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Riley Johnson

Riley Johnson

Riley Johnson covers country music’s legends, tributes, and the stories behind the songs for Country Thang Daily. When a legend is honored, remembered, or back in the spotlight, Riley is usually the one writing it.

Riley Johnson writes about the heart of country music: the legends, the tributes, and the moments that remind fans why they fell in love with this music in the first place.

What Riley Covers

  • Country legends and classic artists, from Dolly Parton and George Strait to Alan Jackson and Willie Nelson
  • Tributes, memorials, and the artists we have lost
  • The Grand Ole Opry, Hall of Fame inductions, and career milestones
  • Gospel, faith, and family in country music
  • The stories behind classic songs

How We Report

Every Country Thang Daily story is checked against primary sources before it goes live. Read our Fact-Checking Policy and Corrections Policy.

Get in Touch

Have a story tip or spot something we got wrong? Contact the Country Thang Daily team.

Riley's Track Record

Updated automatically from published stories.

1,779stories written for Country Thang Daily
2020writing for CTD since December 2020
469Legends & Classics stories 408Songs & Music stories 272Stars stories

Artists Riley Covers Most

Number of stories per artist.

Dolly Parton103
Willie Nelson65
Reba McEntire51
Alan Jackson48
Miranda Lambert46

Most Read Stories by Riley

Ranked by how many readers opened them.

Latest Stories

Here’s What Vince Gill Has to Say to Those Thrashing Him for Joining The Eagles

Despite the negative comments from diehard-Eagle fans, Don Henley, Timothy Schmit, and Joe Walsh turned a cold shoulder and continued touring for old time’s sake. Meanwhile, during an interview at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Vince Gill had the opportunity to address the public with his thoughts on the matter.

Lady A Owns Up to Hitches while Performing their CMA Country Christmas Song

The trio will be performing two songs, “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney and the Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick.' As much as we all love hearing the Holiday tunes, it was not that fun for Lady A especially band member Charles Kelly.

George Strait’s “The Chair” Comes with An Interesting Drunk Story Behind

Others would say that it is sub par compared to his other songs, say, Amarillo by Morning which is another George Strait classic and many people’s favorite

Remember When Garth Brooks And Billy Joel Surprised Fans With “Shameless” Duet

In 2008, as a way to remember the closing of the NY Mets ballpark, Shea Stadium, Billy Joel was joined by Garth Brooks and performed their song "Shameless."

Check Out Don Henley and Dolly Parton’s Romantic Duet of “When I Stop Dreaming”

“When I Stop Dreaming” by Dolly Parton and Don Henley is another proof that rock and country when merged, brings out the best of all a favorite music can be.

LISTEN: Eric Church Describes Living On the Edge as One “Hell of A View”

Recently, Eric Church has released yet a new single which he titled “Hell of A View.” Despite what he said that writing love songs isn't much of his 'county thang,' “Hell of a View” could be one of his exceptions.

Tim McGraw Calls Midland to Record ‘Redneck Girl’ as a Bonus Track to his Postponed Album

If you haven’t heard the news yet, Tim McGraw will be at it with the Midland trio as they cover ‘Redneck Girl’ for their collaboration project.

Billy Currington Proves One Person Can Change Your Life in “People Are Crazy”

"It’s one of those that lifts your spirits and make you laugh. I knew the first time I heard it, I wanted to lay it down and record it for the album." -Billy Currington