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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

Country Artists Time Off: How They Spent Christmas with their Families

Today, we will be featuring artists like Luke Bryans, Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, and Love and Theft's Stephen Barker Liles on how they spend their Christmas times in their unique ways.

WATCH: Brett Eldredge will Make Your Christmas Eve “Glow”

Brett Eldredge was also able to achieve a lifelong dream when he was able to record Christmas music for his Christmas album "Glow."

Adorable 2020 Moments in Country Music

No doubt this was the worst year for most of us and we would not be sorry to say goodbye to 2020. However, there were more fun and uplifting moments in 2020 than we all might think of, especially if you're one of the loyal fans of country music.

Carrie Underwood Hopes for Isaiah To Make It to New Year’s Eve

Carrie Underwood anticipates that their 5-year-old Isaiah 'might' make it to midnight which will and most probably be one of his life's greatest moments as a toddler.

There’s More To The Story Behind The Song “You’ve Got a Friend”

A song for your real, true friends, "You've Got a Friend" was made popular by music legends, Carole King and James Taylor, in their own separate versions.

Throwback To Randy Travis' Unforgettable Performance of "Silent Night"

Throwback To Randy Travis’ Unforgettable Performance of “Silent Night”

Randy Travis, together with 40 other singers from the First Baptist Church, performed "Silent Night" after reaching a point called the "Rock of Ages."

Tim McGraw Made A Memorable Performance With “If You’re Reading This”

War and chaos is one of the world’s oldest vices. Thus, the only solution we have to end this is to send soldiers to bring peace and order back.

What Miranda Lambert’s Acoustic Version of “Bluebird” has to say About the Holidays

Get ready to experience 'Bluebird' by Miranda Lambert in a whole low-key and stripped-down level as she performs in her Tennessee home.

Reba McEntire’s “Consider Me Gone” is a ‘Strong Woman’ Song

The song “Consider Me Gone,” which Reba McEntire describes a ‘strong woman’ song, gave the singer her 34th No. 1 country hit.

Warning From Two Outlaws: “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”

“Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” is a song recorded by Ed Bruce in 1975.Ed Bruce co-penned the lyrics whit his wife Patsy Bruce.

Van Plating’s Latest MV ‘Bird On A Wire’ Features the Relaxing Sunset of Florida

Nothing spells Florida better than enticing afternoons lit with golden painted skies and it's one of a kind sunset, and nothing depicts the view more than the Singer-songwriter Van Plating's latest music video for her single 'Bird on a Wire'.

Take a Peek at Dolly Parton’s Early Morning Routine

In a recent interview as she appears in the Pop Culture RuPaul's Drag Race show, Dolly Parton shared that she begins her day in an untimely hour of 3 a.m. But as she explains why it's nothing out of the ordinary. She just gets her job done quicker when working around those hours.

Things Elvis Presley Would Prefer Over Getting His "Blue Suede Shoes" Scuffed

Things Elvis Presley Would Prefer Over Getting His “Blue Suede Shoes” Scuffed

"Blue Suede Shoes” is considered as one of the first rockabilly records. It is a rock-and-roll standard written and first recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955.

Jeff Carson Showcased The Power of a Father’s Love In The Song “The Car”

Penned by songwriters Gary Heyde and C. Michael Spriggs, "The Car" was recorded by American country music artist Jeff Carson. Released in October 1995, it is the third single from his self-named album, Jeff Carson.

Jimmie Allen Looked Back On His Most Cherished Memories of Charley Pride

When the news about Pride's death was released, Jimmie Allen took no time in posting a lengthy tribute video to the man he looked up to. Allen reminisced the times when all he did was to listen to Pride's songs. He also looked back on the process of how his hero became a mentor and a friend to him in the past years

WATCH: Andrew Jannakos ‘Gone Too Soon’ MV Finally Out

Whether you know him from TikTok or as Adam Levine's team member during the Voice Season 16, or as a rising country singer, Andrew Jannakos ought to bring some excitement as he officially released his first-ever music video just this Friday, December 11 for his 'Gone Too Soon' single.

Chris Lane has “Big, Big Plans” for the Future and He is Starting Now

For all country music fans, you probably might have crossed paths with the rising song from Chris Lanes. "Big, Big Plans" topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase charts this week.

Patsy Cline Once Lent Her Angelic Voice To The Hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” is a popular gospel song covered by artists such as Patsy Cline, Mahalia Jackson, and more.

Dottie West and Kenny Rogers Were Mismatched Lovers in “What Are We Doin’ in Love”

The last duet of Dottie West and Kenny Rogers, “What Are We Doin’ In Love,” became Dottie West’s favorite song that she collaborated with Rogers.

Scotty McCreery Tributes Charley Pride with “Five More Minutes”

He was a father-figure and a close friend for all stars we look up to, and that's the reason why Scotty McCreery dedicated 'Five More Minutes' to thank and see through the legacy of Charley Pride.

Jim Croce’s “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” Comes With A Romantic Story Behind

“I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” is a Jim Croce song written in 1973 in the album I Got a Name. The song was released after Jim Croce and five others died in a plane crash in Louisiana, at the age of 30.

How Carrie Underwood Handled Her Gift Purchase Dilemma

'I am not a good gift-giver,' Carrie Underwood explained. She feels overwhelmed on what to get for people on her bucket list, and what's stressing her more is the fact that she has to give the benefit of the doubt as she shops online this year.

Dolly Parton’s Inconsolable Over Charley Pride’s Death

Among Charley Pride's friends, none could be in greater sorrow than country star Dolly Parton. For the whole course of this year, Parton had to say goodbye to some of her closest friends.

How Travis Tritt Launched The Eagles Back On-Air

The Eagles have been one of the renowned group of artists that had pretty high standards set amongst themselves. It later resulted in the group breaking up around the '80s. But that bitterness became a tale of the past when Travis Tritt tried to get the band together again.