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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.

1,749stories written for Country Thang Daily
2023writing for CTD since August 2023
474Legends & Classics stories 406Songs & Music stories 268Stars stories

Artists Riley Covers Most

Number of stories per artist.

Dolly Parton103
Willie Nelson62
Reba McEntire49
Alan Jackson47
Miranda Lambert45

Most Read Stories by Riley

Ranked by how many readers opened them.

Latest Stories

Why Carrie Underwood Didn’t Sing a Country Song for Her American Idol Audition

Carrie Underwood shocked everyone by avoiding a country song for her American Idol audition. The reason? She wanted to impress Simon Cowell, who wasn't a country fan.

The Story Behind Dolly Parton’s Modest $400k Home And Why She Stays

Dolly Parton could afford any mansion, yet she kept a modest $400,000 home in Brentwood, Tennessee, filled with memories of her life with Carl Dean.

The Meaning Behind Dolly Parton’s New Song “If You Hadn’t Been There”

Dolly Parton pours her heart into If You Hadn't Been There, a deeply personal tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean. A song of love, loss, and gratitude captures the devotion that shaped her life.

Cooper Alan’s “Plead The Fifth” Becomes Country’s New Favorite Drinking Song

Cooper Alan's Plead The Fifth is taking over TikTok and streaming charts as country's hottest drinking song. Here's why fans can't get enough of it.

What Patsy Cline Was Really Like on Stage According to Those Who Saw Her Live

Eyewitnesses recall Patsy Cline's live performances, from her stunning voice to her powerful stage presence. Fans still remember the magic she brought to every show.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ 6 Children Are Making Names For Themselves In And Out Of Music

Billy Ray Cyrus' six kids, including Miley, Noah, and Trace, have each carved their paths in music, entertainment, and beyond. 

A Journalist’s Rare Encounter With Carl Dean Reveals the Man Behind the Mystery

Journalist Alanna Nash had a rare encounter with Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's elusive husband. Her experience offers a glimpse into his quiet yet sharp-witted personality.

Chris Stapleton’s Soulful Cover of ‘Whenever You Come Around’ is Country Perfection

Chris Stapleton's powerful cover of Vince Gill's "Whenever You Come Around" remains one of the best country tributes ever, filled with raw emotion and soulful vocals.

Travis Tritt’s Kids Are All Grown Up and Here’s the Lives They’re Living Today

Travis Tritt is a country music legend, but his greatest pride is being a father. Meet his kids—Tyler Reese, Tristan, and Tarian—and why he warned them about the music industry.

Mark Chesnutt Declares Zach Top the Future of Real Country Music

Mark Chesnutt says Zach Top is "bringing real country music back" and calls him "the real deal." Could Zach Top be the future of traditional country?

Alan Jackson Never Thought “Chattahoochee” Would Be a Hit

Alan Jackson never expected Chattahoochee to be a hit, but the song became a country classic. Decades later, it’s still a fan favorite—with one lyric even sparking a wild rumor.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean Prove That Oversharing Kills Relationships

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean's lasting love story teaches us an important lesson—real relationships don't need an audience. Here's why privacy can be the key to lasting love.

Young Luke Combs Took On Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” And Crushed It

A young Luke Combs delivers a raw, heartfelt cover of Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes" in a pre-fame performance that proves his deep connection to classic country.

Who Was Carl Dean? The Private Man Behind Dolly Parton’s Success

Carl Dean, a successful businessman and private individual, built a life away from the spotlight. From his asphalt business to his love for rock and roll, here's who he was beyond fame.

Kid Rock Storms Offstage After Fans Didn’t Clap Enough

Kid Rock stormed offstage at JBJ's Nashville after fans didn't clap enough, dropping an F-bomb on his way out. A look at what went down and why no one's surprised.

Ingrid Andress Sings the National Anthem Again—Here’s How It Went

Ingrid Andress took a second shot at the National Anthem after her disastrous first attempt. Was it a redemption, or are fans still unconvinced?

Travis Tritt and Daughter Tyler Deliver Stunning Duet of “Storms Never Last”

Travis Tritt and daughter Tyler Reese deliver a heartfelt duet of "Storms Never Last," honoring Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter with raw harmonies and a special father-daughter moment.

Jelly Roll Reveals the One Item in His Truck That Means Everything to Him

Jelly Roll carries a powerful reminder in his truck—a fan’s note thanking him for saving a life. His custom ride, a gift from his family, reflects his journey of redemption.

Priscilla Presley Reveals What The Priscilla Movie Got Wrong About Her Life

Priscilla Presley reveals the one detail Priscilla got wrong, explaining why the film's ending didn't reflect her true relationship with Elvis after their divorce.

Blake Shelton Opens Up About His Biggest Regret

Blake Shelton admits his biggest tattoo regret, revealing why he swore off ink for good. The country star shares the story behind his infamous barbed wire design.

Tim Mcgraw And Faith Hill Were Not Ready For Their Daughter Audrey’s Stunning Voice

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's daughter Audrey moved them to tears with her stunning rendition of Cucurrucucú Paloma, proving talent runs deep in the family.

Emmy Russell Was So Mad When American Idol Made Her Sing Grandma Loretta Lynn’s Song

Emmy Russell was furious when American Idol judges made her sing Loretta Lynn's Coal Miner's Daughter, fearing it would overshadow her own identity as an artist.

No, Reba McEntire Did Not Ruin Her Son’s Wedding—Here’s the Truth

Reba McEntire did not ruin her son's wedding despite false claims online. Marissa Blackstock shut down the fake news, proving their family bond is stronger than ever.

Johnny Cash Walked Into Nickajack Cave To End It All But Found A Reason To Live

Johnny Cash entered Nickajack Cave in 1967 to end his life but emerged with a renewed faith in God. That night became the turning point that saved him.

Beyoncé’s Mom Was Shocked by Her Country Grammy Win: “I Couldn’t Believe It”

Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles, was stunned by her Grammy win for Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter—just like those who know real country music.

5 Times Willie Nelson Proved He Wasn’t Bound by the Rules of Country Music

Willie Nelson has spent his career breaking the rules of country music. From outlaw country to unexpected collaborations, here are five times he defied expectations.

Martina McBride Never Called Beyoncé a “Clown in a Cowboy Hat”

A viral claim that Martina McBride called Beyoncé a "clown in a cowboy hat" after her Grammy win is entirely false.

No, Chris Stapleton Did Not Object to Beyoncé’s Grammy Win

False claims spread that Chris Stapleton objected to Beyoncé’s Grammy win for Best Country Album. The truth behind the hoax and why Cowboy Carter sparked controversy.

Is Billy Currington Gay? What We Know About the Country Star

Billy Currington has kept his personal life private, leading to speculation about his sexuality. However, there is no evidence or public statement confirming that he is gay.

Post Malone’s Road to Country Music Started Long Ago

Post Malone's journey into country music wasn't overnight. From his Texas roots to viral country covers and star-studded collaborations, he's proving he's here to stay.