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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

The Timeless Legacy of Randy Travis' Grammy-Winning "Forever and Ever, Amen"

The Timeless Legacy of Randy Travis’ Grammy-Winning “Forever and Ever, Amen”

Randy Travis' Grammy-winning hit "Forever and Ever, Amen" redefined country music with its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody, solidifying his legendary status.

Phil Robertson Faces Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Phil Robertson Faces Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Amid Blood Disease Complications

Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson faces early Alzheimer's and a blood disease, as his family navigates this challenging chapter with love, faith, and unwavering support.

Earliest Known Country Music Recording Discovered, Dating Back to 1891

Earliest Known Country Music Recording Discovered, Dating Back to 1891

A collector discovers a wax cylinder from 1891 featuring Louis Vasnier's "Thompson's Old Gray Mule," now believed to be the earliest known country music recording.

The All-American Rejects Reveal "Dirty Little Secret" Started as a Country Song

The All-American Rejects Reveal “Dirty Little Secret” Started as a Country Song

'Dirty Little Secret' by All-American Rejects started out as a country song before turning into the pop-punk hit we all know, with a story you wouldn't expect.

Zach Top Revives John Michael Montgomery's "Sold" With a Neotraditional Twist

Zach Top Revives John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold” With a Neotraditional Twist

Zach Top's cover of John Michael Montgomery's 90's hit "Sold” (The Grundy County Auction Incident) showcases his neotraditional style and love for classic country.

Revisiting the Time Dolly Parton and Country Queens Sang Together on Burt Reynolds' Show

Revisiting the Time Dolly Parton and Country Queens Sang Together on Burt Reynolds’ Show

Burt Reynolds brought Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Kathy Mattea, and Lorrie Morgan together for a rare 1990s interview and performance of "I Will Always Love You."

Mainstream Media Tried to Cancel Chris Stapleton, But Fans Rallied Behind Him

Mainstream Media Tried to Cancel Chris Stapleton, But Fans Rallied Behind Him

Chris Stapleton faced backlash after critics labeled his CMA wins " rigged," but fans rallied behind him, proving his timeless impact on country music.

Don Williams and Emmylou Harris Deliver a Classic Duet With "If I Needed You"

Don Williams and Emmylou Harris Deliver a Classic Duet With “If I Needed You”

Don Williams and Emmylou Harris deliver a heartfelt duet of Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You," blending their iconic voices in a timeless country ballad.

Randy Travis and Josh Turner Deliver a Heavenly Performance of "Three Wooden Crosses"

Randy Travis and Josh Turner Deliver a Heavenly Performance of “Three Wooden Crosses”

Randy Travis and Josh Turner deliver a powerful, faith-filled duet of "Three Wooden Crosses" on CMT Cross Country, blending heartfelt storytelling with heavenly harmonies.

Vince Gill and Patty Loveless Honor a Classic With "After the Fire Is Gone"

Vince Gill and Patty Loveless Honor a Classic With “After the Fire Is Gone”

Vince Gill and Patty Loveless deliver a heartfelt, modern take on Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn's "After the Fire Is Gone" at the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.

George Strait and Grandson Harvey's Emotional "God and Country Music" Performance

George Strait and Grandson Harvey’s Emotional “God and Country Music” Performance

George Strait and his grandson Harvey's heartwarming duet of "God and Country Music" at the Houston Rodeo celebrates family, tradition, and timeless country values.

Kelly Clarkson's "Here's A Quarter" Cover Brings New Life to a Classic

Kelly Clarkson’s “Here’s A Quarter” Cover Brings New Life to a Classic

Kelly Clarkson's bold Kellyoke cover of Travis Tritt's "Here's a Quarter" adds soulful grit to the fiery country classic, showcasing her vocal power and passion.

Kelly Clarkson's Stunning Cover of “Smoky Mountain Rain” Showcases Her Country Roots

Kelly Clarkson’s Stunning Cover of “Smoky Mountain Rain” Showcases Her Country Roots

Kelly Clarkson's powerful Kellyoke cover of "Smoky Mountain Rain" breathes new life into Ronnie Milsap's classic and showcases her love for country music.

Alan Jackson and Hank Jr. Bring "The Blues Man" to Life With Unforgettable Duet

Alan Jackson and Hank Jr. Bring “The Blues Man” to Life With Unforgettable Duet

Alan Jackson and Hank Williams Jr.'s unforgettable duet of "The Blues Man" at the 2000 ACM Awards celebrated the raw heart of country music and its timeless storytelling.

This Teen's Take on 'Folsom Prison Blues' Feels Like a Johnny Cash Revival

This Teen’s Take on ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ Feels Like a Johnny Cash Revival

A 14-year-old delivers a jaw-dropping rendition of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," channeling the Man in Black with a voice and charisma beyond his years.

