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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

Alan Jackson Sings About The Struggle of Losing a Lover in “Monday Morning Church”

Alan Jackson's "Monday Morning Church" is said to be one of the saddest country songs of all time. It even ranked No. 39 on Rolling Stone’s list.

Here’s Why Kellie Pickler Gets Emotional Every Time She Sings “The Letter to Daddy”

Kellie Pickler's “The Letter to Daddy” proved she’s still a daddy’s girl despite the troubled life her father has lived as he struggled with addiction.

Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy” Climbed The Charts Despite The Backlash

The song talks about a disappointed man who sees his girlfriend with another guy. He tells her she broke his heart and made him go “redneck crazy.”

Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” Literally Took Her Career Off From The Time It Became a hit 

Recorded by Sara Evans, this song is meant to uplift the spirit of every woman in the world as well as to remind them that they are born to fly.

Brooks & Dunn Collaborated With McEntire In “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” And It Was A Hit

An alternate version of Brooks & Dunn’s “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” was recorded and released. This time it’s with the country superstar Reba McEntire.

Kane Brown Embraces His Inner George Strait With His Cover Of “Check Yes Or No”

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards, Kane Brown performed the King of Country George Strait’s iconic hit “Check Yes or No.”

Jimmie Rodgers’ “In the Jailhouse Now” Got A Funny Lyrics That Evolved Through Time

The entire idea of "In the Jailhouse Now" is ironic. That is what makes it such an amusing and enjoyable story even after all these years.

“Without Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood May Not Have Existed”

Carrie Underwood admitted that growing up, it was a goal for her to just be like Dolly, someone who sets the best example and paves the way for the next generation.

Glen Campbell’s Heart-Wrenching Breakup Song “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”

Originally written by Jimmy Webb, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was covered by Glen Campbell in 1967. It is about a love affair Jimmy Webb had with Suzy Horton, whom he began dating when they were high school students.

Remembering The Highwaymen’s Hit Song “Desperados Waiting For A Train” 

“Desperados Waiting For A Train” was made popular by the famous country group Highwaymen in 1985. Guy Clark wrote the song in 1973.

Hollyberry: The Perfect Christmas Gift for Matt Stell

If you would ask Matt Stell of the most memorable Christmas childhood memory he had, it was the time his mother got him a puppy, a good little dog they named Hollyberry.

Throwback To Brooks and Yearwood’s Impressive Performance in 2016 CMA Awards

During the 2016 CMA Awards night, country music couple, Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks paid homage to some of country music legends in a medley duet.

Red Foley’s “Peace In The Valley” Will Give You Hope In This Life Full of Hard Times

Red Foley’s version of “Peace in the Valley” is the only recording that entered the country chart. In addition, he sold millions of copies.

Linda Ronstadt Conveyed A Sense Of Yearning On Her Version Of “Blue Bayou”

This hit was originally released in 1963. After a few years, Linda Ronstadt made “Blue Bayou” more popular with her version of the hit.

Dolly Parton Shows Her Love For Christmas Through “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

Dolly Parton celebrates Christmas by giving us a beautiful rendition of the great Christmas song "Go Tell It on the Mountain."

Porter Wagoner Once Taught Us How To Have "A Satisfied Mind"

Porter Wagoner Once Taught Us How To Have “A Satisfied Mind”

Porter Wagoner’s “A Satisfied Mind,” written by Red Hayes and Jack Rhodes is probably one of the classis country songs that has the most profound wording.

Dan + Shay Gave 3 Families their Best Christmas Gift Yet

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, also known as Dan + Shay, truly believe that Christmas is the season for giving. The legendary country duo surprised three families with houses that were fully furnished helping each family regain some of their lost footings in such tough times.

Country Artists Time Off: How They Spent Christmas with their Families

Today, we will be featuring artists like Luke Bryans, Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, and Love and Theft's Stephen Barker Liles on how they spend their Christmas times in their unique ways.

WATCH: Brett Eldredge will Make Your Christmas Eve “Glow”

Brett Eldredge was also able to achieve a lifelong dream when he was able to record Christmas music for his Christmas album "Glow."

Adorable 2020 Moments in Country Music

No doubt this was the worst year for most of us and we would not be sorry to say goodbye to 2020. However, there were more fun and uplifting moments in 2020 than we all might think of, especially if you're one of the loyal fans of country music.

Carrie Underwood Hopes for Isaiah To Make It to New Year’s Eve

Carrie Underwood anticipates that their 5-year-old Isaiah 'might' make it to midnight which will and most probably be one of his life's greatest moments as a toddler.

There’s More To The Story Behind The Song “You’ve Got a Friend”

A song for your real, true friends, "You've Got a Friend" was made popular by music legends, Carole King and James Taylor, in their own separate versions.

Throwback To Randy Travis' Unforgettable Performance of "Silent Night"

Throwback To Randy Travis’ Unforgettable Performance of “Silent Night”

Randy Travis, together with 40 other singers from the First Baptist Church, performed "Silent Night" after reaching a point called the "Rock of Ages."

What Miranda Lambert’s Acoustic Version of “Bluebird” has to say About the Holidays

Get ready to experience 'Bluebird' by Miranda Lambert in a whole low-key and stripped-down level as she performs in her Tennessee home.

Reba McEntire’s “Consider Me Gone” is a ‘Strong Woman’ Song

The song “Consider Me Gone,” which Reba McEntire describes a ‘strong woman’ song, gave the singer her 34th No. 1 country hit.