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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

Mark Wills Facts

Here Are Some Not-So-Known Facts About Country Singer Mark Wills

We’ve collected a list of facts you probably didn’t know about country singer Mark Wills. Check it out and discover a new thing or two.  

Diamond Rio Facts

Check Out These 6 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Diamond Rio

Here is a short list of interesting facts about Diamond Rio, which has been known for making timeless country music for decades. 

Eddy Arnolds + Bouquet of Roses

Eddy Arnold’s “Bouquet of Roses”: Flowers for Broken Hearts 

In 1948, the American country singer Eddy Arnolds released a song for broken hearts titled “Bouquet of Roses,” and here’s the meaning behind it. 

Danielle Bradbery + Slow Burn

Danielle Bradbery’s Fiery Version of the Hit Song “Slow Burn”

In 2018, country singer Danielle Bradbery released her rendition of the hit song “Slow Burn,” and here’s why fans are hooked to it. 

Emmylou Harris + Nobody

Emmylou Harris “Nobody”: A Song About New Beginnings

In 2011, the renowned singer Emmylou Harris released “Nobody,” which is a song about new beginnings. 

John Berry + There Could Never Be Another Love

John Berry is a True Romantic Singing “There Could Never Be Another Love”

John Berry’s “There Could Never Be Another Love” is a heart-melting song for your loved ones.

The Chicks + Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)

The Chicks’ “Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)” Will Soothe Your Longing Heart

The Chicks' version of "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)" is a heart-wrenching song for someone who misses a loved one

Vince Gill + Let There Be Peace on Earth

Love and Peace: The Story of Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Vince Gill recorded "Let There Be Peace on Earth" with his daughter, Jenny Gill and here's what we know about the meaning behind the song.

Tennessee Ernie Ford + In the Garden

Tennessee Ernie Ford Brings You Closer to God with “In the Garden”

Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “In the Garden” became the most popular version of the 1913 classic and here's why.

Johnny Horton + Johnny Reb

Johnny Horton Tells You About The Soldier “Johnny Reb”  

Johnny Horton's "Johnny Reb" is known to be one of the most iconic American songs and here is why we think that’s so.

Hank Williams Sings “Lovesick Blues” For Your Aching Hearts

Hank Williams Sings “Lovesick Blues” For Your Aching Hearts

Hank Williams' "Lovesick Blues" became the anthem for people suffering from unrequited love and here's why.

Mac Wiseman + I'm Using My Bible For A Roadmap

The Ultimate Guide to Peace: Mac Wiseman’s “I’m Using My Bible For A Roadmap”

Mac Wiseman’s “I’m Using My Bible For A Roadmap” reminds us that the Bible is no ordinary book, and it’s full of teachings that feed the hungry soul. 

Dierks Bentley - Say You Do

Begging for You and Your Love in Dierks Bentley’s “Say You Do”

We all went through that stage where we want that kind of love that somehow doesn’t want us back anymore. Dierks Bentley’s “Say You Do” is the perfect song to describe that stage.

The Chicks - Sin Wagon

The Chicks’ “Sin Wagon”: An Anthem for All Independent Woman

The Chicks' "Sin Wagon" is a part of the band's 1999 "Fly" album with a distinctive blend of distinctive melodies and provocative lyrics

Mark Wills Songs

10 Mark Wills’s Songs That Will Make You His Fan 

Here are ten of Mark Wills’s songs, from his debut to his current jam, that will definitely make you a fan of him – if you’re not already one. 

Alan Jackson + Gone Country

Alan Jackson Celebrates The Spread Of Country Music In His 1994 Single “Gone Country”

Written by Bob McDill, Alan Jackson’s “Gone Country” is a fun country music commentary celebrating how the genre has grown. Check it out. 

Bobbie Gentry + I'll Never Fall In Love Again

Bobbie Gentry’s Timeless Rendition of “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”

Country singer Bobbie Gentry’s rendition of the classic “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” stood out among the song’s long list of covers.

Billy Ray Cyrus + Mason Ramsey + Old Town Road

Billy Ray Cyrus and Mason Ramsey Perform “Old Town Road” At The Grand Ole Opry 2019

Billy Ray Cyrus and Mason Ramsey rocked the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in 2019 with their performance of “Old Town Road.” Check it out here. 

Charley Pride + Someone Loves You Honey

Charley Pride Sings Of Sweet Love With “Someone Loves You Honey”

Country singer Charley Pride was the master of heartbroken ballads, but he had some sweet love songs, like “Someone Loves You Honey.”

Lefty Frizzell + Saginaw, Michigan

“Saginaw, Michigan”: The Legacy Of Lefty Frizzell

Country singer Lefty Frizzell sang of a bamboozled rich man in his last number-one hit on the charts, “Saginaw, Michigan.” Here’s the story.

Jolene - The Petersens

Watch The Petersens Nail Dolly Parton’s Classic Track “Jolene”

The American bluegrass family band The Petersens from Brandon, Missouri, blew everyone’s minds away with their cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

Tammy Wynette + 'Til I Can Make It on My Own

Tammy Wynette’s “Til I Can Make It on My Own” Is For Those Who Had To Let Go Of Love 

Tammy Wynette sang about letting go of a love that had already walked away in her 1976 track “‘Til I Can Make It on My Own.”

Mark Wills + I Do (Cherish You)

Mark Wills’s “I Do (Cherish You)” Is Undoubtedly A Top-Tier Romantic Ballad

If you’re looking for a song to dedicate to your partner on a normal day or your wedding day, we guarantee Mark Wills's “I Do (Cherish You)” is the song. 

Michael Buble and Blake Shelton +Home

Watch Michael Bublé And Blake Shelton’s Tearjerking Duet Of “Home”

During David Foster’s 2008 concert at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Michael Bublé and Blake Shelton touched everyone with their duet “Home.”

Carrie Underwood + Church Bells

Carrie Underwood Sings Of A Sweet And Deadly Revenge In “Church Bells”

Carrie Underwood described her 2016 number-one hit “Church Bells” as the little sister of Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy.” Here’s the story behind it.

Merle Haggard And George Jones Team Up To Sing A Duet Version Of “Footlights”

Merle Haggard And George Jones Team Up To Sing A Duet Version Of “Footlights”

Two iconic country singers, Merle Haggard and George Jones, released a studio album with “Footlights” listed as track number one. 

World On Fire by Nate Smith

Dive in Heartbreak and Melodic Embers with “World On Fire” by Nate Smith

Nate Smith released “World on Fire” in 2023, and many connected with the catchy, rock-inspired country heartbreaker that went No. 1 on Billboard's Country Airplay chart.

Heart Like A Truck by Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson Expressed Resiliency and Integrity in “Heart Like A Truck”

Lainey Wilson showcased her powerful vocals in “Heart Like A Truck,” which she said was semi-autobiographical. The song finds her looking back into a difficult journey.

One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen

Listen To Morgan Wallen’s Journey Through Heartbreak in “One Thing At A Time”

Morgan Wallen released “One Thing At A Time” as the title track from his sprawling third studio album – a song that finds him pouring his heart out after a breakup.

She Had Me At Heads Carolina by Cole Swindell

Cole Swindell Brings Nostalgia With “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” 

On June 21, 2022, Cole Swindell released “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” which pays tribute to Jo Dee Messina's 1996 single “Head Carolina, Tails California.”