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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

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.” 

Charley Pride + Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'

Charley Pride Hit Number One In 1971 With “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’”

In 1971, groundbreaking vocalist Charley Pride closed country music’s change-making slate of hit singles with “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”

Willie Nelson + Norah Jones + Crying Time

Willie Nelson and Norah Jones Perform “Crying Time” In Celebration of Ray Charles’ Genius

In 2008, country legend Willie Nelson shared the stage with singer Norah Jones and jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to perform “Crying Time.”

Merle Haggard + Are the Good Times Really Over

Merle Haggard Laments “Are the Good Times Really Over” As He Reflects On Simpler Times

Catch all the pop culture references as Merle Haggard laments, “Are the Good Times Really Over”? and wishes a buck was still silver. 

Oliver Anthony Music's 'Rich Men North of Richmond'

Oliver Anthony Music And His Breakout Hot 100 Chart Topper “Rich Men North of Richmond”

Oliver Anthony Music went from no one to someone when his song “Rich Men of Richmond” went from uncharted straight to the top of the Hot 100.  

Reba Mcentire KFC Commercial

“It’s Finger-Lickin’ Good!” – Reba McEntire Stars As Colonel Sanders In KFC Commercial

Country singer Reba McEntire steps into the iconic white suit as she chicken tycoon Colonel Sanders in the 2018 series of KFC ads. Check it out.

Merle Haggard + Silver Wings

To Love And Let Go: The Story Of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings”

Country legend Merle Haggard sings of a melancholic story of loving and having to let go despite not wanting to in his 1969 track “Silver Wings.”

Libby singing Coat of Many Colors

Five-Year-Old Libby’s Cute Cover of “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton

Libby Thacker’s cute cover of “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton earns thousands of views on YouTube. 

Beyoncé's Rendition of Jolene Honors Dolly Parton's Original Through Full Songwriting Credit

Dolly Parton Receives Sole Songwriting Credit On Beyoncé’s Reimagined Version Of “Jolene”

Beyoncé reworked the original version’s lyrics and even added a bridge, but she gave the songwriting credit solely to Dolly Parton. 

Morgan Wallen Arrested

Morgan Wallen Arrested For Allegedly Throwing A Chair Off The Roof Of A Bar In Nashville

According to Nashville police, Morgan Wallen is facing three felony counts of reckless endangerment and a disorderly conduct charge.

Beyonce and Willie Nelson Surprise Us with New Collaboration

Beyonce captivates pop and country music fans with Willie Nelson’s unexpected appearance and striking narratives on her latest album, Cowboy Carter.

Zach Bryan Mugshot

Zach Bryan’s Mugshot: A Frenzy of Jokes and Memes

Remember Zach Bryan's infamous mugshot? The internet still can't get over it! See the funniest fan reactions, why it's become a meme, and how it reflects on the outlaw country star.

Reba McEntire + Back to God

Reba McEntire shares Hope and Faith in the Christian Country Song “Back to God”

Reba McEntire’s powerful single, “Back to God,” inspires hope in dark times. 

Dolly Parton + Travelin' Thru

Dolly Parton Wrote and Performed “Travelin’ Thru” for “Transamerica” Movie

Dolly Parton’s transformative influence is solidified through the song “Travelin’ Thru,” which she wrote and performed for the movie “Transamerica” (2005). 

Osborne Brothers + Rocky Top

How Bluegrass song “Rocky Top” became Osborne Brothers’ Signature Song

The Osborne Brothers helped bring bluegrass into the American mainstream with songs like “Rocky Top.”

Simon & Garfunkel + Bridge over Troubled Water

Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water” had Political Roots

The Simon & Garfunkel epic swansong, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, composed by Paul Simon and sung by Art Garfunkel was born out of political sadness.

Kenny Chesney + You Had Me From Hello

Jerry Maguire film inspires Kenny Chesney’s slow-brewing ballad “You Had Me from Hello”

Jerry Maguire's iconic line to Dorothy Boyd inspired Kenny Chesney’s hit single “You Had Me from Hello.” 

Billy Gilman + Oklahoma

Billy Gilman’s “Oklahoma” Speaks of Longing

“Oklahoma” by Billy Gilman tells a story of longing. Keep reading to know more.

Country’s Most-Loved Living Legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson Cameo in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter

Country’s Most-Loved Living Legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson Cameo in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter

The 27-track opus by Beyoncé features interludes by country music’s living legends, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, and it’s honest-to-God good.