard and George Jones.[11][17][18] This shift culminated in the recording of his pivotal country album, Adobe Sessions, in 2015 at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, Texas, specifically in the small, intimate Adobe Room that lent the project its raw, unpolished acoustic feel. The sessions featured stripped-down arrangements emphasizing Jinks' gravelly baritone and themes of independence, as heard in tracks like "Hippies and Cowboys," which captured his outlaw ethos and rejection of mainstream norms. Engineered by Charles Godfrey with additional work by Nick Choate, the album marked Jinks' full pivot to country instrumentation, including acoustic guitars and pedal steel, moving away from metal's aggression.[19][20][21] Jinks self-released Adobe Sessions independently, adopting a grassroots approach to promotion that relied on intimate house shows and regional tours across Texas to build a dedicated fanbase organically. This DIY strategy echoed the independent spirit he admired in both metal and outlaw country scenes, allowing direct connections with audiences without major label involvement.[11][20] During this period, Jinks assembled his backing band, The Tone Deaf Hippies, adapting members from his metal days to country setups while collaborating with Texas-based songwriters to refine his material, focusing on co-writing that prioritized personal narratives over commercial hooks. These early partnerships helped shape his sound, blending rock edges with traditional country elements for an authentic, unfiltered style.[8][22]Breakthrough years (2015–2016)
In 2015, Cody Jinks released Adobe Sessions independently on January 12, marking a pivotal moment in his career with its raw outlaw country sound recorded in the Adobe Room at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, Texas.[20] The album received widespread critical acclaim for its authentic blend of traditional country elements and personal storytelling, with reviewers praising tracks like "Loud and Heavy" for their emotional depth and Jinks' gravelly vocals.[20] As an independent release without major label support or radio play, it achieved surprising sales figures, exceeding expectations and establishing Jinks as a rising force in the genre through grassroots momentum.[23] The track "Loud and Heavy" from Adobe Sessions emerged as a standout, inspired by Jinks' young son and gaining traction via social media shares and fan recommendations, which amplified its reach beyond Texas circuits.[24] This organic spread helped build early buzz, leading to increased streams and downloads that foreshadowed broader success. Jinks supported the album with an extensive touring schedule, performing over 50 shows across the U.S. in 2015, including club dates and regional festivals that fostered a dedicated fanbase reliant on word-of-mouth endorsements.[25] Building on this foundation, Jinks' 2016 album I'm Not the Devil, released on August 12 via Thirty Tigers, propelled him to national prominence.[26] The record debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, selling over 11,000 copies in its first week and showcasing Jinks' maturation with introspective songs like the title track.[26] To promote it, Jinks embarked on initial national tours, co-headlining with Whitey Morgan and appearing at major festivals such as Stagecoach, where his high-energy performances further solidified his growing audience through authentic, unpolished live experiences.[27] Media outlets began highlighting Jinks as a key figure in the outlaw country revival during this period, with Rolling Stone featuring him in profiles that emphasized his independent ethos and rejection of mainstream Nashville norms.[11] The magazine included I'm Not the Devil in its list of the 40 best country albums of 2016, noting its "Nineties grunge-rock angst and sneering outlaw defiance" as a refreshing counterpoint to polished commercial country.[28] This coverage, combined with festival slots and tour momentum, transformed Jinks' regional following into a nationwide loyal fanbase by late 2016.Established success (2017–2019)
Following the momentum from his 2016 breakthrough, Cody Jinks solidified his position in the outlaw country scene with the release of Lifers on July 27, 2018, through Rounder Records. The album's lead single, "Must Be the Whiskey," became a standout track, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart, driven by strong radio support despite Jinks' independent roots.[29] Themes of perseverance permeated the record, particularly in the title track, which honors resilient individuals dedicated to their crafts amid life's struggles, blending raw introspection with Jinks' signature baritone delivery.[30] Lifers achieved commercial success, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 11 on the Billboard 200, underscoring Jinks' growing fanbase.[31] In 2019, Jinks further established his creative autonomy by founding Late August Records and releasing two albums in quick succession: After the Fire on October 11 and The Wanting on October 18. After the Fire delves into themes of redemption, reflecting on the challenges of life on the road, marital devotion, and personal trials through songs co-written with his wife, such as the poignant "William and Wanda," which celebrates enduring love.[32] Meanwhile, The Wanting explores desire and inner conflict, grappling with the pull of family against the demands of stardom and battles with personal demons, as evident in the title track's yearning for balance.[33] Both albums, produced independently under Late August Records, received critical acclaim for their emotional depth and stripped-down production, reinforcing Jinks' reputation for authentic storytelling.