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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

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 Rocks Christmas Off the Charts, Dethroning Mariah Carey

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. 

Need A Favor - Jelly Roll

“Need A Favor” By Jelly Roll Is A Painfully Honest Tune Everyone Should Hear

On December 9, 2022, Jelly Roll released “Need A Favor” as the lead single from his album Whitsitt Chapel. The song quickly became a hit, ranking No. 1 on the country charts.

Country Songs November

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

You will find many country stars who ruled the 2023 CMA Awards winners and nominees leading the top 40 country songs for November 2023.

Bluegrass Albums November

Here Are The Top Bluegrass Albums For November 2023

Willie Nelson once again heads the top Bluegrass Albums for November 2023 with his album Bluegrass. It is Nelson’s first full album of bluegrass music.

Folk Albums November

Here Are The Top Americana/Folk Albums for November 2023

Zach Bryan still leads the top Americana/Folk Albums for October 2023 with his ambitious, self-titled album featuring a sixteen-song tracklist. 

Lainey Wilson Takes Home 2023 CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year

Lainey Wilson Took Home 2023 CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year

Lainey Wilson won big during the 2023 CMA Awards, where she was crowned the 2023 CMA Entertainer of the Year and took home four more awards out of her nine nods.

Boys Of Faith by Zach Bryan

“Boys Of Faith” By Zach Bryan Mine Nostalgia For Old Friends And Relationships

On the title track of his EP Boys of Faith, country star Zach Bryan collaborated with another indie folk artist for the first time, and it's none other than Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.

Dawns by Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan and Maggie Rogers Teamed Up For An Intense Duet in “Dawns”

After a series of teasers, Zach Bryan finally released the fan-favorite song, Dawns, which features fellow singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers, on January 27, 2023.

Bury Me In Georgia by Kane Brown

“Bury Me In Georgia” By Kane Brown Is A Staunch Ode To His Hometown

On March 31, 2023, Kane Brown released "Bury Me in Georgia" (which seems to be like a love note to his hometown) as a single from his album, Different Man.

Jelly Roll and Wynonna Judd Open 2023 CMA Awards

Jelly Roll And Wynonna Judd Kicked Off the 2023 CMA Awards

Jelly Roll kicked off the 2023 CMA Awards ceremony at Bridgestone Arena and was joined by a special guest, country icon Wynonna Judd.

Top 10 Heartwarming Christmas Duets to Get You in the Holiday Spirit2

Top 10 Heartwarming Christmas Duets to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Discover the perfect harmony of the season with these top 10 Christmas duets. This set of heartwarming songs will, without a doubt, fill your holidays with joy and nostalgia.  

Mark Chesnutt Has Had To Reschedule His Concert Because Of Health Issues

Mark Chesnutt Has Had To Reschedule His Concert Because Of Health Issues

Country hitmaker Mark Chesnutt has had to move his show at Henderson, Tennessee, to a later date after the singer was hospitalized from unknown health issues.

Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton Teamed Up For “Mama He's Crazy”

Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton Teamed Up For “Mama He’s Crazy”

Lainey Wilson has teamed up with her country music hero, Dolly Parton, to pay tribute to country music duo The Judds with their rendition of “Mama He’s Crazy.”

Riley Green Songs

Riley Green Songs That Reflect His Life Growing Up In A Small Town

Isn't it amazing how Riley Green songs are made to get bar crowds singing along whenever it is being played in shows? Here are the best ones so far.

Kelly Clarkson Surprises Darius Rucker With CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award

Kelly Clarkson Surprises Darius Rucker With CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award

Kelly Clarkson revealed to Darius Rucker that he was chosen to receive the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award in the middle of their conversation at her talk show.

Country Songs About Other Country Stars

10 Country Songs That Are Actually About Other Country Stars

Let’s look at some country songs written or named after a country icon by artists giving an even greater tip of the hat to their musical heroes.

Country Hall of Fame Welcomes Tucker, Loveless, McDill

Country Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Patty Loveless, Tanya Tucker, and Bob McDill

Legendary female performers Patty Loveless and Tanya Tucker and prolific songwriter Bob McDill officially became the newest members of Country Music Hall of Fame.

Love You Anyway by Luke Combs Is Inspired By His Wife, Nicole

“Love You Anyway” by Luke Combs Is Inspired By His Wife, Nicole

Ahead of Valentine's Day, on February 10, 2023, Luke Combs released "Love You Anyway" as the lead single of his fourth studio album, Gettin' Old.