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Riley Johnson

  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Riley Johnson is a seasoned country music journalist whose deep passion for the genre shines through in her work. With over five years at Country Thang Daily, she covers everything from iconic classics to emerging hits, making her a cherished voice in the country music community.

Brief Biography

A Tennessee native, Riley grew up with a profound appreciation for the rich musical traditions of the South. Before joining Country Thang Daily, she developed her writing skills at esteemed publications like Billboard and People magazine. Riley’s dedication to her craft and her knack for connecting with readers through her vivid storytelling have solidified her reputation as a trusted country music journalist.

Experience

Riley’s journalism career began during her college years when she contributed to her university’s literary magazine. She also wrote music reviews and artist spotlights for her local newspaper. After college, Riley joined Billboard as a contributing writer, where she gained recognition for her detailed coverage of country music’s biggest names. She later transitioned to People magazine, where she specialized in feature stories on rising country stars and the latest industry trends.

At Country Thang Daily, Riley has authored numerous popular articles, including exclusive interviews, album reviews, and thought-provoking opinion pieces. Her ability to blend historical context with contemporary insights has garnered her a loyal readership.

Education

Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies. Her academic background, coupled with her practical experience, has equipped her with the skills to be an insightful and credible journalist.

Awards & Associations

Television Guest: Riley has appeared as a country music expert on regional news segments and popular music podcasts such as Nashville Soundcheck and Country Cast.
Festival Host: In the summer of 2021, Riley hosted a series of live panels at the Country Music Festival, featuring discussions with emerging artists.
Publication Contributor: Riley represents Country Thang Daily in print and online publications, including Rolling Stone Country, Billboard, and MusicRow Magazine.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional endeavors, Riley enjoys exploring Nashville’s dynamic music scene, attending live concerts, and discovering new local talent. She’s also an avid reader, often delving into biographies of country music legends.

Important Questions From Country Thang Daily

Best advice for aspiring country music journalists?
Never stop learning and always be curious. The stories behind the music are endless, and there’s always something new to discover.

What’s your all-time favorite country song?
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones. Its emotional depth and storytelling are unparalleled in country music history.

Dream country music interviewee?
Emmylou Harris. Her influence on country music and her storied career would provide incredible insights and stories.

Favorite after-concert snack?
A slice of warm pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the perfect Southern treat after a night of great music.

Latest Stories

Toby Keith performs with his American flag guitar, the same patriotic spirit that fueled his song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."

The Untold Truth Behind Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”

Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" was born from personal loss and national tragedy, capturing raw patriotism that still sparks debate today.

Toby Keith plays guitar with an American flag design, capturing the patriotic vibe perfect for a Fourth of July country playlist.

35 Patriotic Country Songs to Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate 4th of July Party

Crank up these 35 patriotic country songs and turn your backyard into the ultimate Fourth of July party, beer in hand and fireworks blazing.

Country legend George Jones plays guitar under spotlight, embodying the raw heartbreak behind these 12 most depressing country songs.

These 12 Depressing Country Songs Will Have You Sobbing and Hitting Repeat All Night

From George Jones to Jason Isbell, these 12 painfully real country songs handpicked from Reddit's top fan picks will break your heart and keep you listening all night.

Miranda Lambert plays guitar in a cozy bedroom, the perfect moment that shows how she made “The House That Built Me” a classic.

Blake Shelton Was Supposed to Sing “The House That Built Me” Then Miranda Lambert Made It a Classic

Blake Shelton almost made "The House That Built Me" his own, but Miranda Lambert took it, owned it, and gave country music a classic for the ages.

George Strait sits somber in a cowboy hat and checkered shirt, reflecting the quiet grief behind his song "You'll Be There."

George Strait’s “You’ll Be There” Hits Harder When You Know Who He Was Singing To

George Strait's "You'll Be There" isn't just a country ballad. Once you know the heartbreak behind it, the song becomes a gut punch only a grieving father could sing.

Lee Greenwood sings passionately in the studio while recording his new “God Bless the USA” version with U.S. Air Force soldiers.

Lee Greenwood Teams Up With U.S. Soldiers for a Powerful New “God Bless the USA”

Lee Greenwood teams up with the U.S. Air Force Band for a powerful new version of "God Bless the USA" that strips away politics and hits with pure American pride.

Johnny Cash and June Carter smile side by side in a vintage photo, capturing the warmth and legacy of their iconic love story.

Inside the Beautifully Messy Love Story of Johnny Cash and June Carter

The wild, beautiful, and brutally honest love story of Johnny Cash and June Carter proves that the greatest romances are the ones that survive the fire.

Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton in Yellowstone, shocking fans who had no idea her real accent is actually British.

Yellowstone Fans Shocked to Hear Kelly Reilly’s Real Accent and It’s Nothing Like Beth Dutton

Kelly Reilly stunned Yellowstone fans when she revealed her real British accent on live TV. She sounded nothing like the tough-as-nails Beth Dutton they know.

Nicole Kidman cozies up to Keith Urban in Sydney, the man who ended her Hollywood dating chapter with one perfect proposal.

Meet the Famous Men Nicole Kidman Dated Before Keith Urban Put a Ring on It

Before Nicole Kidman found lasting love with Keith Urban, she dated Hollywood's boldest names, from Tom Cruise to Lenny Kravitz, in a romance saga all her own.

Keith Urban turns to the camera during a packed festival show as thousands of fans sing "Happy Birthday" to Nicole Kidman.

Keith Urban Stopped His Show So Thousands of Fans Could Serenade Nicole Kidman for Her Birthday

Keith Urban stopped a packed festival mid-show so thousands of fans could sing "Happy Birthday" to Nicole Kidman, somehow making every man on earth look unromantic.

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman sing joyfully in their viral 2016 car duet of “The Fighter” with unfiltered love and charm.

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman Singing “The Fighter” Together Is the Relationship We All Want

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman's 2016 car duet of "The Fighter" is still stealing hearts with its raw charm, real love, and over 11 million views to prove it.

Allie Colleen performs on stage with a big smile and acoustic guitar, showing confidence and independence as she builds her music career on her own terms—far from her father Garth Brooks’ shadow.

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Says She Doesn’t Represent Him and Wants No Part of His Shadow

Allie Colleen is forging her own path in country music and making it clear she's not riding Garth Brooks' coattails or representing his legacy in her career.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Moved On, But Did They Ever Make Amends?

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert moved on, but nearly a decade after their split, signs point to unresolved tension and no real truce between the country exes.

Holly Dunn performs passionately under soft stage lights with her guitar in hand, capturing the emotion behind her heartfelt classic “Daddy’s Hands.”

Holly Dunn Wrote “Daddy’s Hands” for Her Dad and Somehow Spoke for an Entire Generation

Holly Dunn's "Daddy's Hands" wasn't a chart-topper, but it became the defining song for anyone who ever loved and finally understood their father too late.

Oliver Anthony belts out raw heartbreak in a dimly lit studio session, his face scrunched in pain, strumming a resonator guitar with the kind of fury only divorce can fuel.

Oliver Anthony Poured His Divorce Hell Into “Scornful Woman” and It’s Flat-Out Devastating

Oliver Anthony's "Scornful Woman" is a blistering heartbreak anthem, ripping through the pain of divorce with raw lyrics and no interest in sugarcoating a thing.

Brad Paisley strums his guitar under a spotlight—looking like he’s about to sing the song that breaks every stepdad’s heart wide open. Not the original performance, but you can feel the same lump in your throat.

Brad Paisley’s “He Didn’t Have to Be” Is the Ultimate Tribute to Men Who Chose to Be Dad

Brad Paisley's "He Didn't Have to Be" still hits like a gut punch, honoring the men who stepped up and became dads when they didn't have to be.

Mark Herndon plays drums on stage with a smile, wearing sunglasses and a bandana, representing his longtime role with country supergroup Alabama despite feeling like an outsider.

He Was Alabama’s Drummer for Years But Mark Herndon Says He Was Never Treated Like He Belonged

Mark Herndon spent 25 years drumming for Alabama, but behind the fame, he was never treated like family. His story is the side of country's biggest band you didn't hear.

The Dixie Chicks pose in front of an American flag in white T-shirts, with the words "FREE SPEECH" written on their arms—capturing the controversial moment that reshaped their career after 2003.

Whatever Happened to the Dixie Chicks After They Crossed the Line in 2003?

The Dixie Chicks blew up their own career in 2003 and never fully came back. Two decades later, they're a lesson in what happens when you trash your own roots.

Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard perform on stage together in 2015, each playing a guitar and singing into microphones, proving their legendary status with the success of their album Django and Jimmie.

On This Day in 2015, Willie and Merle Proved They Still Ran the Damn Game With “Django and Jimmie”

On this day in 2015, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard topped the charts with Django and Jimmie, proving country's outlaws still ran the show.

Hank Williams performs “Lovesick Blues” at the Grand Ole Opry in 1949, standing at the WSM microphone in a pinstripe suit and cowboy hat, holding an acoustic guitar during his historic debut.