[34] Jinks expanded his live presence during this period, embarking on extensive tours that highlighted his rising demand, with 96 shows in 2018 and 85 in 2019 across the U.S. He frequently sold out major venues, including consecutive nights at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in 2017 that carried into larger bookings, and a one-hour sell-out at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2019.[35][36] His performances often shared bills with like-minded acts, such as Turnpike Troubadours at festivals like the 2017 Country Thunder in Wisconsin, fostering connections within the independent country circuit.[37] As an independent artist, Jinks garnered significant recognition for his radio traction without major label backing, exemplified by "Must Be the Whiskey" accumulating substantial airplay in 2018 and propelling Lifers to high chart positions. This era marked his transition to self-sustained success, culminating in the launch of Late August Records, which allowed full control over his output while achieving over 27,000 units sold for the single alone.[38] His approach—bypassing traditional industry gates—positioned him as a trailblazer, with consistent fan-driven sales and spins affirming his viability in a label-dominated landscape.[39]2020s career
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Cody Jinks' touring schedule in 2020, leading to the cancellation of multiple dates and prompting a shift toward virtual performances and archival releases to maintain fan engagement.[40] In response, Jinks released Red Rocks Live on December 4, 2020, a 23-track album capturing his July 2019 sold-out performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, providing fans with a high-fidelity live experience during widespread venue closures.[41][42] He also hosted virtual events, including the January 2021 livestream The Deep Cuts, where he performed rarely played songs and shared personal insights, alongside the acoustic Adobe Sessions: Unplugged series released that year to bridge the gap with audiences.[43] Jinks continued his prolific output through the decade with a series of independent releases on his Late August Records label, emphasizing artistic control amid evolving industry dynamics. His 2021 album Mercy explored introspective themes, marking a return to studio work post-pandemic.[44] In 2022, he issued the collaborative single "Nothing's News" featuring Clint Black and Ward Davis, a reimagined cover that highlighted his collaborative spirit while sustaining momentum.[45] The following year saw the announcement of Change the Game, released on March 22, 2024, which blended country, rock, and blues elements to reflect his perseverance and growth.[46] Later in 2024, Jinks paid homage to a key influence with Cody Jinks Sings Lefty Frizzell, a nine-track covers album released on December 6, featuring faithful renditions of classics like "If You've Got the Money I've Got the Time."[47] That September, he revisited his early catalog with Backside of 30, a remixed and remastered edition of his 2012 album 30, including a new bonus track "When the New Wears Off."[48] Culminating the period, In My Blood arrived on July 25, 2025, his eleventh studio album, led by the introspective single "Found" released in May, which touched on themes of personal discovery and sobriety.[49][50] In October 2025, Jinks announced a 10th anniversary reissue of Adobe Sessions, including unreleased behind-the-scenes videos and new artwork, set for release on December 12 via Late August Records.[51] Touring rebounded robustly in the mid-2020s, with Jinks maintaining his independent operation through strategic partnerships like Late August Records' distribution deal with The Orchard, allowing flexibility without major-label constraints.[52] He headlined the Hippies and Cowboys Tour in summer 2025, a 23-date outing promoting his catalog and new material across arenas and amphitheaters.[53] This was followed by festival appearances, including a prominent set at the Born and Raised Music Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma, on September 12, 2025, alongside acts like Parker McCollum.[54] In late 2025, Jinks launched the Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour starting November 7 in Pioneertown, California, with special guest Ward Davis, focusing on stripped-down performances through December.[55] Amid these activities, Jinks received recognition for his independent ethos, earning MusicRow's 2023 Independent Artist of the Year award for the second time, based on the highest radio spins among non-major-label artists that year.[56] His self-managed structure, bolstered by a dedicated team, enabled sustained creative and commercial autonomy, navigating industry shifts toward streaming and direct fan connections without compromising his outlaw country roots.[57]Musical style and influences
Genre and themes
