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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

Miranda Lambert’s Drunk

Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” Is Such a Thrilling Duet

Elle King and Miranda Lambert's "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)" is an anthemic tale of love, drinking, and finding oneself in challenging situations.

Luke Bryan Shares the Secrets to His Successful 14-Year Marriage

Luke Bryan Shares the Secrets to His Successful 14-Year Marriage

Luke Bryan went all out with the secret of his long and happy marriage with Caroline Boyer. For starters, one of their rules is to never go to bed mad.

Sammi Smith's 'Help Me Make It Through The Night'

Sammi Smith’s ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ Version Surpasses Original

With numerous covers hitting the charts every time they’re released, Sammi Smith's 'Help Me Make It Through The Night' is one you can never ignore.

Mickey Guyton's "Black Like Me"

Mickey Guyton’s ‘Black Like Me’ Shed Light On Inequality and Racism

Mickey Guyton's 'Black Like Me' is taking a break from the usual country songs as she touches on a more sensitive topic in our society.

Mickey Guyton Calls Being a Mom to Son Grayson 'One of the Greatest Things I Will Ever Experience'

Mickey Guyton Is Now A Mom, Says It’s “One of the Greatest Things I Will Ever Experience”

After making a historic nomination on Grammy Awards, Mickey Guyton marked another milestone of becoming a first-time mom to Grayson!

Morgan Wallen breaks 64-year Billboard chart record, surpasses Garth Brooks, the Eagles, and more

Morgan Wallen Made History, Surpassing Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, and More

Despite being rebuked and booted, Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album broke records and made history after it spent its first seven weeks at No. 1.

Morgan Wallen's "Up Down"

Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line’s “Up Down” Will Make You Want To Have Fun

Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line’s “Up Down” is such an infectious country song that will stick in your head all through your journey and beyond!

Boot Scootin Boogie Line Dance

Let’s Groove and Move to the Boot Scootin Boogie Line Dance

Get your groves ready with Boot Scootin Boogie Line Dance! This song is a natural fit for a good dance in your favorite honky-tonk bar.

Chris Stapleton's "Whiskey and You"

Pour Your Heart Out with Chris Stapleton’s “Whiskey and You”

Chris Stapleton’s Whiskey and You, which he co-wrote, proves the more obvious why he’s one of country music’s brightest stars at the moment.

Drinking Problem by Midland

Midland’s ‘Drinking Problem’ Is For All The Heartbroken

Midland’s ‘Drinking Problem’ is for all the heartbroken, drowning themselves in sorrow with the only solution that makes sense to them: alcohol.

Dolly Parton and Tom Jones' Green Grass of Home

Dolly Duets Tom Jones In His Hit Song ‘Green Green Grass of Home’

In one episode of Dolly in the 1980s, the country queen joined Tom Jones in a duet of his hit song ‘Green Green Grass of Home’ – and it’s beyond amazing.

Brett Eldredge & Meghan Trainor Perform 'Islands In the Stream'

Look Back Performance: Brett Eldredge & Meghan Trainor Duets ‘Islands In the Stream’

On an episode of CMT Crossroads in 2018, Brett Eldredge and Meghan Trainor sang a beautiful rendition of the classic tune, ‘Islands In The Stream.’

Morgan Wallen's "Heartless"

Diplo and Morgan Wallen’s “Heartless” Is One of The Best Collaborations You’ll Hear

Diplo and Morgan Wallen's "Heartless" features a powerful blend of country and dance-floor heat as Wallen’s raspy voice cry for an uncaring lover.

Morgan Wallen's "Cover Me Up"

Morgan Wallen’s “Cover Me Up” Is One Of His Most Streamed Songs

Morgan Wallen's "Cover Me Up" is one of the thirty tracks included on his sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album. And it’s been a fan-favorite!

Clint Eastwood Facts You Didn't Know

15 Surprisingly Movie-like Clint Eastwood Facts You Didn’t Know

The silver screen superstar emerged as one of the most popular Hollywood stars in the 1960s. So, we’ve gathered some Clint Eastwood facts for you to enjoy.

When God Paints by Alan Jackson

‘When God Paints’ by Alan Jackson Touches Soul of Listeners

When God Paints' by Alan Jackson touches the hearts of listeners because of its meaningful message and lyrics that resonate within the soul.

Islands In The Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

A Timeless Classic: ‘Islands In The Stream’ by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

‘Islands In The Stream' by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers is a timeless piece that can never falter; even a hundred years may pass.

Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home"

Merle Haggard’s ‘Sing Me Back Home’ Hits The Right Notes On Sad Song

Merle Haggard’s ‘Sing Me Back Home’ was written by the country legend while inside a prison. So, he made the song like how prisoners can relate to it.

10 Ben Haggard Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Here Are 10 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Ben Haggard

Get to know more about Ben Haggard. He has made a name early in the country music arena as the youngest son of the late country star Merle Haggard.

Alison Krauss' "Down To The River To Pray

Find Peace with Alison Krauss’ “Down To The River To Pray”

Alison Krauss' "Down To The River To Pray" is a very soothing cover featured in the award-winning soundtrack album of the film O Brother, Where Art Thou.

Reba & Kelly Clarkson Perform 'Does He Love You'

Reba and Kelly Clarkson Slay Their Duet of ‘Does He Love You’

During the 2018 American Country Music Award, Reba and Kelly Clarkson's Does He Love You' stole the night with their powerful vocals.

Blake Shelton Facts

Two Decades’ Worth of Blake Shelton’s Facts

Let’s look back at the most notable facts about Blake Shelton, whose soulful country voice and witty banter has captured his fan’s hearts since 2001.

"Howdy Doody" was a must-see tv for '50s kids

Remembering The Howdy Doody Show – The Must-See Show for The ’50s Kids

The Howdy Doody Show led children’s television programs from 1947 to 1960. Today, we can still remember how this cast of puppets brought us so much joy.

Reba Mcentire's Fancy

Reba McEntire’s ‘Fancy’ Ranks At 100 Greatest Country Songs

Reba McEntire's 'Fancy' had become one of her signature songs. Although it wasn’t her original one, that didn’t stop McEntire from owning the song.

My Darling Vivian (Vivian Liberto)

My Darling Vivian: A Tell-All Documentary on Johnny Cash’s First Wife

Broken relationships, finding love again, and adding more family members are all depicted in this heartwarming documentary, My Darling Vivian.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Relationship Timeline

All YNTK About Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Relationship Timeline

Some may think they’re an unlikely duo, but no celebrity couple has fascinated us quite like Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani with their adorable love story.

Noah's Ark in Kentucky

The Noah’s Ark in Kentucky Is Drawing Millions of Visitors. Here’s Why!

The family-friendly Noah’s Ark in Kentucky has been a famous attraction ever since its opening in 2016. And it is bigger than you can ever imagine!

Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa Restaurant & Bar Details

A Sneak Peek at Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa in Nashville

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, or dubbed as the Pink House, is a 17,400 square foot bar of live entertainment featuring Nashville’s gorgeous skyline.

Dave Fenley's Moving Version of “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)”

Dave Fenley’s “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” Will Definitely Touch Your Soul

Dave Fenley's "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)" is a nostalgic country ballad of how progress does not always come with a positive result.

Dolly Parton Names Her Worst Songs

Dolly Parton Names Her Worst Songs

Does Dolly Parton even have bad songs, at the very least? For all we know, there’s nothing this woman will ever write that would ever be not good.