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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

Little Big Town Songs

Here’s A Collection Of Little Big Town’s 10 Best Songs

The country music vocal group Little Big Town has released ten studio albums and 27 singles, and we picked ten of their best songs. 

The Oak Ridge Boys Facts

The Oak Ridge Boys And A Few Facts You May Not Know About Them

Here are a few facts about The Oak Ridge Boys that you probably didn’t know about them in their fifty-year career run. Check the list here.

Garth Brooks’s Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) Talks Time, Dreams, and the Drive

Garth Brooks’s Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) Talks Time, Dreams, and the Drive

Garth Brooks had a lot of people relate to his song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” because of the message that it brings about ambitions and reaching them no matter what.

Ronnie Milsap + What A Difference You've Made In My Life

How Love Changes One: Ronnie Milsap’s “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life”

The impact of love might not be seen in everyone, but Ronnie Milsap’s “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” is a reminder of how powerful love can be.

Tommy Brandt + I Believe in Angels

Tommy Brandt’s “I Believe in Angels” Is A Song Sent from Heaven 

Humans are inevitably tempted to sin, but it is not too late to repent while the time is still running. Here’s the meaning behind Tommy Brandt’s phenomenal song, “I Believe in Angels”.

Cam + Diplo + So Long

Cam & Diplo’s Country Hit Song “So Long”: A Crash Course on Love & Moving On

Here’s the meaning behind the semi-country music song about love, “So Long” by Cam & Diplo. 

Ronnie Dunn + I Worship the Woman You Walked on

What Ronnie Dunn’s Song, “I Worship the Woman You Walked on” Truly Means

Here’s the meaning behind the country music star Ronnie Dunn’s song for the Heartbroken, “I Worship the Woman You Walked on.”

MercyMe + Almost Home

Don’t Give Up as We Are “Almost Home”: A Gospel Song by MercyMe

Here’s the meaning behind the country music band MercyMe’s chart-topping gospel song, “Almost Home.” 

Tim McGraw + My Best Friend

Tim McGraw’s “My Best Friend”: More Than a Lover!

Lover or best friend? Here’s the meaning behind Tim McGraw’s country music hit song “My Best Friend.” 

The Browns + The Three Bells

The Life of Jimmy Brown Sang in The Browns’ “The Three Bells” Song

In 1959, the Grammy Award-winning group The Browns released one of their iconic holiday songs, “The Three Bells,” as part of their album Sweet Sounds by the Browns. 

Bill Monroe + A Voice From On High

Hear The Lord by Listening to Bill Monroe’s “A Voice from On High”

In 1969, the country singer Bill Monroe released his hit gospel song “A Voice from On High,” and here’s the meaning behind it. 

Reba McEntire - Why Haven't I Heard From You

Reba McEntire Takes No Excuse in “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” 

"Why Haven't I Heard From You" is a popular country song by Reba McEntire. Discover the reasons behind this song's popularity among fans and its rise to the top of the charts.

Reba McEntire + Oh Happy Day

Reba McEntire’s Upbeat Version of the Hit Gospel Song “Oh Happy Day”

Listen to Reba McEntire’s version of “Oh Happy Day” to thank Jesus for his undying love and sacrifice. 

HARDY Announces Quit! Tour

HARDY Unveils 15-Date Quit!! Tour

HARDY is thrilled to announce his upcoming 15-date Quit! Tour. Get all the details about this exciting tour and find out where to catch HARDY live in concert.

Vince Gill + I Will Always Love You

Vince Gill’s “I Will Always Love You” Is A Gentle Tug To The Heart

Even the hardest of hearts will melt with Vince Gill’s sublime rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic song “I Will Always Love You.”

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road Featuring The Kentucky Headhunters - Runnin' Water

Get Tappin’ With Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s “Runnin’ Water” Feat Kentucky Headhunters

The country rock band The Kentucky Headhunters joined Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road in “Runnin’ Water” from their Country Grass project.

Connie Smith + Once A Day

Connie Smith Inked Her Name In Country With Her Debut Single “Once a Day”

Country singer Connie Smith made her mark with her 1964 debut single “ Once a Day,” which dominated the charts for eight consecutive weeks.

Selena Gomez to Play Linda Ronstadt in New Biopic

Selena Gomez Cast As Linda Ronstadt In Soon-To-Be-Released Biopic

Selena Gomez is set to portray Linda Ronstadt in a soon-to-be-released biopic. Dive into the details of this film and discover how Gomez takes on the role.

Remembering the Country Stars Who Have Died in 2023

Honoring the Country Stars We Have Lost in 2023

Let's pay tribute to the country stars who passed away in 2023. We remember their contributions to the genre and celebrate their legacy.

The Oak Ridge Boys + Jesus Is Coming Soon

The Oak Ridge Boys Takes On The Southern Gospel Standard “Jesus Is Coming Soon”

The country and gospel vocal quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys, sang their version of R.E. Winsett’s “Jesus Is Coming Soon” in 1969. 

Willie Nelson + Crazy

Patsy Cline’s Hit Song “Crazy” Was A Willie Nelson Original 

Patsy Cline’s hit-song-turned-country-standard “Crazy” was written by the legendary Willie Nelson. Check out the whole story here. 

Diamond Rio Songs

Tune In To These 10 Hit Songs By Country Music Band Diamond Rio 

We recommend listening to Diamond Rio's hit songs if you want to explore the works of a new country music artist. Check out the full playlist here. 

Marty Robbins + (Ghost) Riders in the Sky

Marty Robbins’ “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” Is An American Classic 

Country singer Marty Robbins’ rendition of “Ghost Riders in the Sky” captured the eerie and mysterious notes of of a cowboy folktale.

Carter Family + Can the Circle Be Unbroken

The Carter Family’s “Can the Circle Be Unbroken” Was The Biggest Seller Of 1935 

Before the Carter Family adapted and recorded “Can the Circle Be Unbroken,” the hymn remained relatively unknown. Discover the story behind here. 

Alan Jackson + What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Alan Jackson’s “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”: No More Struggling Alone

Country singer Alan Jackson sings “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” as a reminder that we only need to take our burdens to the Lord in prayer. 

Johnny Cash + June Carter Cash + Help Me Make It Through the Night

Johnny Cash And June Carter Cash Duet “Help Me Make It Through the Night”

Johnny Cash took on the highly popular, racy track “Help Me Make It Through the Night” with his wife, June Carter Cash. Check it out here. 

Waylon Jennings + We Had It All

On Love And Heartbreak: Listen to Waylon Jennings’s Underrated Hit “We Had It All”

Waylon Jennings sang of love and heartbreak with a hauntingly soulful voice in his song “We Had It All.” So, prepare tissues for a good cry. 

Merle Haggard + Clint Eastwood + Bar Room Buddies

Merle Haggard and Clint Eastwood’s Duet “Bar Room Buddies” Was A No. 1 Country Hit

The unlikely duo Merle Haggard and Clint Eastwood earned themselves a number-one hit with “Bar Room Buddies” in 1980. Check it out here. 

John Lennon + Imagine

Perceiving A World Of Kindness Through “Imagine” By John Lennon

John Lennon sends his harmony of kindness to everyone longing for peace during chaotic times to sit back, look inside, and “Imagine.”

Little Big Town + When Someone Stops Loving You

Little Big Town Sings Of Love Gone Wrong With “When Someone Stops Loving You”

Little Big Town sings of love and heartbreak in “When Someone Stops Loving You.” We’re warning you: it will hurt like hell.