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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

Railbird Festival 2024

Railbird Festival 2024

Enjoy good music while sipping bourbon at the Railbird Festival 2024, which will be held from June 1 to 2 at the Infield at Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Carolina Country Music Fest 2024

Carolina Country Music Fest 2024

Join the country’s hottest artists on the shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from June 6 to 9 for the Carolina Country Music Fest 2024.

Tailgate N’ Tallboys Clinton 2024

Tailgate N’ Tallboys Clinton 2024

Tailgate N’ Tallboys Clinton 2024 is ready to hit Riverfront Event Center in Clinton, Iowa, for the second time from June 6-8. Here are all the details.

Gary Allan + Songs About Rain

“Songs About Rain” by Gary Allan is a Gem of a Ballad

Can’t forget about your ex? The decades-old single “Songs About Rain” by Gary Allan can keep you company until the feeling fades. 

Kevin Costner & Modern West + Let me be the one

Kevin Costner & Modern West Sing Of Love, Commitment, And Connection In “Let Me Be The One”

In 2010, country rock band Kevin Costner & Modern West dropped the first single off their second album ‘Turn It On’ titled “Let Me Be The One.”

Clint Black + Killin' Time

Clint Black’s Toe-Tappin’ Track “Killin’ Time” Is That Song You Should Never Skip

There are great songs, and there are those that have gone beyond great, and you can never skip them, like Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time.” Check it out. 

The London Contemporary Voices Cover Dolly Parton's 9 to 5

The London Contemporary Voices Sings a Heavenly Rendition of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”

London Contemporary Voices turns Dolly Parton’s single “9 to 5” into an impressive contemporary sound and brings the best acapella version you’ve ever heard of the song.

Jimmie Davis + You are my Sunshine

Jimmie Davis and the song for all seasons, “You Are My Sunshine”

Country standard “You Are My Sunshine” has evolved through time, but Jimmie Davis’ version in 1940 will definitely be remembered forever. 

Allie Colleen + Work In Progress

Allie Colleen Continues the Family Legacy with Her Song “Work in Progress”

Garth Brooks's daughter, Allie Colleen, surprised everyone when she released her debut song, “Work in Progress.”

The Stanley Brothers - Angel Band

Angel Band: A Gospel Song Sang by Many, Even Centuries Later

Here’s everything you need to know about the known classic gospel song “Angel Band” and The Stanley Brothers' version of it.

Darryl Worley + Have You Forgotten

Remembering 9/11: Darryl Worley’s “Have You Forgotten?”

Country crooner Darryl Worley dropped a post-9/11 anthem titled “Have You Forgotten?” and it became his biggest career hit. Check it out. 

Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert + Somethin’ Bad

Miranda Lambert Tags Along Fellow Badass Carrie Underwood In Her Badass Track “Somethin’ Bad”

In 2014, two badass queens, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, teamed up on the “Somethin’ Bad” track and hit number one. 

Joey + Rory, I Surrender All

Joey + Rory’s Emotional Rendition of the Classic Gospel Song “I Surrender All”

Country duo Joey + Rory proves once more that they are one of the great singers of their time with their rendition of the gospel song “I Surrender All.”

Mahalia Jackson + I Surrender All

Mahalia Jackson Sings a Soulful Cover of “I Surrender All”

Mahalia Jackson’s renowned contralto voice manifests in her classic rendition of Judson Van DeVenter’s “I Surrender All.” 

Metallica Covers Loretta Lynn's You're Lookin' at Country

Metallica Reimagines Loretta Lynn’s “You’re Lookin’ at Country” into a Rock Cover

Metallica’s rendition of Loretta Lynn’s “You’re Lookin’ at Country” is a gift for both rock and country music fans. Read through to see what to expect on the legendary band’s cover.

Carrie Underwood & Reba McEntire - Does He Love You

Reba McEntire features Carrie Underwood with Their Powerful Rendition of “Does He Love You”

What happens if two country icons join forces to perform at the Grand Ole Opry? Read here about Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood’s dynamic duet of “Does He Love You.”

Dolly Parton + The Seeker

Did Dolly Parton intend to make “The Seeker” a Gospel Song? Here’s What We Know

We tend to be curious in life, not knowing what to believe. With Dolly Parton’s gospel song “The Seeker,” you’ll realize how important it is to ask God for guidance. 

Andy Griggs + You Won't Ever Be Lonely

Meaning Behind Andy Griggs’s Classic Hit “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely”

Here’s everything you need to know about Andy Griggs’s classic hit “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely.”

Billy Currington + Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right

Meaning Behind Billy Currington’s Song “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right”

Find out how Billy Currington’s song “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” became his first number-one hit. 

Billy Currington + Let Me Down Easy

Story Behind Billy Currington’s Hit Song “Let Me Down Easy”

Here’s everything you need to know about Billy Currington’s song “Let Me Down Easy.”

Reba McEntire + Brooks & Dunn + If You See Him If You See Her

Reba McEntire And Brooks & Dunn’s 1998 Duet Single “If You See Him/If You See Her” Is A Ballad Of Heartbreak

Back in 1998, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn sang a duet ballad titled “If You See Him/If You See Her.” It was a collaboration for the books.

Diamond Rio + One More Day

Diamond Rio Asks For “One More Day” With Their Loved One, And It’s A Sock In The Gut

Country music band Diamond Rio goes for a sucker punch in the gut with their 2000 track “One More Day.” Listen to the tune here.

Keith Urban + I'll Fly Away

Keith Urban Graces Listeners with an Underrated Cover of “I’ll Fly Away” 

Keith Urban shifts his genre from country to gospel song with his rendition of Albert Brumley’s “I’ll Fly Away.” Read more!

George Strait + The Fireman

George Strait Cools Down Smoldering Angry Women As “The Fireman”

Country singer George Strait is “The Fireman,” but instead of extinguishing fires, he’s cooling down angry women after a breakup. Listen to the tune here.

Waylon Jennings + MacArthur Park

Listen To Waylon Jennings And The Kimberlys’ Grammy-Winning Cover Version of Jimmy Webb’s “MacArthur Park”

Country legend Waylon Jennings, along with the family group the Kimberlys, covered the Jimmy Webb-penned track “MacArthur Park.” Check it out.

Waylon Jennings + You Ask Me To

Here’s Why “You Ask Me To” by Waylon Jennings is a Signature Song

“You Ask Me To” is a Waylon Jennings signature song that talks about love and commitment. 

Buck Owens Tiger By The Tail performed by Cash Singleton

Cash Singleton captivates Little Big Shots stage with Buck Owens’ “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail”

Cash Singleton has been taking the stage at the wee age of three and does it better with Buck Owens and the Buckeroos’ “Tiger by the Tail” on Little Big Shots

Kelly Clarkson Blows Us Away with Her Rendition of Miranda Lambert’s “Tin Man”

Kelly Clarkson Blows Us Away with Her Rendition of Miranda Lambert’s “Tin Man”

Superstar Kelly Clarkson kicked off her Meaning of Life Tour with one of her favorite Miranda Lambert songs, “Tin Man,” in a jaw-dropping performance. 

The Ballad of Curtis Loew

Lynyrd Skynyrd and “The Ballad of Curtis Loew”

Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd first released “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” in 1974, and it has since become a favorite addition to their compilations. 

Jason Aldean's 'Try That In A Small Town'

Jason Aldean’s Controversial 2023 Track “Try That in a Small Town” Was Also His Biggest Hit In Nearly A Decade

In 2023, country singer Jason Aldean dropped “Try That in a Small Town,” earning him his first number-one since 2014 and a big controversy.