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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

Did You Know Merle Haggard's "Kentucky Gambler" Was Written by Another Superstar?

Did You Know Merle Haggard’s “Kentucky Gambler” Was Written by Another Superstar?

The song “Kentucky Gambler” by Merle Haggard became the only No. 1 single of Dolly Parton as a writer on someone else’s record.

How Lynn Anderson Turned “Rose Garden” Into A Big Hit Worldwide

Did you know that Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden" was initially rejected by her producer, husband Glenn Sutton, thinking “it was not a girl’s song?”

Restless Heart’s “When She Cries” is A Chart-Dominating Hit

The American country music group Restless Heart breathed life to the song “When She Cries” which later became a hit both in the US and Canada.

Here’s How The Chart-Topper “Don’t Let Me Cross Over” Became A Country Music Standard

“Don’t Let Me Cross Over” is a 1962 hit by husband-and-wife country music duo, Carl Butler, and Pearl. The song enjoyed the chart's top for 11 weeks.

“Woman (Sensuous Woman)” Put Gibson’s Name Back To The No. 1 Position

Let’s recollect the memories of the one and only Don Gibson through his final No.1 hit called “Woman (Sensuous Woman).” Rest assured, the song will bring the good feels of Country in the past. For the ladies out there, this song is for you.

The Song That Launched Tom T. Hall as The Storyteller That He Is: “A Week In A Country Jail” 

The inspiration for the song came from a neighbor of Tom T. Hall in Brentwood, Tennessee named Stonewall Jackson. Jackson requested Hall to write a prison song for a concept album he was planning.

Did You Know Ray Price's "City Lights" Has So Much Country Music History

Did You Know Ray Price’s “City Lights” Has So Much Country Music History

Ray Price's "City Lights" depicts personal isolation and "the estrangement of the individual in a world of urban anonymity."

Kip Moore Learned A Truck Could Change His Life In “Somethin’ ’bout a Truck”

Kip Moore will bring back those memories of summertime with his song “Somethin’ ‘bout a Truck.” A 2-timed platinum-certified song that peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs for 2 weeks in 2012.

Crystal Gayle Sings About Love And Heartbreak in “Til I Gain Control Again”

Written by Rodney Crowell, “Till I Gain Control Again” by Crystal Gayle became a No. 1 hit in 1983 marking her 11th of eigthteen No. 1 hits.

Remember When Juice Newton Scored The Biggest Success With “Queen Of Hearts”

“Queen of Hearts” became Juice Newton’s most successful song in her career. She released her version in 1981 as a single, and part of her album Juice.

John Denver Paid Tribute To His Most Prized Possession in “This Old Guitar”

Released in 1974, "This Old Guitar" was written and performed by John Denver. This song was his song about a 1910 Gibson "F-hole" acoustic jazz guitar his grandmother gave him when he was 12 years old. It became Denver's prized possession, as he learned to love music playing the instrument.

Anne Murray Needs A Million Miracles To Stop The Pain in “Broken Hearted Me”

"Broken Hearted Me" by Anne Murray portrays the inability of time to heal a broken heart. It sill also include facts about the song.

Home Free Gave Maren Morris’ “My Church” Some Gospel Twist

One of our favorite country a cappella vocal groups, Home Free, is again thrilling us with their rich take on Maren Morris’ “My Church.”

Time To Crank Up Johnny Russell's "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer"

Time To Crank Up Johnny Russell’s “Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer”

“Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer” is a song written by Bob McDill and Wayland Holyfield and recorded by American country music artist Johnny Russell.

How Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson Made “Good Hearted Woman” Iconic

Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson’s "Good Hearted Woman" offers nothing less than quality and brilliance. The story behind the song is pretty interesting, too.

Chris Young Wants To Be The Perfect Man He Can Be In “The Man I Want To Be”

On May 2010 Chris Young’s “The Man I Want to be” became number one on the US Billboard Country Charts. The song was his third track for his album The Man I Want to be. It was written by Brett James and Tim Nichols, released under the RCA Nashville label.

Iconic Couple Johnny Cash and June Carter In One Iconic Duet, “Jackson”

"Jackson" was penned by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber, first recorded by Wheeler in 1963. Johnny Cash and June Carter recorded their version in 1967.

Alan Jackson’s “In The Garden” Will Bring You Hope On The Saddest Time Of Your Life

It’s normal for us to have trials, and all we need to do is cling on to God. To lift up your faith listen to the cover of Alan Jackson of “In the Garden.”

Alan Jackson Found Himself in Various Situations in The Song “Where I Come From” 

Alan Jackson never disappoints us with his great ballads. One of his great singles is "Where I Come From," a song of Southern lifestyle.

Big & Rich’s “8th Of November” Is More Than Just Another Song About Vietnam

Big & Rich relive the Vietnam War with their song, “8th Of November”. A Vietnam veteran, Niles Harris, was the inspiration of the song, the same man who gave Big Kenny his top hit. It is a tribute to their friend, Niles Harris, United States retired Army, who was one of the wounded soldiers that day.

Brandi Carlile Dedicates “Cowgirls” To All The Boys In The Country Music Industry

Brandi Carlile's "Cowgirls" asserts that “it’s time for you to let them, cowgirls, in” – at the same time putting country lifestyle’s authenticity into question.

The Platters Revived “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” With Taste

“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” was first heard in 1933. Through the years, the song had many renditions, but The Platters version was the most successful.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s Chemistry is on Full Display in “Happy Anywhere”

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's "Happy Anywhere" was finally released during the TODAY Summer Concert Series. This is the couple’s fourth collaboration.

Rosanne Cash Covered Her Father’s “Tennessee Flat Top Box” Without Knowing It

Back in 1962, “Tennessee Flat Top Box” by Johnny Cash, only managed to land in the No. 11 spot. However, in 1988, Rosanne made the song a chart topper.

The Success of Ronnie Milsap With His 1st No. 1 Hit “Pure Love”

Tom Collins heard Rabbitt perform “Pure Love” at a live show in Nashville. However, Charley Pride suggested that Ronnie Milsap record it because of Milsap’s wide-ranging musical background, Collins went to great lengths to ensure a “country” production.

The Song That Launched Country Legend Hank Snow’s Career: “I’m Moving On”

"I'm Moving On" is a song written and recorded by Hank Snow in 1950. It was the first of his seven number 1 songs. Because of the song's success, Snow has been invited as part of the Grand Ole Opry cast on that same year.

Throwback to Scotty McCreery’s Debut Single “I Love You This Big” That Made Us All Gush

Scotty McCreery's "I Love You This Big" was his coronation single for winning the tenth season of American Idol. It was also released after the show’s finale.

Reba McEntire Goes Through The Pain of a Divorced Couple in “Every Other Weekend”

Reba McEntire collaborated with Kenny Chesney and Skip Ewing to record her song “Every Other Weekend.” Two versions of the song were released.

Three Soldiers Unleashed Powerful Performance of “Seven Spanish Angels”

Three of the Six-String Soldiers performed the iconic hit of Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, “Seven Spanish Angels” at the Houston Fest in 2017.

Craig Campbell Sings About The Hardships Parents Go Through In "Family Man"

Craig Campbell Sings About The Hardships Parents Go Through In “Family Man”

In appreciation to all husbands and dads, here’s Family Man by Craig Campbell.