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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 Post Malone Found a Home in Country Music While Beyoncé Didn’t

Post Malone’s slow rise in country music earned him acceptance, while Beyoncé’s bold attempts left her on the outside looking in.

Loretta Lynn’s Handwritten ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ Lyrics You’ve Never Seen Before

Loretta Lynn’s handwritten Coal Miner’s Daughter lyrics are a stunning glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of her life.

Jelly Roll Hilariously Shuts Down Online Hater With Epic Comeback

Jelly Roll faced an X troll and delivered a witty, heartfelt response, showcasing the authenticity that has made him a fan favorite.

Kenny Chesney’s Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour Finale Proves His Star Power Never Fades

Kenny Chesney’s Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour finale captivated 183,000 fans, solidifying his status as a country music icon.

Jelly Roll Stops by Kids’ Lemonade Stand and Drops $700

Jelly Roll surprised a group of kids in Utah by donating $700 to their lemonade stand, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable moment.

Scotty McCreery Interrupts Concert to Defend Fan in Dramatic Moment

Scotty McCreery halts his Colorado State Fair concert to confront a man in the crowd, leaving fans stunned by his quick and decisive action.

“Here You Come Again”: The Rare Dolly Parton Hit That She Didn’t Write Herself

Dolly Parton has grown a decades-long lauded career writing her hits, but “Here You Come Again” is a rare example of one she didn’t.

Johnny Cash and the Absolutely Chaotic Tale of His First Live Performance of “San Quentin”

Johnny Cash performed his self-penned song “San Quentin” live right at the San Quentin State Prison, and it was a performance to remember.

Here Are a Few Fierce Facts About Grammy-Winning Artist Carly Pearce

If you’re curious to know more about Carly Pearce, the voice behind the hit single “Every Little Thing,” here are some facts to get to know her.

“Scars on This Guitar”: A Bon Jovi Tribute to the One Thing That Heard Every Word Out of His Heart

Jon Bon Jovi of the rock band Bon Jovi spills all of his guts on his 2016 track “Scars on This Guitar.” Check out the whole story here.

The Song That Launched Dolly Parton’s Career—How ‘Joshua’ Made Her a Star

Dolly Parton's first No. 1 hit, "Joshua," launched her solo career and proved she was more than just a duet partner. The story behind the song that made her a star.

The Story behind Waylon Jennings’ Oldie “Rainy Day Woman”

Waylon Jennings released his second single "Rainy Day Woman" from his album The Ramblin' Man. The song reached number two on the Billboard chart.

Faith Hill delivers her soul-cleansing tune, “Come to Jesus”

As a dedication to her late mother, Faith Hill captivates her listeners with personal and intimate storytelling in her rendition of “Come to Jesus.”

Rhiannon Giddens brings the most heartfelt cover of “Wayfaring Stranger”

No one can make a folk song more seraphic than Rhiannon Giddens, and she proves this in her cover of “Wayfaring Stranger.”

A Love Gone Sour: “When Did You Stop Loving Me” by George Strait

When so many questions are left unanswered after a breakup, George Strait opens up the question “When Did You Stop Loving Me?” woefully.

Johnny Lee’s “Lookin’ for Love” Remains a Timeless Anthem of Hope and Heartbreak

Johnny Lee's iconic "Lookin' for Love" captures the heartache and hope of the search for love, made famous by the film "Urban Cowboy."

Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love a Rainy Night” is a Reminder to Cherish Life’s Simple Pleasures

Eddie Rabbitt’s song “I Love a Rainy Night” captures the joy of simple pleasures, celebrating the peaceful and renewing effects of rainy nights.

Why Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” Became Every Working Woman’s Anthem

Dolly Parton's song "9 to 5" became an anthem for workers everywhere, capturing the struggles and hopes of a generation in its unforgettable lyrics.

Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” Meaning Goes Beyond New England’s Borders

Noah Kahan’s "Stick Season" transforms a New England term into a powerful reflection on the meaning of loneliness and the passing of seasons in life.

Who is Dallas Moore? The Man Behind the Music

Here are some of the interesting facts about country singer Dallas Moore that you should not miss out on. 

Flashback: Emmylou Harris’ Rendition of “Wayfaring Stranger” Will Give You the Chills

When something as beautiful as Emmylou Harris’ “Wayfaring Stranger” exists, it would be a shame to miss it. 

Chris Young impresses with “Don’t Close Your Eyes” cover at the Grand Ole Opry

On a Martin Sigma guitar, Chris Young was impressively at ease performing Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” at the 2011 Grand Ole Opry. 

Aretha Franklin’s Optimism and Spiritual Resistance in Her Solo Track “Mary Don’t You Weep”

Aretha Franklin reflects the spiritual sanguineness and faith in life's path in her single "Mary Don't You Weep."

Elvis Presley’s Moving Cover of “If We Never Meet Again”

Life is short, that’s why we should cherish it with Elvis Presley’s moving cover of “If We Never Meet Again.”

Mo Pitney Leaps into Love’s Uncertainties in “Take the Chance”

Mo Pitney reflects on the importance of taking a leap in love in his song "Take the Chance.”

Laine Hardy Wins American Idol After Performing Hank Williams’ Classic Hit “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”

American idol contestant Laine Hardy takes home the American Idol title after his amazing performance of “Jambalaya (On the Bayou).”

Mahalia Jackson Reflects the Immense Greatness of God in “Somebody Bigger Than You and I”

Mahalia Jackson's version of “Somebody Bigger than You and I " conveys the message that we should think twice when considering ourselves superior to others.

Elvis Presley offers peaceful contemplation in his rendition of “In the Garden”

Elvis Presley’s rendition of the popular gospel hymn “In the Garden” testifies to his ability to convey deep, intimate connection in any genre. 

George Strait and Willie Nelson finally team up for “Good Hearted Woman”

Two legends on one stage, George Strait and Willie Nelson, couldn’t hide their excitement when performing “Good Hearted Woman” at the Bridgestone Arena.

How did Charlie Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl” change the Nashville sound?

As Charlie Rich takes a chance to reconcile with “The Most Beautiful Girl,” he brings heartache to the situation, creating one of the defining moments in country music.