Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

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

Unveiling Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn’s first duet, “After the Fire is Gone”

Although not besotted with each other, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn seemingly chase the spark in their top single, “After the Fire is Gone.”

George Jones’ Amazing Take On the Classic Gospel Hit “Peace in the Valley”

Country singer George Jones opened the minds of many with his amazing rendition of the classic gospel hit “Peace in the Valley.’

The Death of One of Country’s Greats: Guy Clark, Singer, Storyteller, and Guitar-Maker

On March 17, 2016, the news of Guy Clark’s death was announced. He passed away at his home after a long battle with illness. He was 74.

The Hidden Meaning of Zach Bryan’s Haunting Hit “Something In The Orange”

The lyrics of Zach Bryan’s "Something In The Orange" offer a unique take on love’s journey, filled with meaning as vibrant as a sunset.

The Meaning Behind Garth Brooks’ ‘The Dance’ and the Story That Made It a Classic

Garth Brooks' "The Dance" captures the beauty and heartache of life’s moments, blending themes of love, loss, and sacrifice in a song that resonates deeply.

The Hidden Meaning Behind Cotton Eye Joe You Never Knew

"Cotton Eye Joe" carries a story that stretches from the American South to global fame, with a meaning that has intrigued and puzzled for generations.

Randy Travis Ponders on His Choices in His Number One Track “On the Other Hand”

In his 1985 track “On the Other Hand,” Randy Travis sang about two choices — his wedding band or some little fun. Check out what he chose. 

The Death of The Gentleman Crooner and Pioneer of The Nashville Sound, Eddy Arnold

Eddy Arnold’s death was definitely a devastating time in the genre. Let’s take a moment to honor him and the musical legacy he left behind.

The Power of Love: Mark Wills’ Cover of “Back at One”

Mark Wills reflects on the significance of taking a risk when it comes to love in his rendition of "Back at One."

Johnny Cash’s “Sixteen Tons”: A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Johnny Cash released one of the most amazing performances of the classic hit “Sixteen Tons.”

In It for A Happy Life with Matt Williams’ Song “Rain Down Sunshine”

Let’s raise a glass to the good times with Matt Williams’ hit song “Rain Down Sunshine.”

B.W. Stevenson Sings an Ode to a Beautiful Woman in “My Maria”

Country singer B.W. Stevenson shares what it would feel like to live a day without a lover in his song “My Maria.”

Let John Prine Sing You a Lullaby with “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight”

Appreciate the beauty of Kentucky with John Prine’s homely and inviting voice in “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight.”

Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” Will Leave You Weeping

Reviving nostalgia in love, Darius Rucker became the first Black country artist to top the Billboard charts with the single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.”

Remembering the Death of Arthur Smith, the Bluegrass Musician Behind “Guitar Boogie” and “Dueling Banjos”

Let’s remember the life and death of country music’s virtuoso multi-instrumentalist bluegrass musician Arthur Smith. Check it out here.

Listen to Keith Whitley, the Voice Behind the Classic Hit “When You Say Nothing at All”

Keith Whitley’s original version of “When You Say Nothing at All” was a chart-topping country hit when it was released in 1988.

“No Heartbeat at All”: Phil Vassar Recounts How He Died Twice After Heart Attack and Stroke

Country star Phil Vassar opened up about a serious medical emergency in early 2023 that caused him to die twice. Here’s the whole story.

American Idol Laine Hardy’s Moving Cover of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

Young country singer Laine Hardy moved everyone in tears with his amazing cover of the hit gospel song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

Country Music’s Soulful Side: Jamey Johnson’s “I Remember You”

Jamey Johnson’s spiritual musings and nostalgic recollections in his solo track "I Remember You."

Zac Brown Band Breaks the Chains and Finds Inner Cure in Their Celtic Gospel Fusion Track “Remedy”

Grammy-winning country group Zac Brown Band reminds their listeners that God is love in their  2015 track “Remedy.” Check it out here.

Wynonna Judd’s Daughter Arrested for the Second Time in 3 Months

Wynonna Judd’s daughter, Grace Pauline Kelley, was arrested on August 3, 2024, in Carroll County, Georgia, on three misdemeanor counts.

Taylor Swift Rewrites the Most Famous Shakespearean Tragedy in “Love Story”

In 18-year-old Taylor Swift’s version of Romeo and Juliet titled “Love Story,” the star-crossed lovers enjoy a happily ever after. 

Take on Life’s Challenges with Lauren Davidson’s Hit Song “Live Laugh Love”

Country singer Lauren Davidson reminds us to live our lives to the fullest in her song “Live Laugh Love.” 

“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am”: Revisiting Merle Haggard’s Outlaw Anthem

In the country song, “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am,” Merle Haggard reflects upon his life before he rose to fame.

God Hears Our Despairing Cries in Kenny Rogers’s “Love Lifted Me”

God’s mercy and kindness are well recognized in Kenny Rogers’ amazing cover of the hit gospel song “Love Lifted Me.”

Believe in the Power Of God Through Alan Jackson’s Cover Of “Love Lifted Me”

Country singer Alan Jackson reminds everyone that we can always lean on God in times of despair in “Love Lifted Me.”

George Strait features Willie Nelson in Legendary collaboration “Sing One With Willie”

King of Country, George Strait, meets Red-Headed Stranger Willie Nelson for a one-of-a-kind duet in the single “Sing One With Willie.”

How Brooks & Dunn’s Cover of “My Maria” Became One of Their Most Defining Hits

Known country duo Brooks & Dunn released probably the best cover of the hit country love song “My Maria.” 

Did You Know? Patsy Cline Wasn’t a Big Fan of Her First Number One Country Hit “I Fall to Pieces”

In 1961, Patsy Cline released “I Fall to Pieces,” securing her first number one country hit and cementing her place in the genre. Listen here.