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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

Remembering God’s Kindness with Charley Pride’s Gospel Hit “I Don’t Deserve a Mansion”

Let’s think about God’s kindness with Charley Pride’s gospel hit song “I Don’t Deserve a Mansion.”

Conway Twitty’s Yeehaw-feel Cover of Merle Haggard’s Classic Hit “Mama Tried”

Country superstar Conway Twitty shocked fans when he released his yeehaw-feel cover of Merle Haggard’s classic hit “Mama Tried.” 

Here’s That One Charlie Rich Song for Your Country Love Song Playlist: “A Very Special Love Song”

Charlie Rich’s 1973 chart-topping hit “A Very Special Love Song” will make you feel giddy as he calls you his babe. Check it out here.

Garth Brooks Inspires World Peace in Song “We Shall Be Free”

Country singer Garth Brooks brings a powerful statement of hope and unity in the 1992 single “We Shall Be Free.” 

Carrie Underwood Takes Over Katy Perry’s Spot as ‘American Idol’ Judge

Carrie Underwood is going back home to her roots as she has been confirmed to replace Katy Perry’s spot as judge in ‘American Idol.’

Gwen Stefani’s son Zuma Rossdale marks country music debut at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Bar

Gwen Stefani’s second child, Zuma Rossdale, makes his appearance at stepdad Blake Shelton’s bar to perform country music. 

Toby Keith’s Final Recording Session Unveiled During Tribute Show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

Toby Keith’s final recording session made a surprising appearance at his tribute show, Toby Keith: American Icon, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Here are 3 Roy Orbison Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Him

Get to know Roy Orbison, also known as The Caruso of Rock, with these three facts you most likely didn’t know about him. Check out our list. 

How Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” Became the 80s’ Iconic Soundtrack

No matter the era, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins is a theme song for the youth craving to ‘cut loose.’

Sheryl Crow Sends Out Distress Signal in “Redemption Day” Featuring the Voice of Johnny Cash

Sheryl Crow’s 2019 remake of her 1996 ballad “Redemption Day” melds the voice of Johnny Cash in his cover of the song released in 2010. 

Collin Raye’s “Man of My Word” is a Promise of Love that Transcends Life

Nothing will rip your heart out with honesty and sincerity than Collin Raye’s “Man of My Word.” It takes true love on a whole new level.

Keith Whitley Poured His Heart Out in “Tell Lorrie I Love Her”

Keith Whitley’s 1990 track “Tell Lorrie I Love Her” was a tribute to the love he left behind after his untimely passing in 1989. 

Remembering the Death of George Jones and the Legacy He Left Behind

The death of George Jones, whom Merle Haggard called the greatest country singer of all time, was a big loss to the country music industry. 

Loretta Lynn’s Calming Cover of “Peace in the Valley”

Country legend Loretta Lynn released her calming version of the ultimate hit gospel song “Peace in the Valley.”

A Love So Unexpected: Earl Thomas Conley’s “Angel in Disguise”

Find out what it takes to love someone unexpectedly with Earl Thomas Conley’s song “Angel in Disguise.”

George Canyon Unexpectedly Covers the Classic Hit “Kiss an Angel Good Morning”

George Canyon excited fans when he released his cover of the classic hit song “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.”

Deepen Your Faith in God with “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”

Learn more about the Christian hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” and the inspiration behind it.

Dolly Parton’s Uplifting “He’s Alive”: A Timeless Easter Anthem

All-rounder superstar Dolly Parton surprised her fans during Easter of 1989 when she released another hit gospel song titled “He’s Alive.”

Find Solace and Salvation with Randy Travis’ Song “Baptism”

Be reminded of God’s grace and mercy as you listen to iconic gospel singer Randy Travis’ song “Baptism.”

Before Willie Nelson: B.J. Thomas’ Unreleased Version of “Always On My Mind”

Let’s talk about how not a lot of people know that before Willie Nelson, there was B.J. Thomas’ version of “Always On My Mind,”

Break Free from The Past with Faith Hill’s “Let Me Let Go” 

Moving on can be hard, so together, let’s break free from the memories of the past with Faith Hill’s “Let Me Let Go.”

Jesse Keith Whitley Serenades His Mom and Honors Dad with “Tell Lorrie I Love Her”

In 2011, Jesse Keith Whitley did a special performance of “Tell Lorrie I Love Her” for his mom, Lorrie Morgan, and dad, Keith Whitley. 

Mill Town Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Mill Town Music Festival 2024 is the newest country music event arriving at Paisley Town Hall in Paisley, Scotland, this August 31.

Lainey Wilson Laughs Off Ripped Britches: “Y’all just about got a real show”

Country singer Lainey Wilson’s signature bell bottoms split in the middle of her Faster Horses Festival set in Brooklyn, Michigan. Check it out.

Country star Lauren Alaina Cancels 3 Shows after Father’s Death

Lauren Alaina announced she’s postponing three upcoming performances to mourn the death of his father on July 23.

Post Malone’s Upcoming Country Album ‘F-1 Trillion’ Tracklist Leaked

The leaked tracklist for Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion reveals major country collaborations with artists like Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr., and Lainey Wilson.

Jack Greene’s Death Marks Momentous Legacy in Country Music

60s country hitmaker Jack Greene spent decades of his career releasing classics before his death.

Kenny Rogers’ Tear-Jerking Rendition of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”

Country singer Kenny Rogers released one of the most tear-jerking covers of the hit gospel song “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

It’s 3 days of nonstop bluegrass at Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2024, from August 30 until September 1, in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

“How Great Thou Art”: The Last Duet of the Bluegrass Duo Joey + Rory

Find out the reason why “How Great Thou Art” has a special spot among the fans of the bluegrass duo Joey + Rory.