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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

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.

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.

Kane Brown Embraces His Inner George Strait With His Cover Of “Check Yes Or No”

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards, Kane Brown performed the King of Country George Strait’s iconic hit “Check Yes or No.”

Jimmie Rodgers’ “In the Jailhouse Now” Got A Funny Lyrics That Evolved Through Time

The entire idea of "In the Jailhouse Now" is ironic. That is what makes it such an amusing and enjoyable story even after all these years.

“Without Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood May Not Have Existed”

Carrie Underwood admitted that growing up, it was a goal for her to just be like Dolly, someone who sets the best example and paves the way for the next generation.

Glen Campbell’s Heart-Wrenching Breakup Song “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”

Originally written by Jimmy Webb, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" was covered by Glen Campbell in 1967. It is about a love affair Jimmy Webb had with Suzy Horton, whom he began dating when they were high school students.

Remembering The Highwaymen’s Hit Song “Desperados Waiting For A Train” 

“Desperados Waiting For A Train” was made popular by the famous country group Highwaymen in 1985. Guy Clark wrote the song in 1973.

Hollyberry: The Perfect Christmas Gift for Matt Stell

If you would ask Matt Stell of the most memorable Christmas childhood memory he had, it was the time his mother got him a puppy, a good little dog they named Hollyberry.

Throwback To Brooks and Yearwood’s Impressive Performance in 2016 CMA Awards

During the 2016 CMA Awards night, country music couple, Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks paid homage to some of country music legends in a medley duet.

Red Foley’s “Peace In The Valley” Will Give You Hope In This Life Full of Hard Times

Red Foley’s version of “Peace in the Valley” is the only recording that entered the country chart. In addition, he sold millions of copies.

Linda Ronstadt Conveyed A Sense Of Yearning On Her Version Of “Blue Bayou”

This hit was originally released in 1963. After a few years, Linda Ronstadt made “Blue Bayou” more popular with her version of the hit.

Dolly Parton Shows Her Love For Christmas Through “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

Dolly Parton celebrates Christmas by giving us a beautiful rendition of the great Christmas song "Go Tell It on the Mountain."

Porter Wagoner Once Taught Us How To Have "A Satisfied Mind"

Porter Wagoner Once Taught Us How To Have “A Satisfied Mind”

Porter Wagoner’s “A Satisfied Mind,” written by Red Hayes and Jack Rhodes is probably one of the classis country songs that has the most profound wording.

Dan + Shay Gave 3 Families their Best Christmas Gift Yet

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, also known as Dan + Shay, truly believe that Christmas is the season for giving. The legendary country duo surprised three families with houses that were fully furnished helping each family regain some of their lost footings in such tough times.