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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

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.

Cat Stevens + The First Cut is the Deepest

Cat Stevens Tries To Love Again After A Heartbreak In “The First Cut is the Deepest”

P.P. Arnold’s “The First Cut is the Deepest” was written by Cat Stevens, and he released his own version months later in her album New Masters.

Travis Tritt and Lari White + Helping Me Get Over You

Travis Tritt, Lari White, and Lost Love: “Helping Me Get Over You”

Travis Tritt and Lari White’s ‘90s collaboration song “Helping Me Get Over You” is a heartbreaking and passionate duet over lost love. 

Conway Twitty’s And His BBC Banned Rendition Of The Irish Song “Danny Boy” 

In 1959, Conway Twitty joined the list of artists covering the Irish song “Danny Boy.” His version charted on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Your Cheatin' Heart cover by Cash Singleton

Six-Year-Old Cowboy Cash Singleton rocks Kentucky Opry with “Your Cheatin’ Heart”

When Cash Singleton was just six years old, he owned “Your Cheatin’ Heart” in the Kentucky Opry.

Randy Travis + It's Just a Matter of Time

Randy Travis Turns “It’s Just a Matter of Time” into a Bluesy Rendition

Randy Travis delivers sublime velvety vocals in his version of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” that will make you play the song over and over!

David Houston Almost Persuaded

The Story Behind the Song that Ruled Country Music for 9 Weeks: David Houston’s “Almost Persuaded”

Here’s what you need to know about David Houston’s hit song “Almost Persuaded” and the reason why it stayed on top of the charts for nine weeks. 

Chase Rice + Eyes on You

What It Means to Be in Love with Chase Rice Hit Song “Eyes On You”

Let’s find out what it feels to be in love with Chase Rice's hit song “Eyes On You.” 

Billy Currington + Seaside

Feel The Heat of the Summer with Billy Currington’s New Song “Seaside”

Summer is probably the most anticipated time of the year, and Billy Currington gives us a taste of heat through his song “Seaside.”

Billy Currington + Good Directions

Finding Love with Hit Single “Good Directions” by Billy Currington

Let’s find out how love at first sight works with Billy Currington’s new hit single “Good Directions.”

Georgette Jones + Apartment No. 9

How Georgette Jones’ Version of “Apartment No.9” Differs from Her Mother’s

Here, we’ll find out how Georgette Jones’s version of the hit single “Apartment No.9” differs from the version her mother, Tammy Wynette, released in 1967.  

Terry Bradshaw + I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

Terry Bradshaw’s Revival of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” Will Make You Emotional

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw proves he can earn trophies and top the charts at the same time as he soulfully covers Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” 

Don Williams + Say It Again

“Say it Again” is One of Don William’s Catchiest Love Songs 

Don William’s version of “Say it Again” is an overwhelming expression of falling in love.

David Allan Coe + You Never Even Called Me by My Name

David Allan Coe’s “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” makes the ‘Perfect Humurous Country Song’ even more Perfect

David Allan Coe’s version popularized Steve Goodman’s and John Prine’s “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” and made him a breakout country solo artist. 

BackCountry Festival 2024

BackCountry Festival 2024: What you Need to Know

Save the dates from May 31 to June 2 and head to Corley Ranch in Gardnerville, Nevada, for a great time at BackCountry Festival 2024. 

Elvis Presley + You Ask Me To

Elvis Presley’s Version of “You Asked Me To” Proves that The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is a Committed Artist 

Elvis Presley’s recording of “You Ask Me To” was moving, affirming Elvis as a truly committed artist. 

Lauren Daigle’s Beautiful Live Performance of “You Say” Will Make You Believe in God

Lauren Daigle’s Beautiful Live Performance of “You Say” Will Make You Believe in God

American singer Lauren Daigle’s beautiful performance of her new song “You Say” will make you believe in God’s power. 

Red Rooster Festival 2024

Red Rooster Festival 2024: What You Need to Know

Red Rooster Festival 2024 celebrates its tenth-year anniversary with an eclectic lineup in Euston Hall, Suffolk, UK, from May 30 to June 1.