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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

Gaither Vocal Band + Let Freedom

“Let Freedom Ring” by the Gaither Vocal Band: A Message of Redemption and Unity

Gaither Vocal Band sends a strong message of how some face hell for freedom’s dream in the gospel hit, “Let Freedom Ring.”

Don Williams + Old Coyote Town

Don Williams “Old Coyote Town”: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Change is the only constant thing in this world, which rings true in “Old Coyote Town by Don Williams.

Elvis Presley + Love Me

No One Can Sing “Love Me” Like Elvis Presley 

The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, took on the sentimental Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller penned song “Love Me” and nailed it. 

Travis Tritt + Tell Me I Was Dreaming

Feel Your Heart Break With Travis Tritt’s “Tell Me I Was Dreaming”

Country singer Travis Tritt’s 1995 hit song “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” is awfully heartbreaking and will make you cry buckets of tears.

Keith Whitley + Between an Old Memory and Me

Keith Whitley Pours His Whiskey Down In “Between an Old Memory and Me”

In his short solo career, Keith Whitley released songs like “Between an Old Memory and Me” that would remain influential decades later.

Randy Travis + In The Sweet By And By

Listen To Randy Travis’ Version Of The Sweet Hymnal Tune “In The Sweet By And By”

Country music singer Randy Travis recorded his rendition of the 1868 hymn “In The Sweet By and By” for his 2003 album Worship and Faith.

Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn + Feelins'

Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn And Their Heartfelt Exploration Of Romantic Love With “Feelins’”

Seasoned duet partners Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn sing of the complex and nuanced emotions in a relationship with their 1975 hit “Feelins’.”

Willie Nelson + Help Me Make It Through the Night

Willie Nelson’s Soulful Rendition of “Help Me Make It Through The Night”

Willie Nelson covers the controversial Kris Kristofferson hit “Help Me Make It Through The Night.”

Ian & Sylvia + Four Strong Winds

On Moving Forward with Ian & Sylvia’s “Four Strong Winds”

Did you know that Ian & Sylvia's Four Strong Winds was written in just 20 minutes? Get to know more about this classic country hit here.

George Strait Pays Tribute to Merle Haggard with “Are the Good Times Really Over”

The King of Country, George Strait, pays tribute to Merle Haggard with a “Are The Good Times Really Over” cover.

Willie Nelson And Merle Haggard And Their Decades-Long Friendship In “Unfair Weather Friend”

Willie Nelson And Merle Haggard And Their Decades-Long Friendship In “Unfair Weather Friend”

Country legends Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard salute those who you can count on through the hardest times in “Unfair Weather Friend.”

Chris Stapleton + I Want Love

Chris Stapleton Puts Southern Charm in Elton John’s “I Want Love”

Releasing a cover of Elton John’s “I Want Love” is daunting for many artists, but Chris Stapleton embraced and crushed the challenge.

Conway Twitty + Goodbye Time

When Love is Not Enough: “Goodbye Time” by Conway Twitty

Conway Twitty says if it’s too late for love to change your mind, it's “Goodbye Time.” Learn more about the country song here. 

Randy Travis + Here I Am to Worship

Randy Travis and His Rendition of “Here I Am to Worship” by Tim Hughes

American country and gospel music singer and songwriter Randy Travis released a country version of “Here I Am to Worship” by Tim Hughes.

Vince Gill + Tryin' to Get Over You

Vince Gill Sings His Pain in “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Vince Gill's "Tryin' to Get Over You" became a phenomenal success and topped various music charts. Here’s why.

Don Williams + That's The Thing About Love

Don Williams “That’s The Thing About Love”: You Can’t Have It Until You Give It

Don Williams's "That's The Thing About Love" is the first single on his 1984 album, Cafe Carolina.

The Statler Brothers + Beat the Devil

Jesus Gets Tempted in “Beat The Devil” by The Statler Brothers

Jesus gets tested and tempted in “Beat the Devil” by the American country gospel quartet The Statler Brothers. 

Porter Wagoner + The Carroll County Accident

Porter Wagoner And The Small Town Soap Opera: “The Carroll County Accident”

The Bob Ferguson-penned track “The Carroll County Accident” earned Porter Wagoner a CMA for Song of the Year in 1969. Here’s the whole story. 

Merle Haggard + It's All in theMovies

“It’s All in the Movies” – Merle Haggard Reminds Us That Reality Is Far Off From The Silver Screen

Country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers earned another number-one hit with the song “It’s All in the Movies.” Check it out here. 

Noel Haggard & Ben Haggard The Runnin' Kind I'm A Lonesome Fugitive

Merle Haggard’s Sons, Noel and Ben, Share the Stage To Honor His Legacy

Merle Haggard’s sons, Noel and Ben, shared the stage for a duet cover of “Running Kind” and “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive.” Watch the performance here.

Ben Haggard + It's All In The Movies

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute To His Dad With A Cover Of His No. 1 Single “It’s All in the Movies” 

Country Family Reunion featured Ben Haggard singing “It’s All in the Movies” in a live tribute album for his dad, Merle Haggard. 

Dion Pride + Lorrie Morgan + Kiss An Angel Good Morning Grip

Dion Pride Honors His Dad’s Legacy as He Performs “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” With Lorrie Morgan

Dion Pride and Lorrie Morgan honor Charlie Pride’s legacy through their rendition of “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.” 

Merle Haggard + Where No One Stands Alone

Merle Haggard’s Amazing Rendition of “Where No One Stands Alone” by Elvis Presley

Find comfort in God with Merle Haggard’s hit cover of the gospel song “Where No One Stands Alone” by Elvis Presley.  

Lady A + One Day You Will

There’s Always a Silver Lining with “One Day You Will” By Lady A

Find the strength to rise above with “One Day You Will” by country music trio Lady A.

Phil Vassar + Just Another Day in Paradise

Phil Vassar on Living “Just Another Day in Paradise”

Life can get tough to the point that the thought of giving up can cross our minds. But as country singer Phil Vassar said, it is “Just Another Day in Paradise.”

Brad Paisley's Kids

Meet Brad Paisley’s Two Kids: William Huckleberry and Jasper Warren

Country singer Brad Paisley is a proud dad of two kids, William Huckleberry and Jasper Warren. Get to know more about his boys here.

Jean Shepard + A Dear John Letter

Breaking Up In The Time Of War With Jean Shepard’s “A Dear John Letter” 

Country singer Jean Shepard sings of a love that has died away with her 1953 hit song “A Dear John Letter.” Here’s the whole story behind it. 

4 Year Old Hunter Hayes Sings Jambalaya With Hank Williams Jr.

Four-Year-Old Hunter Hayes Joins Hank Williams Jr. On Stage For Something Called “Jambalaya”

Grammy nominee artist Hunter Hayes once stepped on stage to sing “Jambalaya” with the one and only Hank Williams Jr. 

Merle Haggard’s The Fightin’ Side of Me

Listen to Merle Haggard’s Politically Charged Tune “The Fightin’ Side of Me”

In 1970, Merle Haggard released a powerful patriotic anthem, “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” which became one of the biggest hits of his career.

Keith Urban Performs an Incredible Marty Robbins Medley

Keith Urban Honors Marty Robbins With A Medley Of His Songs

During the 2009 Artist of the Decade All-Star Concert, Keith Urban honored the icon Marty Robbins with a medley of his hit songs.