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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

The Oak Ridge Boys + Bobbie Sue

The Oak Ridge Boys’ And Their Story About A Girl Named “Bobbie Sue”

Listen to the most famous country music quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys, as they sing the story of eighteen-year-old “Bobbie Sue.”

Jean Shepard + Then He Touched

Jean Shepard Goes Sensual With “Then He Touched Me”

One of the highlights of Jean Shepard’s acclaimed country music career was her 1970 song “Then He Touched Me” from her album “A Woman’s Hand.”

Jean Shepard Songs

10 Jean Shepard Hit Songs For A Love-Heavy Rotation

If you’re looking for country songs to add to your playlist about love, and you’re in a good honky tonk, then Jean Shepard is your go-to artist. 

Jean Shepard Facts

Here Are Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Jean Shepard

Get to know more about country singer Jean Shepard, one of the feistiest advocates of traditional country music, through these facts.

Kris Kristofferson + Rita Coolidge + Please Don't Tell Me How the Story

Kris Kristofferson And Rita Coolidge’s “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends:” On Loving and Believing

Ex-country couple music Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge capture heartache with “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends.” 

Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter + Storms Never Last

Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter Prove Love Endures in “Storms Never Last”

Country music couple Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter sang about the inescapable part of any relationship in “Storms Never Last.”

Johnny Cash Facts

A Short List of Facts You Didn’t Know About The Monumental Life of Johnny Cash

Think you know all the facts about Johnny Cash, the Man in Black? You might learn a few more in this article. So, make sure to check it out. 

Kris Kristofferson + The Pilgrim, Chapter 33

Powering Through This Path Called Life: “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33” by Kris Kristofferson

Listen to “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33” by  Kris Kristofferson - a song about serious songwriters and powering through this path called life.   

Warren Zeiders Facts

Must-Know Warren Zeiders Facts Every Fan Should Know

Here are must-know facts about budding artist Warren Zeiders - a country singer who went viral on TikTok for “Ride the Lightning.” 

Doug Stone + In a Different Light

To See Someone “In A Different Light” by Country Singer Doug Stone

Find the beauty others can’t see in Doug Stone’s new single “In a Different Light.”

Kyle Tomlinson + Hallelujah

Golden Buzzer Candidate Kyle Tomlinson Proves David Williams Wrong in His Rendition of “Hallelujah”

Britain’s Got Talent Season 11 Golden Buzzer candidate Kyle Tomlinson proves David Williams wrong in his audition piece “Hallelujah.” 

Merle Haggard + Hungry Eyes

Merle Haggard’s “Hungry Eyes” Is a Sublime Chronicle of Human Experience

The 1969 hit song “Hungry Eyes” was a testament to Merle Haggard’s genius in delivering the emotions of the human experience. Catch it here.

Lorrie Morgan + I Fall to Pieces

Lorrie Morgan Effortlessly Nails Classic Hit “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline

The then-young Lorrie Morgan impressed everyone with her cover of the 1961 hit-turned-country-standard, “I Fall to Pieces, by Patsy Cline.” Catch it here.

Conway Twitty's Children

Keeping The Musical Legacy Alive: Meet Conway Twitty’s Children

Let’s get to know Conway Twitty’s children and how their father played a part in the paths they have taken for themselves. 

Toby Keith Death

Country Music Icon Toby Keith Dies At 62 After Bout With Stomach Cancer

After an eighteen-month battle with stomach cancer, Toby Keith has died. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer was 62.

Joni Mitchell stuns crowd with 'Both Sides Now'

Joni Mitchell Stuns Grammy Awards’ Audience With “Both Sides, Now”

More than five decades since Joni Mitchell won her first Grammy, the iconic musician graced the 2024 Grammy Awards for her first-ever performance.

The Notorious Cherry Bombs + It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long

Meaning Behind the Notorious Cherry Bombs Song “It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long”

If your life has become quite the country song, listen to this The Notorious Cherry Bombs Song, “It's Hard to Kiss the Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long.” 

Lee Ann Womack + There Is a God

Lee Ann Womack Gives the Proof You Need in “There is a God”

Here’s the meaning behind the 2009 religious ballad “There is a God” by iconic American contemporary country singer Lee Ann Womack. 

Lainey Wilson Wins Best Country Album at 2024 Grammy Awards

Lainey Wilson Wins Her First Grammy Award, Calling It “Absolutely Wild”

Lainey Wilson took home the Best Country Album award during the 2024 Grammy Awards, marking her first win at the highly esteemed musical event.

Chris Stapleton Celebrates Double Victory With Two GRAMMY Awards For 'White Horse'

Chris Stapleton Double Win for “White Horse” at 2024 Grammy Awards

Chris Stapleton kicked off the 2024 Grammy Awards on a winning streak – taking home Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song.

Mason Ramsey + Twang

Dive into the Country Music Persona of Mason Ramsey in His Latest Single, “Twang”

Rising country singer Mason Ramsey highlights various elements of his country music persona in his 2019 song “Twang.”

Ricky Van Shelton + Mansion Over the Hilltop

Ricky Van Shelton’s Mellow Version of the Gospel Song “Mansion Over the Hilltop”

In 1992, the ever-mysterious American country singer Ricky Van Shelton released his mellow version of the southern gospel song “Mansion Over the Hilltop.”

Pretty Little Poison by Warren Zeiders

Warren Zeiders Sings a Moody Love Song In “Pretty Little Poison”

Discover and indulge in “Pretty Little Poison” by Warren Zeiders – a song that resonates with everyone, especially the brokenhearted.

Don Williams and Alison Krauss + Just Come Here for the Music

Don Williams and Alison Krauss Join For A Velvety Duet In “I Just Come Here for the Music”

Two of country music’s biggest names, Don Williams and Alison Krauss, join together for a love song titled “I Just Come Here for the Music.”

Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves Win at 2024 Grammys

Zach Bryan Wins His First Grammy Awards Along With Kacey Musgraves 

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves took home the Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their smash hit, "I Remember Everything."

Johnny Rodriguez + That's The Way Love Goes

Johnny Rodriguez Hits It Tenderly With “That’s the Way Love Goes”

In 1973, Johnny Rodriguez achieved his third number-one hit in a row with a Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shafer track, “That’s the Way Love Goes.”

Jimmy Dean + Big Bad John

Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John”: An Unexpected Musical Banger

Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” might be considered one of the most unexpected top hits of all time, and here’s why. 

Hot Country Songs week of Jan 27

The Top 40 Country Songs For February 2024 That You Need To Check Out

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves’ “I Remember Everything” continues to soar high in the top 40 country songs for February 2024. There are also new and thrilling entries.

Merle Haggard That's the Way Love Goes

Merle Haggard’s Rendition Of “That’s the Way Love Goes”: A Certified Fan-favorite

With a wide-ranged repertory, Merle Haggard could sing just about anything and own any song he covers, like “That’s the Way Love Goes.”

Willie Nelson + Nothing I Can Do About It Now

Willie Nelson’s Reflection About Life as Written in His Song “Nothing I Can Do About It Now”

The legendary country singer Willie Nelson takes on regret and moving on with his 1989 hit song called “Nothing I Can Do About It Now.”