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Posted In: Branson, Branson Area, Branson Shows, Press Release, Shows/Attractions by BroadcastBranson.com

(Branson, MO) – Joey Riley, a 43-year-old, Wylie native and nationally-known comedian, has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer and will soon begin chemotherapy. This devastating news, which has put his career on hold, comes just ten months after his mother lost her long and difficult battle with cancer.
Riley was born and raised in Wylie and got his start in his parents’ music venue, the Wylie Opry, which they built so he and his brother, Scott, could have a family-friendly environment in which to perform.
Riley started high school at Wylie High School and then moved to Nashville where he went to school his junior and senior years.
“I was working in Nashville and going to school at the same time,” he said.
However, he wanted to graduate with his class at Wylie, so his school in Tennessee sent his records to Wylie, and he graduated with the WHS class of 1989.
Riley was successful from a young age. Before he was 17, he toured with Capitol Records artist Gene Stroman and Suzy Bogguss playing the steel guitar and fiddle. He then toured with the Warren Stokes Country Revue out of Eureka Springs, Ark. and added “comedian” to his talents.
After a couple years, he found his way to Branson, Missouri where he joined the Texas Goldminors. Country music legend Mickey Gilley happened to be in the audience one day and asked him to join his show. Riley stayed by Gilley’s side for over 20 years and loved every minute of it.
In 2012, Joey ended his tenure with Gilley and joined up with longtime friend and fellow Wylie native Clay Cooper. He performed nightly as part of “Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express” and in his own show at Music City Centre on Branson’s famed Highway 76 strip. Joey’s tumor was unable to be surgically removed. The new plan is after his recovery from the surgery he will undergo Chemo and Radiation treatments to shrink the tumor. Riley plans to return to Clay Cooper’s show and will open his show in the fall.
Joey, a steel guitarist, fiddle player and comedic sidekick has been sharing laughs and entertaining audiences of all ages with comedy, singing and musical talents for more than 20 years.
Joey does not have health insurance to cover these costs so a benefit show will be held Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at Clay Cooper Theatre to help Riley and his wife, Kelli with overwhelming medical expenses. Tickets are $25.
Donations can be made in the name “Benefit of Joey Riley” at Bank of Missouri, 800 Highway 248, Suite C, Branson MO, 65616. Prayers, donations and well wishes are greatly appreciated by the Riley family.
“The music industry has been real good to me throughout the years,” Riley said. “I’ve been blessed. But I’m not ready to give up yet.”
Letters, cards and well wishes for Joey Riley can be sent to Joey Riley, c/o Chuck Landry, 904 Hawthorn, Branson MO 65616.
For ticket information on the Joey Riley Benefit Show, call 417-332-CLAY.