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

Taylor Swift Strips It All Down For “New Year’s Day”

The final track of the ‘Reputation’ album in 2017, “New Year’s Day,” captures Taylor Swift in a vulnerable, intimate moment. Here’s her story.

Westlife Beautifully Covers Garth Brooks’ “The Dance”

The phenomenal Irish pop group Westlife takes on “The Dance” by country singer Garth Brooks.” Watch them bring justice to this chart-topping hit!

Vince Gill Wrote “Whenever You Come Around” For His Better Half, Amy Grant

Vince Gill revealed the heart-melting tune “Whenever You Come Around” was inspired by his first meeting with Amy Grant in 1993.

“September When It Comes” – Rosanne Cash and Johnny Cash’s Final Duet

In 2003, Rosanne Cash released her final duet with her father, Johnny Cash, titled “September When It Comes.” Discover the story behind it here.

10 The Oak Ridge Boys Songs You Should Listen To At Least Once In Your Life

Here are ten must-listen The Oak Ridge Boys songs that deserve a spot on your playlist. We promise you, they’re worth it.

Anderson Family Bluegrass’s Modern Rendition of “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray”

In 2009, the Anderson Family Bluegrass band released their mellow rendition of the Bill Monroe classic, “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray.”

Radiate Faith with Donna Fargo’s Song “You Can’t Be a Beacon (If Your Light Don’t Shine)”

Dive into the soulful lyrics and timeless wisdom of Donna Fargo in the classic, 'You Can't Be a Beacon (If Your Light Don't Shine).

Award-Winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Unveils Farewell Tour

The legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is embarking on its farewell tour, showcasing its award-winning music that endured for nearly sixty years.

Elvis Presley’s Lonely Heart Sings “Blue Christmas” on the Holiday

Did you know that Elvis Presley was able to perform his hit, "Blue Christmas," one last time before he died?

A Well Thought-Out and Lifesaving Plan: “Cadillac Ranch” by Chris LeDoux

Have you ever thought of an idea that could potentially change your life? Chris LeDoux’s “Cadillac Ranch” is the perfect song to describe that situation.

Cody Comer and His Interesting Way of Putting His Baby to Sleep

Parents are unique in their techniques for caring for their newborn angel, so you’ll be surprised and interested in knowing Cody Comer's special technique.

The Oak Ridge Boys And A Few Facts You May Not Know About Them

Here are a few facts about The Oak Ridge Boys that you probably didn’t know about them in their fifty-year career run. Check the list here.

Garth Brooks’s Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) Talks Time, Dreams, and the Drive

Garth Brooks had a lot of people relate to his song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” because of the message that it brings about ambitions and reaching them no matter what.

How Love Changes One: Ronnie Milsap’s “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life”

The impact of love might not be seen in everyone, but Ronnie Milsap’s “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” is a reminder of how powerful love can be.

Tommy Brandt’s “I Believe in Angels” Is A Song Sent from Heaven 

Humans are inevitably tempted to sin, but it is not too late to repent while the time is still running. Here’s the meaning behind Tommy Brandt’s phenomenal song, “I Believe in Angels”.

Cam & Diplo’s Country Hit Song “So Long”: A Crash Course on Love & Moving On

Here’s the meaning behind the semi-country music song about love, “So Long” by Cam & Diplo. 

What Ronnie Dunn’s Song, “I Worship the Woman You Walked on” Truly Means

Here’s the meaning behind the country music star Ronnie Dunn’s song for the Heartbroken, “I Worship the Woman You Walked on.”

Don’t Give Up as We Are “Almost Home”: A Gospel Song by MercyMe

Here’s the meaning behind the country music band MercyMe’s chart-topping gospel song, “Almost Home.” 

Tim McGraw’s “My Best Friend”: More Than a Lover!

Lover or best friend? Here’s the meaning behind Tim McGraw’s country music hit song “My Best Friend.” 

The Life of Jimmy Brown Sang in The Browns’ “The Three Bells” Song

In 1959, the Grammy Award-winning group The Browns released one of their iconic holiday songs, “The Three Bells,” as part of their album Sweet Sounds by the Browns. 

Hear The Lord by Listening to Bill Monroe’s “A Voice from On High”

In 1969, the country singer Bill Monroe released his hit gospel song “A Voice from On High,” and here’s the meaning behind it. 

Reba McEntire Takes No Excuse in “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” 

"Why Haven't I Heard From You" is a popular country song by Reba McEntire. Discover the reasons behind this song's popularity among fans and its rise to the top of the charts.

Reba McEntire’s Upbeat Version of the Hit Gospel Song “Oh Happy Day”

Listen to Reba McEntire’s version of “Oh Happy Day” to thank Jesus for his undying love and sacrifice. 

HARDY Unveils 15-Date Quit!! Tour

HARDY is thrilled to announce his upcoming 15-date Quit! Tour. Get all the details about this exciting tour and find out where to catch HARDY live in concert.

Vince Gill’s “I Will Always Love You” Is A Gentle Tug To The Heart

Even the hardest of hearts will melt with Vince Gill’s sublime rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic song “I Will Always Love You.”

Get Tappin’ With Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s “Runnin’ Water” Feat Kentucky Headhunters

The country rock band The Kentucky Headhunters joined Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road in “Runnin’ Water” from their Country Grass project.

Connie Smith Inked Her Name In Country With Her Debut Single “Once a Day”

Country singer Connie Smith made her mark with her 1964 debut single “ Once a Day,” which dominated the charts for eight consecutive weeks.

Selena Gomez Cast As Linda Ronstadt In Soon-To-Be-Released Biopic

Selena Gomez is set to portray Linda Ronstadt in a soon-to-be-released biopic. Dive into the details of this film and discover how Gomez takes on the role.

Honoring the Country Stars We Have Lost in 2023

Let's pay tribute to the country stars who passed away in 2023. We remember their contributions to the genre and celebrate their legacy.

The Oak Ridge Boys Takes On The Southern Gospel Standard “Jesus Is Coming Soon”

The country and gospel vocal quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys, sang their version of R.E. Winsett’s “Jesus Is Coming Soon” in 1969.