 In the early 1970s, Riley quit music to return to Arkansas and started his own construction business.In 1978 "Red Hot" and "Flyin' Saucers Rock and Roll" were covered by Robert Gordon and Link Wray, which led to a one-off performance in Memphis in 1979, the success of which led to further recording at Sun Studio and a full-time return to performing.Rediscovered in 1992 by Bob Dylan, who had been a fan since 1956, Riley played rock and roll, blues, and country blues.