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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

Walter Brennan + Old Rivers' Trunk

Walter Brennan Reminisces Childhood Story in “Old Rivers’ Trunk” 

Walter Brennan conjures up fond memories of an old friend in the “Old Rivers’ Trunk” to reflect upon the value of resilience and friendship.

Rooster Walk Festival 2024

Rooster Walk Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Rooster Walk Festival 2024 is set for another four days of alt-country, Americana, and bluegrass from May 23-26 in Martinsville, Virginia.

Dan Seals & Marie Osmond + Meet Me In Montana

Dan Seals and Marie Osmond’s “Meet Me In Montana” Brings You to a Ride Home

Siel and Osmond’s duet in Meet Me in Montana is the perfect country classic you’re looking for to play on your Sunday afternoon.

Gene Watson + Farewell Party

Gene Watson’s Version of “Farewell Party” is not for the Faint of Heart

Known as “The Singer of Singers,” Gene Watson’s version of “Farewell Party” by Lawton Williams has made many listeners cry a bucket. 

Troubadour Festival 2024

Troubadour Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Good country music and savory Texas BBQ equals the Troubadour Festival 2024. Catch it on May 18 at Aggie Park at Texas A&M University. 

Ben Haggard + Where No One Stands Alone

Ben Haggard’s Powerful Performance Of “Where No One Stands Alone”

Elvis Presley's classic song “Where No One Stands Alone” is one of the hardest songs to cover, but Ben Haggard did it justice with his powerful voice. 

Vince Gill and Patty Loveless + After the Fire is Gone

The Unforgettable Performance of Vince Gill and Patty Loveless In “After the Fire Is Gone”

Country superstars Vince Gill and Patty Loveless shocked the world with their performance of “After the Fire Is Gone.”

Joey + Rory, In the Garden

Joey + Rory’s Amazing Cover Of The Hit Gospel Song “In the Garden”

Find out how American country and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory’s version of the hit gospel song “In the Garden” differed from many.

Joey + Rory, The Preacher and the Stranger

“The Preacher and The Stranger” by Joey + Rory Holds a Powerful Meaning

Here’s the powerful meaning of the country hit “The Preacher and The Stranger” by Joey + Rory.

Gaither Vocal Band+ Yes, I Know

Meaning Behind Gaither Vocal Band Classic Hit “Yes, I Know”

Here’s everything you need to know behind the meaning of Gaither Vocal Band's classic hit song “Yes, I know.”

Hangout Music Festival 2024

Hangout Music Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Hang loose and enjoy the ultimate summer kick-off, Hangout Music Festival 2024, from May 17-19 on the beaches of Gulf Shore, Alabama.

FreshGrass Festival Bentonville 2024

FreshGrass Festival Bentonville 2024: What You Need to Know

Mark your calendars on May 17 and 18 for the best in roots music at FreshGrass Festival Bentonville 2024 at Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Sleeping in the Woods Festival 2024

Sleeping In The Woods Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Enjoy gorgeous glamping and majestic music at the Sleeping In The Woods Festival 2024 from May 17-19 at Hidden Ridge, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. 

Highways Festival 2024

Highways Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Live Nation and Royal Albert Hall present Highways Festival 2024, a festival of Country and Americana, on May 17 and 18, 2024. 

Bear Shadow Festival 2024

Bear Shadow Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Enjoy world-class music acts at 4118 feet in the mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, with Bear Shadow Festival 2024 from May 11 to 12. 

Highway 101 + Somewhere Tonight

Rodney Crowell Teams up with Harlan Howard to Create Highway 101 Hit Song “Somewhere Tonight” 

How did Rodney Crowell and Harlan Howard make Highway 101’s Somewhere Tonight their most notable single in the band’s career?

Jerry Wallace + If You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry

“If You Leave Me Tonight I’ll Cry” by Jerry Wallace: A Heartbreak Anthem

From being a hit recording artist in pop to dominating the country charts, Jerry Wallace’s “If You Leave Me Tonight I’ll Cry” cemented her singing career.

Dolly Parton + Hello God

Dolly Parton’s “Hello God” is a plea after the 9/11 Attack

The day after the 9/11 attack, Dolly Parton wrote “Hello God” as a response through prayer

Lynn Anderson + Rocky Top

Lynn Anderson’s Rendition of “Rocky Top” Stands the Test of Time

Lynn Anderson’s version of “Rocky Top” peaked in the Billboard Country Music Top 100. 

Big As Texas Festival 2024

Big As Texas Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Big As Texas Festival 2024, the newest country music celebration, is taking over Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas, from May 10-12.  

Chris Cagle + I Breathe In, I Breathe Out

Chris Cagle Sings for the Brokenhearted with Single “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out”

What better way to deal with heartbreak than to listen to Chris Cagle's “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out”?

Aaron Watson + July in Cheyenne

Aaron Watson Pays Tribute to late Lane Frost with “July in Cheyenne”

Aaron Watson writes a stirring ode to fallen rodeo legendary Lane Frost in “July in Cheyenne” as he recalls losing his daughter.

Darryl Worley + Sounds Like Life

The Story behind Darryl Worley’s “Sounds Like Life to Me” 

Whether you’re having a tough day or feeling unmotivated, Darryl Worley’s “Sound Like Life to Me” might encourage you enough to get your window curtains open. 

Neil Young + Rockin' in the Free World

Neil Young Takes Political Turn in the Song “Rockin’ in the Free World”

As the world turns upside down, Neil Young critiques the state of the world with his 1989 rock classic Rockin' the Free World. 

Brandi Carlile's Mothership Weekend 2024

Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend 2024

Reserve your long weekend vacation from May 10-12 and enjoy Miramar Beach in Florida for Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend 2024.  

Callfry Music Fest

Calf Fry Music Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Catch the biggest names in the Red Dirt scene perform this coming May 2-4 at the Calf Fry Music Festival 2024 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. 

iHeart Country Fest

iHeartCountry Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Country superstars are ready to take over The Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on May 4th for the iHeartCountry Festival 2024. 

Vince Gill + The Price of Regret

What is the Price of Regret? Listen to Vince Gill’s Single

Learn what it feels like to regret things before it’s too late with Vince Gill's new top single, “The Price of Regret.”

Jean Shepard + Second Fiddle (to an Old Guitar)

Jean Shepard in Hilarious and Heartbreaking Hit “Second Fiddle (To An Old Guitar)”

Country legend Jean Shepard sings of love lost in the hit song “Second Fiddle (To An Old Guitar).”

Tracy Byrd + I'm from the Country

Tracy Byrd’s “I’m from the Country” is an Ode to Country Life

Tracy Byrd’s song pays homage to the rural lifestyle, leaving everyone even more proud to say, “I’m from the Country.”