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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

Zach Bryan’s Album, ‘The Great American Bar Scene,’ Brings In Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer Features

Zach Bryan’s Album, ‘The Great American Bar Scene,’ Brings In Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer Features

Fourth of July was full of exciting events, including the release of country star Zach Bryan’s 19-track album, ‘The Great American Bar Scene.’

Jamey Johnson's Soothing Rendition of "I Wonder Do You Think of Me"

Jamey Johnson’s Soothing Rendition of “I Wonder Do You Think of Me”

Let’s indulge ourselves in Jamey Johnson’s mellow cover of the classic song “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me.”

What It Takes to Love Someone with The Bellamy Brothers’ Song “You’ll Never Be Sorry”

What It Takes to Love Someone with The Bellamy Brothers’ Song “You’ll Never Be Sorry”

Finding out what it truly means to love someone with The Bellamy Brothers’ hit song “You’ll Never Be Sorry.”

From Sexy to Silly: Ray Stevens' Parody Cover of "Help Me Make It Through the Night"

From Sexy to Silly: Ray Stevens’ Parody Cover of “Help Me Make It Through the Night”

Country singer Ray Stevens released one of the funniest versions of “Help Me Make It Through the Night” in his parody cover. 

Cope with the Loneliness of Heartbreak by Counting the “Flowers on the Wall” with The Statler Brothers

Cope with the Loneliness of Heartbreak by Counting the “Flowers on the Wall” with The Statler Brothers

The Statler Brothers’ “Flowers on the Wall” takes you on the journey of a breakup, how one fills the pockets of time as one navigates the pain.

Brooks & Dunn Reunite for Soulful Rendition of "Ain't Nothing 'Bout You" with Brett Young

Brooks & Dunn Reunite for Soulful Rendition of “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You” with Brett Young

Known country duo Brooks & Dunn re-recorded a soulful version of their 2001 chart-topping single “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You” with rising star Brett Young. 

Run Away from Your Problems with Ronnie Milsap’s Hit Song “Houston Solution”

Run Away from Your Problems with Ronnie Milsap’s Hit Song “Houston Solution”

Country singer Ronnie Milsap reminds us to look at the brighter side through his 1989 hit song “Houston Solution.”

Kings of Country Collide: Ronnie Milsap and George Strait Reimagine "Houston Solution"

Kings of Country Collide: Ronnie Milsap and George Strait Reimagine “Houston Solution”

Country superstar Ronnie Milsap surprised his fans when he announced he would release a re-recorded version of “Houston Solution” with George Strait. 

Watch Charley Pride and Glen Campbell’s Live Acoustic Performance of Marty Robbin’s Hit Song “El Paso”

Watch Charley Pride and Glen Campbell’s Live Acoustic Performance of Marty Robbin’s Hit Song “El Paso”

Charley Pride and Glen Campbell honor Marty Robbins with an acoustic performance of his biggest hit, “El Paso,” in North Carolina. Watch it here. 

From Napkin to Number One: Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places"

From Napkin to Number One: Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places”

Out of his decades-long career, Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places” remains to be one of his most popular songs. Here’s why.

Unveiling Claude King: Interesting Facts About the Country Music Icon

Unveiling Claude King: Interesting Facts About the Country Music Icon

Let’s leap through country music icon Claude King’s life and find some interesting facts about him. 

Brooks & Dunn Steps Out of Their Comfort Zone with “Ain’t Nothing ‘bout You”

Brooks & Dunn Steps Out of Their Comfort Zone with “Ain’t Nothing ‘bout You”

Famous country duo Brooks & Dunn proves they are versatile artists as they try a new style in “Ain’t Nothing ‘bout You.”

The Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces” Is a Timeless Anthem for All Dreamers

The Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces” celebrates freedom, self-discovery, and the courage to pursue one’s own dream. Check out the timeless anthem here.

Flood City Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Flood City Music Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Flood City Music Festival 2024 is scheduled for July 26-27 and will be held at Peoples Natural Gas Park in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, as usual. 

Jelly Roll Offers to Pay Fan’s College Tuition During Nashville Show

Jelly Roll Offers to Pay Fan’s College Tuition During Nashville Show

Country singer Jelly Roll promised an 18-year-old fan he would help her through school at a free show at Skydeck in Nashville last June.

Willie Nelson’s Heartfelt Cover of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”

Willie Nelson’s Heartfelt Cover of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”

Legendary country singer Willie Nelson released his own heartfelt cover of the classic gospel song “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Loretta Lynn's Soulful Country Cover of "In The Sweet By and By"

Loretta Lynn’s Soulful Country Cover of “In The Sweet By and By”

Loretta Lynn gave one of the most amazing covers of the classic gospel hymn “In The Sweet By and By,” and here’s what you need to know about it. 

The Bellamy Brothers Blends Country and Pop in “I Need More of You”

The Bellamy Brothers Blends Country and Pop in “I Need More of You”

The Bellamy Brothers proved that no other duo in the 80s could pull off melodic, acoustic country harmonies with their hit single “I Need More of You.”

Flashback to Jack Greene’s Rendition of “There Goes My Everything” 

Flashback to Jack Greene’s Rendition of “There Goes My Everything” 

If you are mourning for a lost love, then playing a good old classic such as Greene’s cover of “There Goes My Everything” is a song you need to add to your playlist. 

Reba McEntire’s “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain” Sing of Real Heart Ache

Reba McEntire’s “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain” Sing of Real Heart Ache

The First Lady of Country Music, Tammy, meets the Queen of Country, Reba, in an intense lyricism of “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain.”

Tammy Wynette Sings the Ultimate Breakup Anthem with single “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”

Tammy Wynettewy caters to the female perspective on divorce, particularly when children are involved.

Rosanne Cash’s Single “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” Lands on 1985 Billboard Charts

Rosanne Cash’s Single “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” Lands on 1985 Billboard Charts

“I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” is a masterfully crafted song by Cash that you can both sing and dance along to when you’re going through an unrequited love.

George Strait Shares Stage with Miranda Lambert for Hit Song “Run”

George Strait Shares Stage with Miranda Lambert for Hit Song “Run”

George Strait’s duet with Miranda Lambert of his classic song “Run” sparked love at the 2019 ACM Awards.

Tailgate N’ Tallboys Michigan 2024: What You Need To Know

Tailgate N’ Tallboys Michigan 2024: What You Need To Know

Tailgate N’ Tallboys Michigan 2024 is the last stop of the festival and they’re so ready to rock n’ jelly roll in Midland this coming July 26-27. 

Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Go on a great ride and enjoy country music at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival 2024 from July 25-28 at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Night in the Country Nevada 2024: What You Need To Know

Night in the Country Nevada 2024: What You Need To Know

Experience country music with the backdrop of the quiet farming town of Yerington, Nevada at Night in the Country Nevada 2024 from July 25-27. 

Headwaters Country Jam 2024: What You Need To Know

Headwaters Country Jam 2024: What You Need To Know

Headwaters Country Jam 2024 is setting up camp once again just outside of Three Forks in Cardwell, Montana, from July 25-27.

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

From country to gospel, Alan Jackson’s soothing rendition of the Christian hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” is a masterwork.  

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

American singer Tori Kelly reminds us through her song “Never Alone” that God will always have our back. 

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

Mark your calendars as FloydFest 2024 makes its comeback from July 24-28 to a bigger and better venue: FestivalPark in North Check, Virginia.