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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

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.

Here’s Why Garth Brooks Love His Song “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance”

Not all songs came out of cherries on the top process. Some underwent sad stories. Such was Garth Brooks’ 2016 single "Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance". It is an upbeat country-rocker, but the joy is a little sentimental for Garth Brooks.

Throwback to Clint Black and Steve Wariner's Incredible Collaboration of "Been There"

Throwback to Clint Black and Steve Wariner’s Incredible Collaboration of “Been There”

Clint Black collaborated with his friend Steve Wariner in 1999 to release their single in 2000. “Been There” reached No. 5 on the Billboard chart.

Justin Moore Showcased His Deeper Side in “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home”

Justin Moore's "The Ones That Didn't Make It Back Home" tapped into a more emotional topic, paying tribute to all the American soldiers and other heroes.

Alan Jackson Sings About The Struggle of Losing a Lover in “Monday Morning Church”

Alan Jackson's "Monday Morning Church" is said to be one of the saddest country songs of all time. It even ranked No. 39 on Rolling Stone’s list.

Here’s Why Kellie Pickler Gets Emotional Every Time She Sings “The Letter to Daddy”

Kellie Pickler's “The Letter to Daddy” proved she’s still a daddy’s girl despite the troubled life her father has lived as he struggled with addiction.

Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy” Climbed The Charts Despite The Backlash

The song talks about a disappointed man who sees his girlfriend with another guy. He tells her she broke his heart and made him go “redneck crazy.”

Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” Literally Took Her Career Off From The Time It Became a hit 

Recorded by Sara Evans, this song is meant to uplift the spirit of every woman in the world as well as to remind them that they are born to fly.

Brooks & Dunn Collaborated With McEntire In “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” And It Was A Hit

An alternate version of Brooks & Dunn’s “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” was recorded and released. This time it’s with the country superstar Reba McEntire.