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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

Four-Year-Old Braydon's Precious Cover of "As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone" Will Melt Your Heart

Four-Year-Old Braydon’s Precious Cover of “As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone” Will Melt Your Heart

Four-year-old Braydon's adorable cover of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty's "As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone" will steal your heart and showcase country music's timeless appeal.

Young Scotty McCreery's Emotional Take on "The Dance" Wows the Opry Crowd

Young Scotty McCreery’s Emotional Take on “The Dance” Wows the Opry Crowd

Scotty McCreery's stunning cover of Garth Brooks' "The Dance" at the Grand Ole Opry showcased his deep talent and respect for country music's greatest hits.

Ben and Noel Haggard Honor Merle Haggard With Heartfelt Tribute Performances

Ben and Noel Haggard Honor Merle Haggard With Heartfelt Tribute Performances

Ben and Noel Haggard honored their father, Merle Haggard, with a heartfelt tribute, performing his timeless hits and keeping his legacy alive.

Dolly Parton and Vince Gill's "I Will Always Love You" Duet is Pure Country Perfection

Dolly Parton and Vince Gill’s “I Will Always Love You” Duet is Pure Country Perfection

Dolly Parton and Vince Gill's "I Will Always Love You" duet adds a fresh layer of harmony and emotion to Dolly's classic, creating a timeless country masterpiece.

Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson Brought Willie Nelson to Tears With Their Rendition of "Seven Spanish Angels"

Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson Brought Willie Nelson to Tears With Their Rendition of “Seven Spanish Angels”

Willie Nelson held back tears as Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson delivered a heartfelt performance of his iconic duet, "Seven Spanish Angels," at the Gershwin Prize Awards.

Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss Singing "When You Say Nothing At All" Is Pure Magic

Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss Singing “When You Say Nothing At All” Is Pure Magic

Keith Whitley and Alison Krauss' duet of "When You Say Nothing At All" bridges decades, blending timeless voices into a magical rendition that feels eternal.

Willie and Paula Nelson Took "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" to Another Level

Willie and Paula Nelson Took “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” to Another Level

Willie and Paula Nelson's duet on 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain' reimagines a classic with tender harmonies and a timeless family connection.

"'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose" was Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan's Only Duet

“‘Til a Tear Becomes a Rose” was Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan’s Only Duet

Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan's duet, 'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose,' captured their love story and remains a timeless tribute to Whitley's legacy in country music.

Remember When Evangelicals Turned on Amy Grant After Her Divorce?

Remember When Evangelicals Turned on Amy Grant After Her Divorce?

Amy Grant's divorce from Gary Chapman shook Evangelical America, but her resilience and grace redefined her legacy in Christian and pop music.

How "Amanda" Became Waylon Jennings' Hit After Don Williams Recorded It

How “Amanda” Became Waylon Jennings’ Hit After Don Williams Recorded It

Bob McDill's 'Amanda' became a country classic. Legends Don Williams and Waylon Jennings recorded it, each delivering a version that stands the test of time.

How Patty Loveless and George Jones Made "You Don't Seem to Miss Me" a Country Masterpiece

How Patty Loveless and George Jones Made “You Don’t Seem to Miss Me” a Country Masterpiece

Patty Loveless and George Jones turned Jim Lauderdale's song into a country classic with their unforgettable duet on 'You Don't Seem to Miss Me,' blending raw emotion and timeless artistry.

How Toby Keith Turned "Red Solo Cup" from a Joke into a Smash Hit

How Toby Keith Turned “Red Solo Cup” from a Joke into a Smash Hit

Toby Keith called 'Red Solo Cup' the 'stupidest song' he'd ever heard, but its humor and charm made it a triple-platinum smash hit and a cultural phenomenon.

Toby Keith's CMA Tribute Fell Short—And Country Fans Are Heartbroken

Toby Keith’s CMA Tribute Fell Short—And Country Fans Are Heartbroken

The 2024 CMA Awards' brief tribute to Toby Keith left fans outraged, calling it a missed opportunity to honor the country legend's towering legacy.

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt "Always On My Mind" Cover

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt “Always On My Mind” Cover

Lukas Nelson's emotional cover of his father Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind" highlights his vocal talent, artistry, and deep connection to a timeless classic.

Alan Jackson and George Strait's "Murder on Music Row" Honors True Country

Alan Jackson and George Strait’s “Murder on Music Row” Honors True Country

George Strait and Alan Jackson's duet of "Murder on Music Row" is a bold stand for traditional country music, delivering a powerful critique of the genre's evolution.

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for “He Stopped Loving Her Today”

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban deliver an unforgettable rendition of George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind"

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

8-year-old Annafaith stuns with her emotional cover of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind," showcasing vocal talent and maturity beyond her years.

Garth Brooks' Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

Allie Colleen, Garth Brooks' daughter, earns her first Top-40 hit with "Ain't the Only Hell (My Momma Raised)," showcasing her unique talent and storytelling.

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's duet of "Does He Love You" reimagines the 1993 classic with stunning vocals, heartfelt emotion, and playful humor.

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" honors his father, Merle Haggard, while charting his path with heartfelt storytelling and a nod to classic country.

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney's rendition of Mel Street's "Borrowed Angel" honors classic country roots with heartfelt vocals and timeless storytelling.

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

Hannah Kay honors Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" with a powerful performance on The Voice, gaining admiration from judges and a special shout-out from Lynn herself.

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s journey from a Washington farm to Nashville’s stages brings heart and tradition back to country music with an authentic sound that fans adore.

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” brings a fresh sound and a heartfelt look at real love, exploring the challenges of connection in today’s fast-paced world.

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

13 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley’s life offstage is full of surprises—here are 13 things you didn’t know about the country music star.

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with "Suspicious Minds" Cover

Blake Shelton Honors Elvis Presley with “Suspicious Minds” Cover

Blake Shelton's cover of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" at a 2019 tribute brings fresh emotion to a classic, honoring the King's legacy with heartfelt country style.

Alan Jackson Stops "Pop a Top" at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson Stops “Pop a Top” at CMAs in Honor of George Jones

Alan Jackson stopped mid-performance at the 1999 CMAs to honor George Jones, creating a defining moment of respect and authenticity in country music.

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with "Sing Me Back Home"

Ben Haggard Pays Tribute to His Dad with “Sing Me Back Home”

Ben Haggard's rendition of Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home" honors his father's legacy with heartfelt emotion, delivering a performance that blends tradition with his personal style.

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss' Soulful Duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You"

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss’ Soulful Duet of “Tryin’ to Get Over You”

Vince Gill and Alison Krauss captivate with their emotional live duet of "Tryin' to Get Over You," blending heartfelt vocals and raw emotion in a performance that resonates deeply.

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Surprise at Tyler Perry Play

Chris Stapleton surprises fans with an impromptu “Tennessee Whiskey” performance during Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour in Nashville.