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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

What Happened to One Of The Hottest Stars in the 1980s, Ricky Van Shelton?

Ricky Van Shelton: What Happened to One Of The Hottest Stars in the 1980s?

Ricky Van Shelton was one of country music’s biggest stars in the late ‘80s. However, sixteen albums and twelve No. 1 singles later, he has called it a day.

10 Facts about Sam Hunt's wife, Hannah Lee Fowler

Hannah Lee Fowler: 10 Facts about Sam Hunt’s Spouse

Sam Hunt married Hannah Lee Fowler in 2017. Despite the lack of social media presence, we were still able to gather some interesting facts about her.

Deacon Frey Adds His Own Touch to 'Take It Easy'

Deacon Frey Leads “Take It Easy” in Place of Dad

Deacon Frey's “Take It Easy” sparks nostalgia and sentimentality, with the song being one of his father’s most iconic and the band’s debut single.

Shania Twain’s Son Buys a Lavish $1.8-Million Property in LA

Shania Twain’s Son Buys a Lavish $1.8-Million Property in LA

Looks like Shania Twain's son is following in her footsteps when it comes to having a world-class real estate portfolio. He just got a three-story house in LA.

Kris Kristofferson Revealed He retired in 2020

Kris Kristofferson Recently Revealed He Retired in 2020

Kris Kristofferson had officially announced his retirement in 2020. His 50-year career gave him the chance to write some of the country music’s classics.

Home Free Shares 'The Gambler' Video in honor of Kenny Rogers

Home Free’s ‘The Gambler’ Video Honors Country Classic Kenny Rogers

Home Free's 'The Gambler' is definitely one of the best versions you’ll hear. It also comes with a music video that perfectly highlights the song.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kenny Chesney

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney is well on his way going down in history as one of the best in this genre. With that said, here are the things you might not know about him yet.

Jake Hoot and Kelly Clarkson Duet on Heartbreaking 'I Would've Loved You'

Jake Hoot and Kelly Clarkson Duet on Heartbreaking ‘I Would’ve Loved You’

Jake Hoot and Kelly Clarkson's 'I Would've Loved You' features a dark ensemble that will tug your heartstrings as it sings about a missed chance at true love.

Luke Combs Proves Real Country Music Isn’t Dead With Gritty ‘Can I Get An Outlaw’

Luke Combs’ Gritty ‘Can I Get An Outlaw’ Reminds Fans of Real Country Music

Luke Combs’ Gritty ‘Can I Get An Outlaw’ made country music fans believe in this genre again. It’s beautiful how Combs highlight the genre’s beauty.

Kellie Pickler Gives Heartbreaking Performance Of ‘I Wonder’ At CMA Awards

WATCH: Tearful Kellie Pickler’s ‘I Wonder’ at the CMA Awards 2007

The emotional performance of Kellie Pickler's 'I Wonder,' over a touching swell of piano and strings during the CMA Awards 2007, definitely stunned everyone.

Love Valley: The North Carolina Cowboy Town Where No Cars Are Allowed

Love Valley, North Carolina: The Cowboy Town Where People Only Ride Horses, Not Cars

Most of the streets in Love Valley, North Carolina, are actually called ‘trails.’ That’s because this southern quaint old town doesn’t allow cars.

Eric Church's Kids: Meet the Singer's Sons Boone and Tennessee

Eric Church’s Kids: Meet the Singer’s Sons Boone and Tennessee

Eric Church’s kids are getting so big! The Grammy-nominated singer is a doting father to two boys: Boone McCoy and Tennessee Hawkins.

10 Facts About Katherine Blasingame

10 Facts About Katherine Blasingame

Katherine Blasingame has been Eric Church's biggest supporter – staying by his side for more than a decade. Here are some things you need to know about her.

Meet Eric Church's wife and her role on Eric Church's songs

Meet Eric Church’s Wife and Her Role on Eric Church’s Songs

Eric Church’s wife, Katherine Blasingame, has been in the music business before he was. As such, she’s one of the few people whose opinion he relies on the most.

Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton Sings a ‘Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away’ Medley during the CMA 2015

Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton Sings a ‘Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away’ Medley during the CMA 2015

Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton's 'Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away' dazzled the audience and stole the show at the 49th annual CMA Awards.

Maddie & Tae’s “Die From a Broken Heart” Is Very Personal To The Duo. Here’s Why!

Maddie & Tae's "Die From a Broken Heart" tells the tale of a brokenhearted daughter calling her mother back home to seek wisdom and comfort after a breakup.

Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” Is The Prettiest Ballad You’ll Ever Hear

Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" is, without a doubt, one of the most romantic songs of all time. He wrote it about his relationship with Pattie Boyd.

Here’s Why Dolly Parton Turned Down The Presidential Medal of Freedom – Twice!

Here’s Why Dolly Parton Turned Down The Presidential Medal of Freedom – Twice!

Dolly Parton has revealed that President Donald Trump’s administration offered her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, not once but twice.

10 Morgan Wallen Facts You need To Know

10 Things You Might Not Know About Country Star Morgan Wallen

The popularity of Morgan Wallen has exploded in the past year, taking the country music world by storm. Let’s get to know more about this artist.

Morgan Wallen apologizes after using racial slur in video

Country Star Morgan Wallen Is ‘Embarrassed and Sorry’ After Racial Slur

Country star Morgan Wallen has apologized – saying he is “embarrassed and sorry” – after a video of him yelling a racial slur has surfaced.

Jake Hoot

Get To Know More About The Voice Winner Jake Hoot

Jake Hoot has definitely taken season 17 of The Voice by storm, impressing the viewers week after week. Learn more about the potential breakout country star.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton Revealed The Special Reason Why She Never Had Children

In one interview, the Queen of Country opened up about why she and her husband Carl Dean never had children and how that decision has impacted her life.

The Dukes of Hazzard Cast Then and Now

Do You Remember The Dukes of Hazzard Cast? What Are They Up to Now?

Guess you all now miss the entire The Dukes of Hazzard cast and their never-ending antics. Ever wondered what happened to our favorite fictional characters?

Remembering Keith Whitley’s Death

Keith Whitley’s death remains to be one of the saddest and darkest days in Nashville’s music history. He was found dead in his home –faced down in his bed.

Budweiser Has Stepped Out From Its Prominent Throne in Super Bowl Commercials

Budweiser has become synonymous with Super Bowl ads – and with its cute storylines, it has even become one of the most eagerly anticipated ads every year.

Brad Paisley Customized “She’s Everything” To Make It A Song For His Wife

A small part of the lyrics of Brad Paisley's "She's Everything" was re-written by the singer to give it a personal touch, making it closer to his own life.

You Should Hear This 93-Year-Old Woman Singing “One Day at a Time”

The Christian gospel music, “One Day at a Time,” has always provided us some comfort. It allows us to relax and feel the presence of a higher power.

Lady A Grand Ole Opry Member

This Just In! Lady A Are Now Grand Ole Opry Members

The members of Lady A got the surprise of their lives when their longtime friend and fellow artist Darius Rucker invited them to join the Grand Ole Opry.

‘The New OK’ Carries the Frustration of Drive-By Truckers

‘The New OK’ by Drive-By Truckers came upfront about the complications of keeping a touring band during a pandemic and getting stuck at their respective homes.

Flashback To Dolly Parton’s Moving Duet With Young Actress Alyvia Lind, Her Mini-Me

Dolly Parton and her mini-me Alyvia Lind melted so many hearts when they performed a duet of “Angel Hill.” Lind sang with the country superstar for the chorus.