Cody Jinks is widely recognized as an outlaw country artist, incorporating blends of traditional country, Southern rock, and honky-tonk elements into his sound. His music is characterized by raw baritone vocals and stripped-down acoustic arrangements that prioritize emotional authenticity and gritty instrumentation over polished production.[7] This style evokes the raw energy of classic outlaw country while infusing modern resilience, as seen in his signature moody, soulful delivery.[58][59] Lyrically, Jinks' work recurrently delves into themes of redemption, addiction recovery, family loyalty, and anti-establishment independence, reflecting working-class struggles and personal growth. Songs often portray the journey toward sobriety and the steadfast bonds of family as anchors amid hardship, underscoring a narrative of resilience against societal norms.[7][60] His anti-establishment ethos is evident in lyrics championing creative and personal autonomy, aligning with the outlaw tradition's rebellious spirit.[61][62] Jinks' musical evolution traces from aggressive metal influences in his early career to introspective country storytelling, shifting focus from high-energy aggression to vulnerable, narrative-driven authenticity that eschews commercial conformity. This transition highlights his commitment to genuine expression, allowing raw personal experiences to shape his outlaw country identity.[58][63] To honor his country roots, Jinks incorporates covers and tributes that pay homage to honky-tonk pioneers, exemplified by his 2024 album Cody Jinks Sings Lefty Frizzell, a collection of songs written or recorded by the legendary artist. Such projects reinforce his dedication to preserving traditional country narratives within his contemporary outlaw framework.[64][65]Key influences
Cody Jinks' early musical development was profoundly shaped by heavy metal bands during his time fronting the thrash metal group Unchecked Aggression in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Influenced by the aggressive riffs and Southern grooves of Pantera and the intensity of Metallica, Jinks channeled these elements into the band's raw, high-energy sound, which included tracks like "Hell Razor" and "Kill Me Again."[11] Upon transitioning to country music around 2008, Jinks drew heavily from classic outlaw country figures whose rebellious spirit and narrative songwriting informed his independent ethos. Merle Haggard served as a primary influence, with Jinks emulating Haggard's outlaw tendencies and rich baritone delivery in his own compositions.[66] Similarly, Lefty Frizzell's emotive style and storytelling impacted Jinks from a young age; he has cited learning Frizzell's "The Long Black Veil" as the first song his father taught him on guitar, and noted Haggard's admiration for Frizzell as reinforcing its significance.[67] Willie Nelson's role in pioneering the outlaw movement further inspired Jinks' commitment to authenticity and resistance against mainstream Nashville conventions.[1] Beyond musical sources, Jinks' personal challenges have deeply influenced the introspective depth of his lyrics. Economic hardships, including accruing over $100,000 in debt and years of financial poverty while self-funding his career through relentless touring and odd jobs like bouncer and forklift operator, instilled a resilience that permeates his themes of perseverance.[68] His journey to sobriety in 2023, after decades of heavy alcohol use that left gaps in his memory of early career milestones, marked a pivotal shift, enabling clearer reflection in works like the album Change the Game, which explores recovery and personal reckoning.[9] Post-transition, Jinks benefited from immersion in the Texas independent music scene, where interactions with regional songwriters honed his craft and reinforced his DIY approach. This environment, centered in areas like Fort Worth and surrounding Texas hubs, provided informal guidance from established figures in the outlaw and Red Dirt communities, shaping his songcraft without formal industry backing.[69]Discography
Studio albums
Cody Jinks has released thirteen studio albums, primarily through independent labels, with many achieving notable success on Billboard charts starting from his mid-2010s breakthrough.| Year | Album | Label | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Cast No Stones | Self-released | — | — |
| 2010 | Less Wise | Self-released (reissued as Less Wise (Modified) by Late August Records in 2017) | — | — |
| 2012 | 30 | Late August Records | — | — |
| 2015 | Adobe Sessions | Self-released | No. 2 US Heatseekers South Central No. 8 US Heatseekers Mountain | Gold (RIAA) |
| 2016 | I'm Not the Devil | Cody Jinks Music | No. 4 US Country | — |
| 2018 | Lifers | Rounder Records | No. 2 US Country No. 11 US Billboard 200 | — |
| 2019 | After the Fire | Late August Records | No. 2 US Country No. 33 US Billboard 200 | — |
| 2019 | The Wanting | Late August Records | No. 2 US Country No. 35 US Billboard 200 | — |
| 2021 | Mercy | Late August Records | No. 12 US Country No. 80 US Billboard 200 No. 12 US Indie | — |
| 2024 | Backside of 30 | Late August Records | — | — |
| 2024 | Change the Game | Late August Records | No. 27 US Country No. 128 US Billboard 200 | — |
| 2024 | Cody Jinks Sings Lefty Frizzell | Late August Records | — | — |
| 2025 | In My Blood | Late August Records | — | — |
Live albums
Cody Jinks released his first live album, Adobe Sessions Unplugged, on May 7, 2021, through Late August Records.[70] Recorded in an intimate acoustic setting with a small ensemble of guitars and minimal production, the album reimagines tracks from his 2015 breakthrough Adobe Sessions, including "What Else Is New," "Mamma Song," and "Loud and Heavy," emphasizing raw, stripped-down performances that highlight Jinks' vocal delivery and songwriting.[71] This unplugged approach captured the essence of a casual studio session, fostering a close connection to the material's origins and appealing to fans seeking a more personal auditory experience.[72] In December 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Jinks issued Red Rocks Live, a double-disc recording of his July 13, 2019, performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.[73] The album features 23 tracks drawn from his catalog, such as "Must Be the Whiskey," "David," and "Vampires," performed with his full band, The Tonedeaf Hippies, capturing the high-energy atmosphere of the outdoor venue and audience interaction.[74] Released during a period of restricted live events, the album and its accompanying free streaming concert on December 5 for fan club members served as a vital means of engaging supporters, evoking the communal spirit of concerts while providing a high-fidelity preservation of the sold-out show's electric vibe.[41]Extended plays
