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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

Learn The Art Of Seduction With Don Williams “I Wouldn’t Be a Man”

Come and explore the seductive story behind Don Williams' hit song “I Wouldn't Be a Man” off his 1987 album “Traces” with us. 

Lorrie Morgan Kicks Up Her Heels In “Except for Monday”

Among her signature songs, Lorrie Morgan’s 1991 hit “Except for Monday” is the track most country fans think of when they hear her name.

Don Williams Sings Of Love, Loss, and Regret In His 1973 Romantic Track “Amanda”

Released in 1973, “Amanda” solidified Don Williams' reputation as a masterful storyteller and interpreter of songs. Check it out here. 

Ray Price Heartbreakingly Begs His Lover: “Release Me”

Ray Price’s soulful delivery of heartbreak and longing made his rendition of “Release Me” one of the most iconic songs ever in his discography. 

Willie Nelson Sings About A Different Kind Of Love In “My Own Peculiar Way” 

First released in 1965, “My Own Peculiar Way” showcased Willie Nelson’s prowess as a songwriter and his individuality. Check it out here.

Reba McEntire Dismissed Fake News About Her Departure From The Voice

Reba McEntire addressed false information circulated by certain websites,  claiming she is leaving her coaching role on NBC's The Voice.

Lukas Nelson’s Acoustic Rendition Of His Dad’s “My Own Peculiar Way” Will Move You

Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, shared a touching rendition of an old song by his dad that he really loved, titled “My Own Peculiar Way.”

Keith Urban Features In Longtime Idol Don Williams Track “Imagine That”

The Gentle Giant, Don Williams, was joined by one of his biggest fans, Keith Urban, in his track “Imagine That.” Check out the tune here. 

Blind Filipino Talent Mesmerizes with Cover Version of “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton

Elsie Atig Balawing, a blind girl from the Philippines, aces Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” Check out her casual rendition here.

Linda Martell Touched Many Hearts With Her Cover of “Color Him Father”

In 1969, Linda Martell released her version of “Color Him Father,” a touching tale of a devoted stepfather caring for a woman and her seven children.

Toby Keith Fantasizes Aloud in “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

Toby Keith wrote "How Do You Like Me Now?!" with renowned country music songwriter Chuck Cannon – and it's something many would surely relate to. 

Keeping the Old-School Country Vibe Alive with “Billy Graham’s Bible” by Joe Nichols

Joe Nichols keeps the old-school country vibe alive with the soul-stirring track “Billy Graham’s Bible.”

Righten that Wrong with Flatt & Scruggs’ Gospel Song “Get in Line Brother”

Keeping the bluegrass vibe with Flatt & Scruggs’ classic gospel song “Get in Line Brother,” released in 1965.

Self-Expression Takes Center Stage In “I Wanna Talk About Me” By Toby Keith

On August 20, 2001, Toby Keith released “I Wanna Talk About Me,” a song about a frustrated man struggling to talk to his self-centered significant other.

“Dixieland Delight” – Alabama’s Timeless Anthem of Southern Charm 

Discover the enchanting allure of Alabama's classic hit, “Dixieland Delight.” Immerse in the soulful blend of Southern charm and country magic in this timeless anthem.

An Album of Classic Hits: “Rumor Has It” By Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire has continually captured listeners’ hearts through her music for years. So, to give back, she released the 30th Anniversary Edition of her best-selling album “Rumor Has It.”

Trusting God Through Uncertainties in Bill Gaither’s “I Believe, Help Thou My Unbelief”

In times of uncertainty, we must trust God, as Bill Gaither stated in his hit song “I Believe, Help Thou My Unbelief.”

Never Lose Hope with Mahalia Jackson’s “There’ll Be Peace in The Valley for Me”

Take a breath and seek comfort in life through Mahalia Jackson’s hit gospel song “Peace in The Valley.”

Scott Southworth Keeps Country Music Alive with “I Ain’t Leaving Town”

With various music genres popping up nowadays, Scott Southworth keeps the country music spirit going through his hit song “I Ain’t Leaving Town.”

“Let Freedom Ring” by the Gaither Vocal Band: A Message of Redemption and Unity

Gaither Vocal Band sends a strong message of how some face hell for freedom’s dream in the gospel hit, “Let Freedom Ring.”

Don Williams “Old Coyote Town”: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Change is the only constant thing in this world, which rings true in “Old Coyote Town by Don Williams.

No One Can Sing “Love Me” Like Elvis Presley 

The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, took on the sentimental Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller penned song “Love Me” and nailed it. 

Feel Your Heart Break With Travis Tritt’s “Tell Me I Was Dreaming”

Country singer Travis Tritt’s 1995 hit song “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” is awfully heartbreaking and will make you cry buckets of tears.

Keith Whitley Pours His Whiskey Down In “Between an Old Memory and Me”

In his short solo career, Keith Whitley released songs like “Between an Old Memory and Me” that would remain influential decades later.

Listen To Randy Travis’ Version Of The Sweet Hymnal Tune “In The Sweet By And By”

Country music singer Randy Travis recorded his rendition of the 1868 hymn “In The Sweet By and By” for his 2003 album Worship and Faith.

Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn And Their Heartfelt Exploration Of Romantic Love With “Feelins’”

Seasoned duet partners Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn sing of the complex and nuanced emotions in a relationship with their 1975 hit “Feelins’.”

Willie Nelson’s Soulful Rendition of “Help Me Make It Through The Night”

Willie Nelson covers the controversial Kris Kristofferson hit “Help Me Make It Through The Night.”

On Moving Forward with Ian & Sylvia’s “Four Strong Winds”

Did you know that Ian & Sylvia's Four Strong Winds was written in just 20 minutes? Get to know more about this classic country hit here.

George Strait Pays Tribute to Merle Haggard with “Are the Good Times Really Over”

The King of Country, George Strait, pays tribute to Merle Haggard with a “Are The Good Times Really Over” cover.