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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

Bunnie XO Pictures: A Collection Of Her Hottest Looks Through The Years

It’s always summer in Bunnie XO’s pictures, even when she is fully dressed from head to toe. Here’s our curated collection of her hottest looks. 

Johnny Tillotson’s Fairytale-Like Cover of the Country-pop Hit “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On”

“Send Me the Pillow You Dream On” is a country song covered by many, but among the most notable is Johnny Tillotson’s 1962 version. 

A Dive into “Talk Back Trembling Lips” Lyrics: Ernest Ashworth’s Hit Song 

Find out the meaning behind Ernest Ashworth’s hit song “Talk Back Trembling Lips,” initially released in 1963.

Does Jelly Roll Regret Having Face Tattoos? That and More Right Here

Jelly Roll gives the real deal on whether or not he regrets seeing his face heavily covered with tattoos. That and more right here!

Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2024: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Willie Nelson is hitting the road with Bob Dylan this summer for the Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2024, and here’s everything you need to know.

“Lord Lead Me On” by The Primitive Quartet: The Most Heavenly Version

Southern gospel singers The Primitive Quartet released their heavenly version of “Lord Lead Me On," originally sung by Bill and Gloria Gaither.  

Johnny Tillotson’s Amazing Cover of “Talk Back Trembling Lips” by Ernest Ashworth

1960s country superstar Johnny Tillotson released his rendition of Ernest Ashworth’s number-one hit song “Talk Back Trembling Lips.”

Is there a Beyoncé Cover of “Jolene” in Act II? Here’s What Dolly Parton Says

If Dolly Parton’s wish were to come true for Beyoncé to cover her classic hit song “Jolene,” it would definitely be 2024’s most iconic moment. 

Endometriosis Gives Dolly Parton’s Life an Unexpected Turn

Dolly Parton's struggle with Endometriosis had polarizing effects on the Jolene singer's career and personal life. Find out more about her journey here.

These Phil Vassar Songs Prove He Is A Hitmaking Artist

Country singer Phil Vassar is a certified hitmaker with ten number-one hits and 27 Top 40 songs. Here’s a list of our favorites. 

Taylor Swift And 9 Songs You Probably Didn’t Know Were Written By Her

There’s no denying that Taylor Swift is a genius songwriter. Her discography alone proves that. But did you know that she also wrote for others?

Kaylee Bell Joins The Off-Track Entertainment Of The ITM Taupō Super400

Following her recent album drop, Australasia’s most streamed female country artist, Kaylee Bell, is set to perform at the ITM Taupō Super400.

Meet Jelly Roll’s Wife, Bunnie XO, And Get To Know Their Love Story

Get the inside scoop on Jelly Roll's wife, Bunnie XO. Explore their whirlwind romance, surprise wedding, and the keys to their strong marriage.

Billy Currington’s Tender Rendition of “Lucille” by Kenny Rogers Will Leave You In Tears

Country singer Billy Currington’s version of Kenny Rogers’ 1977 hit song “Lucille” was a beautiful homage to the artist and the song.

Kenny Rogers’ 1977 Hit Song “Lucille” Is A Real Tearjerker

A year after leaving his group, the First Edition, Kenny Rogers earned his first major solo hit with the tearjerking track “Lucille.”

Remember The Time When Shania Twain and Billy Currington Had A “Party for Two”? 

In 2004, Shania Twain and Billy Currington joined forces for a flirty song called “Party for Two.” Years later, it’s still as catchy as ever.

Grab A Cold Beer, Put On Your Cowboy Hats, And Listen To These 10 Billy Currington Songs

If you haven’t heard of Billy Currington yet, these ten songs off his discography since 2003 will guarantee you’d be a fan. Check them all out. 

Facts About Billy Currington That You Should Definitely Know

Country singer Billy Currington’s effortless charm has made him a favorite in the genre, and here are some facts about him. Check them out.

Carly Pearce Reminds Women of Their Self-Worth in “What He Didn’t Do”

Carly Pearce describes a breakup from a female perspective in “What He Didn't Do,” released two years after filing for divorce from fellow artist Michael Ray.

Get To Know Sierra Ferrell Deeper With These Not-So-Known Facts About Her

If you’ve grown curious about Sierra Ferrell and her music, here are some lesser-known facts about her that might interest you. Check them out. 

“Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood: Heaven Is Our End Goal

In 2009, country superstar Carrie Underwood released another bop song titled “Temporary Home” as part of her album Play On. 

How Mo Pitney Met Merle Haggard In “I Met Merle Haggard Today”

Being one of country legend Merle Haggard’s die-hard fans, rising star Mo Pitney released “I Met Merle Haggard Today.” Get to know more about the hit song here.

Claire Crosby’s Sweet Rendition of the Gospel Hymn “Peace in Christ”

Internet sensation Claire Crosby gives us more reasons to love her as she sang the sweetest version of the gospel hymn, “Peace in Christ.”

Here’s Shenandoah’s Timeless Hit, “Church On Cumberland Road”

Here’s a look back to Shenandoah’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, the hit single “Church On Cumberland Road.”

Randy Travis Reveals The Downside Of Upper-Class Living In “Better Class Of Losers”

In this timeless classic, Randy Travis leaves the upscale living – where  they pretend life is rosy and sweet – and returns to the “Better Class of Losers.”

Josh Turner’s Modern Take of the Hit Country Song “I Wouldn’t Be a Man”

Country singer Josh Turner gives his modern spin to the 1980s classic “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” by Don Williams. 

See Luke Bryan’s Off-Screen Duet With American Idol Hopeful Aniston Pate

Luke Bryan shared a special off-screen moment with American Idol contestant Aniston Pate. Lucky for us, it was caught on camera.

Exploring Longing in Sierra Ferrell’s “In Dreams”

Sierra Ferrell’s song “In Dreams” explores love, longing, and heartbreak, intertwined with a subtle reference to human mortality. Check it out.

Delving into the Depths of “The Sea” by Sierra Ferrell

Watch Sierra Ferrell in her full wandering and whimsical glory as she sings “The Sea,” the opening track of her debut album ‘Long Time Coming.’

Sierra Ferrell Goes Deep Into A Wild Forest Chase In Her Single “Fox Hunt”

Two years after dropping her label debut ‘Long Time Coming’ in 2021, Sierra Ferrell follows up with a wild and fantastical single, “Fox Hunt.”