Cowboy Country Music Surges, Josh Weathers Rides the Wave

Texas singer-songwriter's new album 'Neon Never Fades' taps into the rising popularity of cowboy country sound.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, textured leather saddle in shades of brown and tan, capturing the rugged, handcrafted quality of the material to conceptually represent the authentic, traditional country sound of Josh Weathers' new album.The weathered texture of a well-worn leather saddle evokes the gritty, authentic spirit of the cowboy country music genre embraced by rising star Josh Weathers.Fort Worth Today

After years of hearing his wife's encouragement, Texas-based country singer Josh Weathers has fully embraced his cowboy roots on his new album 'Neon Never Fades.' The twangy, fiddle-heavy record marks Weathers' first full-length release since 2019 and comes as cowboy country music has seen a resurgence in popularity, with Weathers earning honors like Texas Entertainer of the Year in 2025.

Why it matters

Weathers' shift to a more traditional country sound reflects a broader trend in the genre, as artists like Cody Johnson have found success tapping into the cowboy aesthetic and appeal of Texas country music. Weathers' embrace of his rodeo past and cowboy persona on 'Neon Never Fades' positions him to capitalize on this renewed interest in the classic country sound.

The details

Weathers co-wrote seven of the 11 tracks on 'Neon Never Fades,' which features a heavy dose of steel guitar and fiddle. The album also includes two collaborations with Chris Stapleton. One song in particular, 'Who's Hanging the Moon?,' was the most-played Texas country song of 2025 according to regional radio charts. Weathers says the record was shaped by his desire to create a high-energy live show that captures the command of performers like Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley and Prince.

  • Weathers released 'Neon Never Fades' at the beginning of 2026.
  • In November 2025, Weathers was named Texas Entertainer of the Year.
  • Weathers raised over $430,000 for Hill Country flood relief via a social media livestream in July 2025.

The players

Josh Weathers

A Texas-based country singer-songwriter whose new album 'Neon Never Fades' fully embraces his cowboy roots and the rising popularity of the cowboy country sound.

Kady Weathers

Josh Weathers' wife, who has been encouraging him for years to put out a traditional country album that taps into his rodeo background.

Cody Johnson

A fellow Texan country artist who has found success with his cowboy country sound, helping pave the way for Weathers' shift in that direction.

Chris DuBois

The songwriter and producer who founded the Nashville publishing house Sea Gayle Music, which signed Weathers and connected him with Music City songwriters.

Barrett Baber

A songwriter who co-wrote the hit Texas country song 'Who's Hanging the Moon?' with Weathers.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a long time since I put out a full-length record. I think people probably anticipated me putting out a straight-ahead country record for a while. Everything I've ever done has had sort of the country, heartland-rock spin to it, but this was steel guitar and fiddle. We just tried to take a dart and put it right in the middle of that.”

— Josh Weathers, Country Singer-Songwriter

“If George Strait didn't have to move to Nashville, then I don't have to move to Nashville.”

— Josh Weathers, Country Singer-Songwriter

“I saw Prince when I was 19, and it changed my life. I've never seen anybody do that to this day. And I saw him in a club with probably 250 people in it, at like 2:30 in the morning in Dallas. The most unbelievable entertainer I've ever seen in my life.”

— Josh Weathers, Country Singer-Songwriter

What’s next

Weathers is currently touring heavily in Texas, with an April date at the iconic Gruene Hall highlighting his run of Lone Star State dance halls and bars. He also played the Austin rodeo in March and made a festival stop at the Fort Worth Music Festival. In April, he'll sail on the annual Rock the Coast Texas music cruise, and in early summer he'll venture to Pendleton, Oregon, for the annual Jackalope Jamboree.

The takeaway

Josh Weathers' shift to a more traditional country sound on 'Neon Never Fades' reflects the broader resurgence of cowboy country music, as artists tap into the appeal of the classic Texas country aesthetic. Weathers' embrace of his rodeo roots and high-energy live show have earned him accolades like the Texas Entertainer of the Year award, positioning him to capitalize on this renewed interest in the genre.