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

Boston Calling Music Festival 2024

Massachusetts is in for an epic weekend music experience at the Boston Calling Music Festival 2024 from May 24-26 at Harvard Athletic Complex.

Kelsea Ballerini Reimagines Her Debut Single “Love Me Like You Mean It” On Its Tenth Year Anniversary

Kelsea Ballerini drops a reimagined version of her debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It” ten years after its first release. Listen to it here. 

Kelsea Ballerini And Her Career-Defining Debut Single “Love Me Like You Mean It” 

Kelsea Ballerini started her journey with her debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” in 2015. And it was definitely a career-defining moment. 

“You May See Me Walkin’” by Ricky Skaggs Helps you Get Over your Ex

What better way to move on from a relationship than to sway joyfully to “You May See Me Walking” by Ricky Skaggs?

The Montana Boyz and their Viral TikTok Fame

Cowboy boots and country music may seem like an odd combo, but the Montana Boyz prove otherwise when they broke the internet with their viral TikTok fame. 

DelFest 2024: What You Need to Know

The Allegany Country Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland, is about to be rocked this coming May 23-26 during the annual DelFest 2024. 

“I Miss My Friend” by Darryl Worley is More than What You Think

If you need a good cry for a friendship or romantic bond lost, Darryl Worley’s powerful ballad “I Miss My Friend” is enough to keep you company.

Walter Brennan Reminisces Childhood Story in “Old Rivers’ Trunk” 

Walter Brennan conjures up fond memories of an old friend in the “Old Rivers’ Trunk” to reflect upon the value of resilience and friendship.

Rooster Walk Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Rooster Walk Festival 2024 is set for another four days of alt-country, Americana, and bluegrass from May 23-26 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Dan Seals and Marie Osmond’s “Meet Me In Montana” Brings You to a Ride Home

Siel and Osmond’s duet in Meet Me in Montana is the perfect country classic you’re looking for to play on your Sunday afternoon.

Troubadour Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Good country music and savory Texas BBQ equals the Troubadour Festival 2024. Catch it on May 18 at Aggie Park at Texas A&M University. 

Ben Haggard’s Powerful Performance Of “Where No One Stands Alone”

Elvis Presley's classic song “Where No One Stands Alone” is one of the hardest songs to cover, but Ben Haggard did it justice with his powerful voice. 

Joey + Rory’s Amazing Cover Of The Hit Gospel Song “In the Garden”

Find out how American country and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory’s version of the hit gospel song “In the Garden” differed from many.

“The Preacher and The Stranger” by Joey + Rory Holds a Powerful Meaning

Here’s the powerful meaning of the country hit “The Preacher and The Stranger” by Joey + Rory.

Meaning Behind Gaither Vocal Band Classic Hit “Yes, I Know”

Here’s everything you need to know behind the meaning of Gaither Vocal Band's classic hit song “Yes, I know.”

Hangout Music Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Hang loose and enjoy the ultimate summer kick-off, Hangout Music Festival 2024, from May 17-19 on the beaches of Gulf Shore, Alabama.

FreshGrass Festival Bentonville 2024: What You Need to Know

Mark your calendars on May 17 and 18 for the best in roots music at FreshGrass Festival Bentonville 2024 at Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Sleeping In The Woods Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Enjoy gorgeous glamping and majestic music at the Sleeping In The Woods Festival 2024 from May 17-19 at Hidden Ridge, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. 

Highways Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Live Nation and Royal Albert Hall present Highways Festival 2024, a festival of Country and Americana, on May 17 and 18, 2024. 

Bear Shadow Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Enjoy world-class music acts at 4118 feet in the mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, with Bear Shadow Festival 2024 from May 11 to 12. 

Rodney Crowell Teams up with Harlan Howard to Create Highway 101 Hit Song “Somewhere Tonight” 

How did Rodney Crowell and Harlan Howard make Highway 101’s Somewhere Tonight their most notable single in the band’s career?

“If You Leave Me Tonight I’ll Cry” by Jerry Wallace: A Heartbreak Anthem

From being a hit recording artist in pop to dominating the country charts, Jerry Wallace’s “If You Leave Me Tonight I’ll Cry” cemented her singing career.

Dolly Parton’s “Hello God” is a plea after the 9/11 Attack

The day after the 9/11 attack, Dolly Parton wrote “Hello God” as a response through prayer

Lynn Anderson’s Rendition of “Rocky Top” Stands the Test of Time

Lynn Anderson’s version of “Rocky Top” peaked in the Billboard Country Music Top 100. 

Big As Texas Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Big As Texas Festival 2024, the newest country music celebration, is taking over Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas, from May 10-12.  

Chris Cagle Sings for the Brokenhearted with Single “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out”

What better way to deal with heartbreak than to listen to Chris Cagle's “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out”?

Aaron Watson Pays Tribute to late Lane Frost with “July in Cheyenne”

Aaron Watson writes a stirring ode to fallen rodeo legendary Lane Frost in “July in Cheyenne” as he recalls losing his daughter.

The Story behind Darryl Worley’s “Sounds Like Life to Me” 

Whether you’re having a tough day or feeling unmotivated, Darryl Worley’s “Sound Like Life to Me” might encourage you enough to get your window curtains open. 

Neil Young Takes Political Turn in the Song “Rockin’ in the Free World”

As the world turns upside down, Neil Young critiques the state of the world with his 1989 rock classic Rockin' the Free World. 

Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend 2024

Reserve your long weekend vacation from May 10-12 and enjoy Miramar Beach in Florida for Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend 2024.