Lorrie Morgan's Dramatic Take on the Classic "A Picture of Me (Without You)"

Lorrie Morgan’s Dramatic Take on the Classic “A Picture of Me (Without You)”

Lorrie Morgan's powerful cover of George Jones' "A Picture of Me (Without You)" brought new depth to the country classic, including an unforgettable duet with Jones himself.

Four-Year-Old Braydon's Precious Cover of "As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone" Will Melt Your Heart

Four-Year-Old Braydon’s Precious Cover of “As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone” Will Melt Your Heart

Four-year-old Braydon's adorable cover of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty's "As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone" will steal your heart and showcase country music's timeless appeal.

Young Scotty McCreery's Emotional Take on "The Dance" Wows the Opry Crowd

Young Scotty McCreery’s Emotional Take on “The Dance” Wows the Opry Crowd

Scotty McCreery's stunning cover of Garth Brooks' "The Dance" at the Grand Ole Opry showcased his deep talent and respect for country music's greatest hits.

Ben and Noel Haggard Honor Merle Haggard With Heartfelt Tribute Performances

Ben and Noel Haggard Honor Merle Haggard With Heartfelt Tribute Performances

Ben and Noel Haggard honored their father, Merle Haggard, with a heartfelt tribute, performing his timeless hits and keeping his legacy alive.

Dolly Parton and Vince Gill's "I Will Always Love You" Duet is Pure Country Perfection

Dolly Parton and Vince Gill’s “I Will Always Love You” Duet is Pure Country Perfection

Dolly Parton and Vince Gill's "I Will Always Love You" duet adds a fresh layer of harmony and emotion to Dolly's classic, creating a timeless country masterpiece.

Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson Brought Willie Nelson to Tears With Their Rendition of "Seven Spanish Angels"

Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson Brought Willie Nelson to Tears With Their Rendition of “Seven Spanish Angels”

Willie Nelson held back tears as Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson delivered a heartfelt performance of his iconic duet, "Seven Spanish Angels," at the Gershwin Prize Awards.

Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss Singing "When You Say Nothing At All" Is Pure Magic

Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss Singing “When You Say Nothing At All” Is Pure Magic

Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss' duet of "When You Say Nothing At All" bridges decades, blending timeless voices into a magical rendition that feels eternal.

Willie and Paula Nelson Took "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" to Another Level

Willie and Paula Nelson Took “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” to Another Level

Willie and Paula Nelson's duet on 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain' reimagines a classic with tender harmonies and a timeless family connection.

"'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose" was Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan's Only Duet

“‘Til a Tear Becomes a Rose” was Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan’s Only Duet

Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan's duet, 'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose,' captured their love story and remains a timeless tribute to Whitley's legacy in country music.

Remember When Evangelicals Turned on Amy Grant After Her Divorce?

Remember When Evangelicals Turned on Amy Grant After Her Divorce?

Amy Grant's divorce from Gary Chapman shook Evangelical America, but her resilience and grace redefined her legacy in Christian and pop music.

How "Amanda" Became Waylon Jennings' Hit After Don Williams Recorded It

How “Amanda” Became Waylon Jennings’ Hit After Don Williams Recorded It

Bob McDill's 'Amanda' became a country classic. Legends Don Williams and Waylon Jennings recorded it, each delivering a version that stands the test of time.

How Patty Loveless and George Jones Made "You Don't Seem to Miss Me" a Country Masterpiece

How Patty Loveless and George Jones Made “You Don’t Seem to Miss Me” a Country Masterpiece

Patty Loveless and George Jones turned Jim Lauderdale's song into a country classic with their unforgettable duet on 'You Don't Seem to Miss Me,' blending raw emotion and timeless artistry.

How Toby Keith Turned "Red Solo Cup" from a Joke into a Smash Hit

How Toby Keith Turned “Red Solo Cup” from a Joke into a Smash Hit

Toby Keith called 'Red Solo Cup' the 'stupidest song' he'd ever heard, but its humor and charm made it a triple-platinum smash hit and a cultural phenomenon.

Toby Keith's CMA Tribute Fell Short—And Country Fans Are Heartbroken

Toby Keith’s CMA Tribute Fell Short—And Country Fans Are Heartbroken

The 2024 CMA Awards' brief tribute to Toby Keith left fans outraged, calling it a missed opportunity to honor the country legend's towering legacy.

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt "Always On My Mind" Cover

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt “Always On My Mind” Cover

Lukas Nelson's emotional cover of his father Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind" highlights his vocal talent, artistry, and deep connection to a timeless classic.

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