Cody Jinks' extended plays consist primarily of reissued material featuring bonus tracks and alternative versions that bridge his early independent releases with later career developments. The notable entry is Less Wise (Modified), a 2017 reissue of his 2010 self-titled debut album, which was remixed and remastered to enhance audio quality and included additional content not present in the original. Released on November 17, 2017, via Late August Records, this extended play runs 54 minutes across 13 tracks and was made available through digital streaming services, compact disc, and vinyl formats, often as limited-run physical editions for fans.[75][76][77] The content of Less Wise (Modified) retains the raw, outlaw country essence of Jinks' early work while incorporating subtle revisions, such as alternative mixes of tracks like "The Wanting" and "Hand Me Down," to reflect his evolving production style. These extras position the release as a transitional piece, offering acoustic-leaning interpretations and bonus material that preview themes in his subsequent full-length albums without qualifying as a standalone studio effort. Distribution emphasized digital bundles and fan club exclusives, making it accessible primarily to dedicated listeners during his rising independent phase.[76][78]| Title | Release Date | Label | Format(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less Wise (Modified) | November 17, 2017 | Late August Records | Digital, CD, Vinyl | Reissue with remixes, remastering, and alternative takes; 13 tracks including "Hippies & Cowboys" and "Holy Water" |
Singles
Cody Jinks' singles have played a pivotal role in his rise as an independent country artist, often achieving significant success through grassroots promotion, fan-driven streaming, and targeted airplay on independent and regional radio stations rather than mainstream formats. His tracks are frequently released first to members of his exclusive Fan Appreciation Membership (FAM) club, fostering direct engagement and building momentum on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music before wider distribution. This approach has led to billions of cumulative streams across his catalog and multiple RIAA certifications, underscoring his appeal in the outlaw and red dirt country scenes.[79][80] One of his breakthrough singles, "Hippies and Cowboys," originally appeared on his 2010 album Less Wise but gained widespread traction around 2015 amid his growing independent fanbase. The song, which explores themes of nonconformity and rural identity, amassed over 185 million Spotify streams by late 2025 and earned RIAA Platinum certification in 2023 for exceeding 1 million equivalent units in the U.S. Its enduring popularity helped propel Jinks' early career, with strong performance on Americana playlists and regional radio.[81][82] "Loud and Heavy," released in 2015 as part of the acoustic album Adobe Sessions, became Jinks' signature track and a cornerstone of his commercial success. Certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA in 2023, it surpassed 430 million on-demand streams by 2022 and continued to climb, reflecting its inspirational lyrics about perseverance inspired by Jinks' young son. In 2022, the seven-year-old song was formally sent to country radio via his Late August Records imprint, charting on the Billboard Country Airplay survey with notable spins on over 130 stations, though it peaked outside the top 40 amid competition from major-label releases. The single's independent radio traction, including heavy rotation on Texas and red dirt stations, contributed to Jinks being named MusicRow's Independent Artist of the Year in 2021.[83][84][85] From his 2018 album Lifers, "Must Be the Whiskey" marked another milestone, serving as the lead single and reaching No. 1 on the CDX Nashville True Indie chart in August 2018 with dominant spins across independent outlets. Certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2023, the brooding track about regret and indulgence generated over 162 million Spotify streams by late 2025 and benefited from early FAM-exclusive access, which amplified fan shares on streaming services. Its performance highlighted Jinks' ability to blend outlaw introspection with broad accessibility, solidifying his position as a top independent act.[86][82][81] In 2025, "Found" emerged as the lead single from Jinks' album In My Blood, released on May 2 exclusively to FAM members before going wide. Co-written with collaborators including Ward Davis, the introspective anthem of hope and resilience quickly garnered attention on streaming platforms, setting the tone for the album's themes of personal growth. While still early in its chart run as of November 2025, it aligned with Jinks' strategy of leveraging fan clubs and digital promotion to drive initial metrics, much like his prior releases.[50][80]| Single | Year | Album/Source | RIAA Certification | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hippies and Cowboys | 2010 (breakout 2015) | Less Wise | Platinum (2023) | 185M+ Spotify streams[81] |
| Loud and Heavy | 2015 | Adobe Sessions | 2x Platinum (2023) | 430M+ streams; 130+ radio stations (2022)[84] |
| Must Be the Whiskey | 2018 | Lifers | Platinum (2023) | No. 1 CDX True Indie; 162M+ Spotify streams[86][81] |
| Found | 2025 | In My Blood | N/A (as of Nov. 2025) | FAM-exclusive debut; streaming focus[50] |