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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

Rory Feek Said “I Do” Again Eight Years After the Death of His Wife, Joey

Country singer Rory Feek said “I do” to his 10-year-old daughter Indiana’s teacher at a lovely wedding in Greycliff, Montana, last July 14.  

3 Mind-blowing Facts about Country Legend Jack Greene

We dug up must-known facts about Jack Greene to keep his irreplaceable presence in the mainstream alive. 

Don Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” Reveals Tragic, Unyielding Love

Despite all the pain, Don Gibson had the courage to recall a ‘lost love’ in his 50s hit single “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

Trisha Yearwood’s Emotional “We Shall Be Free” Tribute

Trisha Yearwood belts out her version of Garth Brooks’ patriotic song “We Shall Be Free” at the 9/11 Memorial Show. 

A Peak Through George Jones Life With “Lord, You’ve Been Mighty Good To Me”

Let’s find out how “Lord, You’ve Been Mighty Good to Me” by George Jones became one of his best gospel song releases. 

Celebrate The Birth of Jesus with Gaither Vocal Band’s Song “The Glorious Impossible”

Let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with Gaither Vocal Band’s amazing gospel song “The Glorious Impossible.”

More Than a Cover: Unveiling Loretta Lynn’s Unique “Ten Thousand Angels”

Here’s how Loretta Lynn’s soulful rendition of “Ten Thousand Angels” stood out from the others.

Ingrid Andress Checks into Rehab After Viral National Anthem Performance at MLB Home Run Derby

Four-time Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress confessed that her off-tune rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was because she was drunk. 

Hip-Hop Meets Country: Nelly and Tim McGraw’s Collab for “Over and Over”

Rapper Nelly collaborates with country singer Tim McGraw  for the hit song “Over and Over.”

George Canyon Stirs Up Passionate Love in Rendition of “Ring of Fire”

George Canyon masters the art of covering songs about passionate love affairs in the single “Ring of Fire.”

Country Thunder Alberta 2024: What You Need To Know

Country Thunder Alberta 2024 will be back at Fort Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, from August 16 to 18, and you won’t want to miss it. 

Tønder Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Tønder Festival 2024 will take over the remote Danish town of Tønder from August 21-24. It’s the festival’s 50th year so it’s extra special. 

The Long Road Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

From August 23-25, The Long Road Festival 2024 will be celebrating country music at Stanford Hall in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, England.

British Country Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Winter Gardens Blackpool in Lancashire will be taken over by British Country Music Festival 2024 from August 30 to September 1. 

Outside Lands 2024: What You Need To Know

There is a massive lineup for Outside Lands 2024, which will be held August 9-11 at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. You won’t want to miss it. 

Who was Dolly Parton’s First Crush?

Just like any regular lady, Dolly Parton used to fangirl over a 50s heartthrob in country music. 

“All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)”: A Look at Charley Pride’s Ode to Unconditional Love

Let’s find out what it means to love someone unconditionally with Charley Pride’s hit song “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me).”

LASSO Montreal 2024: What You Need To Know

LASSO Montreal 2024 is gearing up for an electrifying two days of performances on Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal from August 16 to 17.

Voices of America Country Music Fest 2024: What You Need To Know

Voices of America Country Music Fest 2024 is bringing big names for its second summer in West Chester, Ohio, from August 8-11.

Boots and Hearts Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Canada’s biggest country music celebration, Boots and Hearts Music Festival 2024 will be held from August 8 to 11 at Burl’s Creek in Barrie, Ontario.

Oregon Jamboree 2024: What You Need To Know

Oregon Jamboree 2024 will take over Sweet Home, Oregon, from August 2 to 4, with three days of live country music performances.

Watershed Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Watershed Festival 2024 is ready to shed some good fun at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington, from August 2-4. 

Hinterland Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Big-time artists will be playing on the stage of a low-key festival in Saint Charles, Iowa, the Hinterland Music Festival 2024, on August 2-4.

Jelly Roll Moved to Tears After His Childhood Hero Eminem Sampled His 2020 Song “Save Me”

Country artist Jelly Roll penned a heartfelt tribute to Eminem after his feature in the concluding track of the Rap God’s 2024 magnum opus. 

Morgan Wallen Back on Social Media with Big News! Neyland Stadium Stop Added to Tour

After deactivating his Instagram profile last May, Morgan Wallen is finally back – and he’s got big news to share.  

Find True Beauty and Wealth in Hank Williams’ Hymn “A Home in Heaven”

Hank Williams slides into the mid-50s to sing an ode to the Promised Land with the single “A Home in Heaven.”

Skip Ewing’s “The Gospel According to Luke” Brings a Wonderful Lesson to the World

Skip Ewings gives a modern-day outlook on Christian faith in the single “The Gospel According to Luke.”

Sunfest Country Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Another high-energy lineup will perform at Sunfest Country Music Festival 2024, which will be held from August 1 to 4 at Laketown Ranch in Cowichan Lake, B.C. 

WE Fest 2024: What You Need To Know

WE Fest 2024 is ready to roll this coming August 1-3 at Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, with a killer line-up. Save the dates.

Big Valley Jamboree 2024: What You Need To Know

Big Valley Jamboree 2024 will once again take over Camrose, Alberta, into a small city of country music this coming August 1-4. Don’t miss it.