On This Day in 1949, Hank Williams Stepped on the Opry Stage and Blew the Damn Roof Off

On June 11, 1949, Hank Williams made his Opry debut with "Lovesick Blues" and earned six encores. It was chaos, country music, and a legend in the making.

John Foster, Breanna Nix, and IAMKNOWN sit on a front porch singing a heartfelt acoustic rendition of “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” with John playing guitar and all three pouring raw emotion into the harmony.

John Foster, Breanna Nix, and IAMKNOWN Team Up for a Soul-Crushing Take on “Go Rest High on That Mountain”

John Foster, Breanna Nix, and IAMKNOWN deliver a spine-tingling take on Vince Gill's "Go Rest High," proving some covers feel more like church than performance.

Faith Hill waves to the crowd on stage in a white dress, fueling speculation about her quiet retirement from country music after years of absence from the spotlight.

Did Faith Hill Quietly Step Away From Country Music? The Biggest Sign Yet She’s Retired

Faith Hill hasn't released solo music in nearly two decades, her website is wiped clean, and she's vanished from social media. Has the country icon quietly retired?

John Foster plays guitar while Breanna Nix sings during an emotional duet teaser of “I Told You So.” The casual, intimate setting highlights their raw talent and rising country chemistry.

John Foster and Breanna Nix Tease “I Told You So” Cover and Now Everyone’s Begging for the Full Song

John Foster and Breanna Nix teased a cover of "I Told You So," and now fans are begging for the full version after just one verse lit up social media.

Leroy Troy, dressed in overalls and plaid shirt, performs “Ghost Chickens in the Sky” with Marty Stuart on The Marty Stuart Show, delivering a humorous banjo duet that blends classic country charm with comic brilliance.

Legendary Leroy Troy Performs “Ghost Chickens in the Sky” and It’s Classic Country Gold

Leroy Troy clucked his way into country music legend with a wild parody of "Ghost Riders in the Sky" on The Marty Stuart Show and left the crowd howling.

Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton sing side by side at CMA Fest in matching black shirts, delivering a high-energy surprise duet of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" that electrified the Nissan Stadium crowd.

Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton Lit Up CMA Fest With “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”

Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins brought pure honky tonk energy to CMA Fest with a surprise duet of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" that blew the roof off Nissan Stadium.

The Chicks perform live on stage in bold black outfits while playing banjo, electric guitar, and fiddle—one of five country acts spotlighted for taking political stands that sparked unforgettable backlash.

5 Country Artists Who Took a Political Stand and Faced the Kind of Backlash You Don’t Forget

These five country stars took bold political stands that rocked Nashville and split the fanbase wide open, with consequences they'll never forget.

Carrie Underwood, Christina Applegate, and Kristin Chenoweth dazzle in matching pink 1960s-style dresses as they perform a glamorous girl group mashup under vintage stage lighting.

Carrie Underwood, Christina Applegate, and Kristin Chenoweth Go Full Glam With 60s Classic Mashup

Carrie Underwood, Christina Applegate, and Kristin Chenoweth light up the stage with a fiery 60s girl group mashup that's all sass, harmony, and pink perfection.

John Foster performs “How Great Thou Art” at the Grand Ole Opry, delivering a soul-stirring moment in his white blazer and cowboy hat as he honors country’s gospel roots.

John Foster Brought the Church to the Grand Ole Opry With His Powerful “How Great Thou Art” Debut

John Foster brought the church to the Grand Ole Opry with a soul-shaking debut of "How Great Thou Art," proving this 19-year-old isn't here to play it safe.

John Foster smiles while playing guitar during his Grand Ole Opry debut, opening with “Murder on Music Row” in a bold nod to traditional country music.

John Foster Opened His Grand Ole Opry Debut With “Murder on Music Row” and Didn’t Hold Back

John Foster opened his Grand Ole Opry debut with "Murder on Music Row" and, at just 19 years old, made it clear he was not playing the Nashville game.

John Foster and Breanna Nix sing together during a heartfelt live stream performance at a children’s hospital. Both wear visitor stickers, with John in a cowboy hat and brown shirt and Breanna in a blue dress, delivering an emotional duet of “Whiskey Lullaby.”

John Foster and Breanna Nix Deliver a Stunning “Whiskey Lullaby” Duet on Live Stream

John Foster and Breanna Nix stunned fans with a raw, emotional "Whiskey Lullaby" duet at a children's hospital that felt more country than anything on the charts.

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