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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 Statler Brothers + Do You Remember These

The Statler Brothers Recall Post-War Pop Culture On “Do You Remember These”

America’s country music group, The Statler Brothers, took on pop culture references with their 1972 single “Do You Remember These.” Check it out. 

Dean Brody + Canadian Girls

Dean Brody Showcases The Irresistible, Lovable Trouble Though “Canadian Girls” 

In January 2012, country music artist Dean Brody released his Dirt album’s first single, “Canadian Girls.” Check out the song here. 

Hank Williams + Your Cheatin' Heart

Hank Williams Encapsulates Heartbreak and Betrayal With “Your Cheatin’ Heart”

It only took minutes for Hank Williams to write the song “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” inspired by his first wife, Audrey Mae Sheppard.

Americas Marines Singing Days of Elijah

US Marines Sing Along To “Days of Elijah” In Worship 

The US Marines worshipped together, lifting their voices as they sang Robin Mark’s “Days of Elijah.” And it was undoubtedly an inspiring sight. 

8-Year-Old Girl Shows Patriotism in God Bless the USA Rendition

Sweet Girl In Blue Sings Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”

Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” takes on a sweet sound with the voice of eight-year-old Marleigh Miller. Check out the video here. 

Merle Haggard + Footlights

Merle Haggard Shares His Sad Reflections As A Country Star In “Footlights”

One of country music’s most influential artists of all time, Merle Haggard, weighs in on fame and career in his 1979 track “Footlights.”

Bobbie Gentry + Fancy

Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy” Is The Anthem Of Women’s Liberation

Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry scored her second and final Top 40 at the Billboard Hot 100 with her feminist song, “Fancy.” Let’s check it out. 

Taylor Swift Songs

Here’s Our 15 Most Favorite Taylor Swift Songs From Her Country Catalog

From Taylor Swift down to Speak Now, we list all 15 of our favorite songs from Taylor Swift’s three-album country catalog. 

Bobbie Gentry Songs

Ten of the Best Bobbie Gentry Songs You Should MUST Listen To

If you are looking for some new country music to listen to, here are ten of the best Bobbie Gentry songs you should check out. 

Bobbie Gentry Facts

10 Not-So-Known Facts About Bobbie Gentry That You Should Know

Here are the facts: Bobbie Gentry was the whole package, from talent down to visuals, and she was the trailblazing queen of the country. 

Tennessee Orange by Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney Tells A Star-Crossed Tale In The Endearing Song, “Tennessee Orange”

Georgia native Megan Moroney made a glorious entry on the country music scene when she released “Tennessee Orange” in December 2022 as her debut single.

Smoky Mountain Rain by Ronnie Milsap

“Smoky Mountain Rain” – Ronnie Milsap’s Soulful Tale About a Lonely Southerner

The song "Smoky Mountain Rain" by Ronnie Milsap came out in September 1980 as the first and only track on his album Greatest Hits. It then became one of his best-known hits.

Going, Going, Gone by Luke Combs

Luke Combs Sings About Letting Someone Go in “Going, Going, Gone”

Luke Combs' "Going, Going, Gone" topped Country Airplay and hit No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his 15th consecutive solo No. 1.

Marvin Morrow + Mama's Old Song Book

Meaning Behind Marvin Morrow’s Song “Mama’s Old Song Book”

In 2001, country singer Marvin Morrow released a gospel song titled “Mama’s Old Song Book,” and here’s the meaning behind it. 

Then Came the Morning - Gaither Song

Meaning Behind Gaither’s Song “Then Came the Morning”

Here is everything you need to know about Gaither's song "Then Came the Morning," from its meaning to some facts about it. 

Brian Free & Assurance + Somebody's Miracle

Meaning Behind Brian Free & Assurance’s Song “Somebody’s Miracle”

Here is everything you need to know about the country gospel group Brian Free & Assurance song, “Somebody’s Miracle”.

Travis Tritt + Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde

Travis Tritt’s “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde”: An Unstoppable Love Story

Here is everything you need to know about country singer Travis Tritt's song "Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde." 

Kenny Chesney's early support led Taylor Swift to stardom

Taylor Swift Revealed That Kenny Chesney’s Early Support Fueled Her Dreams

In her cover story as TIME magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year, Taylor Swift shared that Kenny Chesney was instrumental in her career.

Top Country Albums December

The Top 40 Country Songs For December 2023 That You Need To Check Out

You will find many great tracks on the top 40 country songs for December 2023, along with brand new ones such as “Mamaw’s House” by Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen.

Top Bluegrass Albums December

Here Are The Top Bluegrass Albums For December 2023

Willie Nelson’s Bluegrass is leading the top Bluegrass albums for December 2023. Many fans are enjoying the album by the legend, and it even earned a nomination in Grammy Awards.

Top Folk Albums December

Here Are The Top Americana/Folk Albums for December 2023

Zach Bryan’s self-titled album is still on top of its game, leading the top Americana/Folk Albums for December 2023. Five more albums by Bryan are also on the list.

A Baby Changes Everything by Faith Hill

Faith Hill’s Life-Altering Ballad: “A Baby Changes Everything”

In September 2008, Faith Hill released “A Baby Changes Everything” from her album Joy to the World, which touched and changed so many lives.

Amy Grant to Make Triumphant Return to the Ryman

Amy Grant Is Set To Make a Grand Comeback at the Ryman Auditorium

After a bicycling accident that left her hospitalized a year and a half ago, Amy Grant is getting ready to make a big comeback in none other than the Ryman Auditorium.

Brenda Lee Makes History As The Oldest Woman To Top The Billboard Hot 100

Brenda Lee Rocks Christmas Off the Charts, Dethroning Mariah Carey

Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," finally hit the top spot of Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated December 9 – sixty-five years after it was released.

Scotty McCreery Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

Scotty McCreery Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

On Sunday evening (December 3), Scotty McCreery got the ultimate surprise of his career when Garth Brooks invited him to become the latest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

TOP 10 COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 1950s

Here Are Some Golden Gems: The Top 10 Country Songs of The 1950s

The 1950s marked a pivotal era for country music, giving birth to timeless classics that define the genre. Here are the top 10 country songs of the 1950s.

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Decades Finest: Here Are The Top 10 Country Songs Of The 1960s

The 1960s were a golden era for country music that helped shape the genre’s future. To celebrate this decade, let’s go through some of the best country songs of the 1960s.

TOP 10 COUNTRY SONGS OF THE 1970s

Looking Back To The Top 10 Country Songs Of The 1970s

The 1970s stood out as a fantastic era for country music, with several artists reaching the peaks of their careers. With that said, here are the top 10 country songs of the 1970s.

LeAnn Rimes' Candid Confessions: Rehab, Stage Fright, Growing Up In The Spotlight & More

Leann Rimes Openly Talks About Growing Up In The Spotlight And More

LeAnn Rimes dropped by the Happy Place podcast with Fearne Cotton, where she shared details about her childhood and working through tough experiences from her past.

Tim McGraw Scores 47th No. 1 Single, Surpasses Chart Record Held By George Strait

Tim McGraw Has Broken George Strait’s Record On The Charts

Tim McGraw is definitely enjoying a thriving career! The country singer actually just brought his recent single, "Standing Room Only," to No. 1.