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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

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.

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Central Oregon will welcome FairWell Festival 2024 this July 19-21, 2024. Save the dates.

Post Malone and Blake Shelton's “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

Post Malone and Blake Shelton’s “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

Post Malone proves he is definitely a versatile artist with his song “Pour Me A Drink,” which features Blake Shelton. 

Country Singer Mark Chesnutt In Recovery After Emergency Heart Surgery 

Country singer Mark Chesnutt has a new heart and is comfortably recovering at home. And he can’t wait to get back on stage, pickin’ and singin’. 

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

After Firerose accused Billy Ray Cyrus of domestic abuse, Billy Ray Cyrus fired back with the same allegations.

Sonny James' Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

Sonny James’ Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

Let’s discover the timeless innocence of youthful love through Sonny James' amazing cover of the classic hit song “Young Love.”

Best Country Fiddler Doug Kershaw’s Performance of “Diggy Diggy Lo”

Renowned as the best fiddler in the country music scene, Doug Kershaw reminds us why love is so beautiful in his hit song “Diggy Diggy Lo.”

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Rock the South 2024 is raring to go all out and raise one hell of a fun weekend from July 18-20 at York Farms in Cullman, Alabama. 

Glen Campbell’s Moving Rendition of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”

Glen Campbell’s Moving Rendition of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”

Glen Campbell surprised his fans when he performed an emotional rendition of the gospel song “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.”

Reba McEntire’s Melancholic Ballad “Stronger Than the Truth” Hits Hard

Reba McEntire’s Melancholic Ballad “Stronger Than the Truth” Hits Hard

Country legend Reba McEntire's melancholic ballad “Stronger Than the Truth” is an anthem for the broken-hearted. 

Hank Williams Jr. Covers Big Bill Lister’s “There’s a Tear in My Beer” with His Late Dad

Hank Williams Jr. Covers Big Bill Lister’s “There’s a Tear in My Beer” with His Late Dad

Hank Williams Jr. covers Big Bill Lister’s “There’s a Tear in My Beer” with his father, Hank Williams, using electronic merging technology.

Country On The Bay 2024: What You Need To Know

Country On The Bay 2024: What You Need To Know

Country On The Bay 2024 is excited to welcome fans to Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, from July 19 to 21. 

What makes David Frizzell’s "I'm Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home" a Masterpiece?

What makes David Frizzell’s “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home” a Masterpiece?

David Frizzell’s "I'm Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home" is wittingly amusing you'd want to have it on repeat.

The Bellamy Brothers’ 1979 Hit Single Says, “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me”

The Bellamy Brothers’ 1979 Hit Single Says, “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me”

The Bellamy Brothers’ single “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me” is a playful, romantic song of a good girl-bad boy dynamic.

The Judds Perform a Heartrending Cover of Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors”

The Judds Perform a Heartrending Cover of Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors”

Before becoming country music legends, The Judds’ humble beginnings include their performance of Dolly PArton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”

Alan Jackson Sings a Modern Country Cover of “Summertime Blues”

Alan Jackson Sings a Modern Country Cover of “Summertime Blues”

Alan Jackson shows his signature laid-back style in his rendition of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues.”

“Hello Walls”: Throwback to Faron Young’s Tragicomedy Classic

“Hello Walls”: Throwback to Faron Young’s Tragicomedy Classic

Hear Faron Young’s heart in despair as he sings a lonesome track about coping after a breakup in the single “Hello Walls.”

Faster Horses Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Faster Horses Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Giddy up, fellow cowboys and cowgirls, for Faster Horses Festival 2024 this coming July 19-21 in Brooklyn, Michigan. It’s going to be fun. 

Lukas Nelson Shines at Outlaw Music Festival Filling In for Willie Nelson

Lukas Nelson Shines at Outlaw Music Festival Filling In for Willie Nelson

Lukas Nelson filled in for his father, Willie, during a show at the Outlaw Music Festival while recovering from illness. 

Finding Your “Amen Kind of Love” Like How Daryle Singletary Did

Finding Your “Amen Kind of Love” Like How Daryle Singletary Did

Listen to Daryle Singletary’s hit single “Amen Kind of Love,” and you’ll know the real meaning of what it takes to love someone. 

How Jon Pardi Breathes New Life into Brooks & Dunn's "My Next Broken Heart"

How Jon Pardi Breathes New Life into Brooks & Dunn’s “My Next Broken Heart”

Rising country star Jon Pardi collaborates with country legends Brooks and Dunn on his cover of “My Next Broken Heart.” 

The Unexpected Meaning Behind Brooks & Dunn’s “My Next Broken Heart” 

The Unexpected Meaning Behind Brooks & Dunn’s “My Next Broken Heart” 

Brooks & Dunn’s classic hit song “My Next Broken Heart” is no heartbroken ballad at all, and here’s the reason why. 

Reba McEntire Gives You a Taste of Liberty in Single “Freedom”

Reba McEntire Gives You a Taste of Liberty in Single “Freedom”

How many lengths will you go through to get a taste of freedom? McEntire’s modern country track will tell you so. 

Boot Scootin’ Bliss: “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” with George Strait

Boot Scootin’ Bliss: “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” with George Strait

Ever wondered what goes through a typical Honky Tonk Bar on a Friday night? Well, Strait’s “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” tells you just that.

Willie Nelson Brings “Hello Walls” to the Country Music Halls 

Willie Nelson Brings “Hello Walls” to the Country Music Halls 

From love letters to breakup songs, Nelson’s “Hello Walls” is a heart-wrenching song about love and despair.  

“Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran is the Perfect Summer Anthem

If you are young and broke in the summer, playing a good old country tune such as Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” will never go out of style.

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2024: What You Need To Know

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2024: What You Need To Know

Country Thunder Wisconsin 2024 is pumped up to serve another wild party at Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, from July 18-21. You won’t want to miss it.

Country Singer Kane Brown and His Wife Katelyn Welcomes Third Baby!

Country Singer Kane Brown and His Wife Katelyn Welcomes Third Baby!

Country singer Kane Brown and his wife, Katelyn Jae, are now a family of five with the arrival of their third baby. Let’s meet their new boy.

Merle Haggard’s “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down” Says Alcohol Can’t Heal Wounds

Merle Haggard’s “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down” Says Alcohol Can’t Heal Wounds

When the alcohol isn’t working to mend your broken heart, what options do you have left? Haggard’s single “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down” got your back.