Cody Johnson Joins Michael Martin Murphey to Breathe New Life Into “Wildfire”

The spirit of cowboy country is alive and well — and it’s blazing brighter than ever. Country powerhouse Cody Johnson has teamed up with legendary Western singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey for a stunning new rendition of Murphey’s timeless hit, “Wildfire.”

Originally released in 1975, “Wildfire” has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved songs in Western country history. Now, on its 50th anniversary, Murphey and Johnson have joined forces to reimagine the classic for a new generation.

 A Legend of Western Country

When fans think of Western or cowboy country music, Michael Martin Murphey is one of the first names that comes to mind. With multiple RIAA-certified albums — including the groundbreaking Cowboy Songs (1990), which became the first cowboy music album to go Gold since Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (1959)* — Murphey has long been a champion of traditional Western storytelling.

His catalog includes classics like “A Long Line of Love,” “Carolina in the Pines,” and the New Mexico state ballad, “Land of Enchantment.” Beyond the music, Murphey has built a career preserving cowboy culture — from founding the WestFest festival to being inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Western Music Association Hall of Fame.

At 80 years old, Murphey continues to tour and record, proving that the cowboy spirit doesn’t fade — it just keeps riding.

 Reviving a Classic

Co-written by Murphey and Larry Cansler, “Wildfire” tells the haunting story of a young woman who perishes in a blizzard searching for her lost pony. Years later, a homesteader caught in a storm remembers her tragedy, believing her spirit — symbolized by a mysterious owl — is calling him home.

When the song first hit the airwaves in 1975, it reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went Platinum. The Western Writers of America later ranked it among the Top 100 Western Songs of All Time — coming in at an impressive #15.

Now, half a century later, Cody Johnson — known for his own cowboy roots and rodeo background — joins Murphey to honor that legacy.

 Two Cowboys, One Song

The new version of “Wildfire” begins with Johnson’s rich, heartfelt vocals leading the way, setting an emotional tone that mirrors the original’s haunting storytelling. When Murphey joins in, their voices intertwine perfectly — blending old-school authenticity with modern-day power.

The result? A captivating performance that bridges generations of country fans.

“It’s like hearing two eras of country music meet on the same trail,” one listener commented.

 A Timeless Story, Reborn

Fifty years later, “Wildfire” still gallops through the hearts of country fans — proof that the stories of love, loss, and the Western spirit never fade.

With Cody Johnson’s strength and Michael Martin Murphey’s legacy, this revival of “Wildfire” feels less like a cover and more like a passing of the torch — from one cowboy to another.

Listen to the breathtaking new version of “Wildfire” featuring Cody Johnson below — and feel the fire all over again.