Johnson is a former Marine
Ten-time Grammy nominee and proud Marine Jamey Johnson commissioned legendary designer Manuel to create a custom suit celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday and has released a video of the collaboration in honor of Veterans Day.
“Freedom ain’t free, and some things are worth honoring,” Johnson shares. “A look behind the craftsmanship of this custom suit by the legendary Manuel. A piece made with American pride and a whole lot of meaning. 🇺🇸 To every man and woman who has worn the uniform, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day. Semper Fi.”
Earlier this year, Johnson asked Manuel to make the suit for the 2026 PBS National Memorial Day Concert. Joined by the National Symphony Orchestra, Johnson performed “In Color” in front of the U.S. Capitol during the tribute to World War II veterans and “Lead Me Home” in tribute to fallen service members.
The concert coincided with the nation’s 250th birthday, so Johnson wanted a suit worthy of the celebration. The sparkly blue suit features an American flag and eagle on the back, as well as stars, musical notes, and flowers on the front, and is stunning under the lights. It will likely end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Johnson has already been featured in several exhibits.
“First of all, I found out about his life so much, like, you have no idea,” Manuel says. “That’s what I put in his suit. You know, he’s a beautiful patriot, in a way, to me. I was happy to do it for him.”
Manuel is known as the Rhinestone Rembrandt, and this suit is a unique work of art. Johnson told him to follow his vision in creating the suit, and that’s exactly what he did. Since the two have worked together for years, the suit perfectly captured the importance of the event and Johnson’s personality.
Manuel has helped define the look of country music with his vividly embroidered, rhinestone-studded stage clothing. Born in Mexico, he learned to sew at age seven and became head designer at Hollywood’s famed Nudie Rodeo Tailors, where he created signature looks for Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons and Porter Wagoner.
He moved his company to Nashville in 1988 and has dressed everyone from Dolly Parton and Dwight Yoakam to Bob Dylan and Jack White. The National Endowment for the Arts named him a National Heritage Fellow in 2018.