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

Country Music Icon Toby Keith Dies At 62 After Bout With Stomach Cancer

After an eighteen-month battle with stomach cancer, Toby Keith has died. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer was 62.

Joni Mitchell Stuns Grammy Awards’ Audience With “Both Sides, Now”

More than five decades since Joni Mitchell won her first Grammy, the iconic musician graced the 2024 Grammy Awards for her first-ever performance.

Meaning Behind the Notorious Cherry Bombs Song “It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long”

If your life has become quite the country song, listen to this The Notorious Cherry Bombs Song, “It's Hard to Kiss the Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long.” 

Lee Ann Womack Gives the Proof You Need in “There is a God”

Here’s the meaning behind the 2009 religious ballad “There is a God” by iconic American contemporary country singer Lee Ann Womack. 

Lainey Wilson Wins Her First Grammy Award, Calling It “Absolutely Wild”

Lainey Wilson took home the Best Country Album award during the 2024 Grammy Awards, marking her first win at the highly esteemed musical event.

Chris Stapleton Double Win for “White Horse” at 2024 Grammy Awards

Chris Stapleton kicked off the 2024 Grammy Awards on a winning streak – taking home Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song.

Dive into the Country Music Persona of Mason Ramsey in His Latest Single, “Twang”

Rising country singer Mason Ramsey highlights various elements of his country music persona in his 2019 song “Twang.”

Ricky Van Shelton’s Mellow Version of the Gospel Song “Mansion Over the Hilltop”

In 1992, the ever-mysterious American country singer Ricky Van Shelton released his mellow version of the southern gospel song “Mansion Over the Hilltop.”

Warren Zeiders Sings a Moody Love Song In “Pretty Little Poison”

Discover and indulge in “Pretty Little Poison” by Warren Zeiders – a song that resonates with everyone, especially the brokenhearted.

Don Williams and Alison Krauss Join For A Velvety Duet In “I Just Come Here for the Music”

Two of country music’s biggest names, Don Williams and Alison Krauss, join together for a love song titled “I Just Come Here for the Music.”

Zach Bryan Wins His First Grammy Awards Along With Kacey Musgraves 

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves took home the Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their smash hit, "I Remember Everything."

Johnny Rodriguez Hits It Tenderly With “That’s the Way Love Goes”

In 1973, Johnny Rodriguez achieved his third number-one hit in a row with a Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shafer track, “That’s the Way Love Goes.”

Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John”: An Unexpected Musical Banger

Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” might be considered one of the most unexpected top hits of all time, and here’s why. 

Merle Haggard’s Rendition Of “That’s the Way Love Goes”: A Certified Fan-favorite

With a wide-ranged repertory, Merle Haggard could sing just about anything and own any song he covers, like “That’s the Way Love Goes.”

Willie Nelson’s Reflection About Life as Written in His Song “Nothing I Can Do About It Now”

The legendary country singer Willie Nelson takes on regret and moving on with his 1989 hit song called “Nothing I Can Do About It Now.” 

Here’s Trisha Yearwood’s Nostalgia-Filled Track, “The Song Remembers When”

Trisha Yearwood harnesses the power of music in recalling forgotten memories in her track “The Song Remembers When.” Here’s the story behind it.

Josh Turner’s Version of “Forever and Ever, Amen,” A Randy Travis Classic

In 2020, the country heartthrob Josh Turner shared his modern version of the Randy Travis classic Forever and Ever, Amen. 

Interesting Facts to Know About Rising Country Star, Red Shahan!

Here are some facts about the rising country music artist of West Texas, Red Shahan. 

Listen To Steamy Track “I’d Love to Lay You Down” by Conway Twitty

Conway Twitty, a bonafide country superstar since the ‘60s, wasn’t afraid to take on controversial songs such as “I’d Love to Lay You Down.” 

Bobby Helms and His Number-One Debut Single “Fraulein”

In 1957, country singer Bobby Helms took the genre by storm with his chart-topping debut single “Fraulein.” Check out the whole story here.

Kenny Rogers and Anne Murray Gives Love A Second Chance With “If I Ever Fall in Love Again”

Two of the biggest names in country music, Kenny Rogers and Anne Murray, sing about loving again after a heartbreak in “If I Ever Fall in Love Again.” 

Believe in the Power of Your Imagination with “All I Have to Do is Dream” by The Everly Brothers

"All I Have To Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers is part of their 1959 album, The Everly Brothers' Best

“Let Me Live in the Light of His Love” by Charley Pride Captures Joy and Enlightenment In God’s Love

Let Me Live in the Light of His Love” by Charley Pride takes on faith and being transformed by God’s unconditional love. 

Reach for The Promised Land Through “The Old Cross Road” by Bill Monroe

Walk through the guided path to the pearly gates of heaven by listening to the timeless classic The Old Cross Road by Bill Monroe.

Ray Stevens Knocks Greedy Televangelist with His Song “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex”

In 1987, comedic country singer Ray Stevens released “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex” to shed light on people who had been blinded by Televangelist schemes. 

“Meant to Be” Claire Crosby Version: The Adorable Father and Daughter Cover

In 2018, Claire Crosby and her dad, Dave Crosby, released their cover of the hit American country song “Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha. 

Reba McEntire Sings “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” For Her Broken Heart

In 1992, Reba McEntire released her fourth and final single for her album ‘For My Broken Heart’ titled “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”

Go Country Vibin’ With These 10 Hit Songs By Tracy Byrd

If you really want to get the whole experience of the country genre, then these 10 Tracy Byrd songs are a must in your playlist. Check them out.

3 Not-So-Known Tracy Byrd Facts Outside His Music

Here is a short list of three facts about Tracy Byrd that even his fans might not know about him. Are you ready? Let’s hit it. 

Tracy Byrd and  His First Number One Hit “Holdin’ Heaven”

Country singer Tracy Byrd interrupted Garth Brooks’ reign on the country singles chart with his debut album’s third single, “Holdin’ Heaven.”