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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

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Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

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Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" honors his father, Merle Haggard, while charting his path with heartfelt storytelling and a nod to classic country.

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney's rendition of Mel Street's "Borrowed Angel" honors classic country roots with heartfelt vocals and timeless storytelling.

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

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Hannah Kay honors Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" with a powerful performance on The Voice, gaining admiration from judges and a special shout-out from Lynn herself.

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s journey from a Washington farm to Nashville’s stages brings heart and tradition back to country music with an authentic sound that fans adore.

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” brings a fresh sound and a heartfelt look at real love, exploring the challenges of connection in today’s fast-paced world.

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley’s life offstage is full of surprises—here are 13 things you didn’t know about the country music star.

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Blake Shelton's cover of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" at a 2019 tribute brings fresh emotion to a classic, honoring the King's legacy with heartfelt country style.

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson stopped mid-performance at the 1999 CMAs to honor George Jones, creating a defining moment of respect and authenticity in country music.

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with "Sing Me Back Home"

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with “Sing Me Back Home”

Ben Haggard's rendition of Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home" honors his father's legacy with heartfelt emotion, delivering a performance that blends tradition with his personal style.

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss' Soulful Duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You"

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss’ Soulful Duet of “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss captivate with their emotional live duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You," blending heartfelt vocals and raw emotion in a performance that resonates deeply.

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

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Chris Stapleton surprises fans with an impromptu “Tennessee Whiskey” performance during Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour in Nashville.

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of "Don't Close Your Eyes"

Allie Colleen Honors Keith Whitley with a Heartfelt Cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

Allie Colleen delivers a heartfelt cover of Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes," showcasing her raw vocals and deep emotional connection to the country classic.

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

Scotty McCreery Wows the Opry with His “Hello Darlin’” Performance

Scotty McCreery delivers a captivating cover of Conway Twitty’s classic “Hello Darlin’” at the Grand Ole Opry, showcasing his deep country roots and powerful vocals.

Listen to Alan Jackson's Incredible Duet With Alison Krauss in "The Angels Cried" 

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Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn Recreate Their Grandparents' Iconic Duet "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man"

Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn Recreate Their Grandparents’ Iconic Duet “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man”

Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn deliver a heartfelt performance of their grandparents' iconic duet, "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," keeping the Twitty-Lynn legacy alive with a fresh, modern take.

Conway Twitty's Grandson Tre Twitty Delivers an Emotional "Hello Darlin'" Tribute

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Georgette Jones' Emotional Tribute to Her Mom with "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad"

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Georgette Jones delivers a heartfelt rendition of Tammy Wynette's "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad," blending nostalgia and modern country style in an intimate tribute performance.

How Alan Jackson's "Remember When" Became a Tribute to Love and Lifelong Memories

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Alan Jackson's "Remember When" beautifully reflects on love, family, and the passage of time, offering a timeless country music classic.

Eight-Year-Old Shines in Adorable Cover of "When You Say Nothing At All"

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Three-Year-Old's Heartfelt Cover of "Angels Among Us" Melts Hearts Everywhere

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A three-year-old boy delivers a heartwarming cover of Alabama's "Angels Among Us," showing how country music's inspirational message touches even the youngest fans.

How The Judds' Debut Album 'Why Not Me' Transformed Country Music Forever

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The Judds' debut album, Why Not Me, redefined country music in 1984, blending Appalachian harmonies with modern flair and launching a lasting legacy.

How the CMA, CMT, and ACM Awards Differ in Country Music's Biggest Celebrations

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The Story and Meaning Behind Jelly Roll’s Heartfelt Song “I Am Not Okay”

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The Surprising Inspiration Behind Toby Keith's Hit "Should've Been a Cowboy"

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Is "Harper Valley PTA" Based on Real Life? The Truth Behind Jeannie C. Riley's Hit

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67-Year-Old Jeannie C. Riley Sings "Harper Valley PTA" Like It's 1968

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Jeannie C. Riley's 2012 performance of "Harper Valley PTA" proves her timeless talent. She delivers the iconic hit with the same energy that made her a legend.

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