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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 Death of One of Country’s Greats: Guy Clark, Singer, Storyteller, and Guitar-Maker

The Death of One of Country’s Greats: Guy Clark, Singer, Storyteller, and Guitar-Maker

On March 17, 2016, the news of Guy Clark’s death was announced. He passed away at his home after a long battle with illness. He was 74.

Zach Bryan - Something In The Orange

The Hidden Meaning of Zach Bryan’s Haunting Hit “Something In The Orange”

The lyrics of Zach Bryan’s "Something In The Orange" offer a unique take on love’s journey, filled with meaning as vibrant as a sunset.

The Meaning Behind Garth Brooks’ ‘The Dance’ and the Story That Made It a Classic

Garth Brooks' "The Dance" captures the beauty and heartache of life’s moments, blending themes of love, loss, and sacrifice in a song that resonates deeply.

cotton eye joe meaning

The Hidden Meaning Behind Cotton Eye Joe You Never Knew

"Cotton Eye Joe" carries a story that stretches from the American South to global fame, with a meaning that has intrigued and puzzled for generations.

Randy Travis Ponders on His Choices in His Number One Track “On the Other Hand”

Randy Travis Ponders on His Choices in His Number One Track “On the Other Hand”

In his 1985 track “On the Other Hand,” Randy Travis sang about two choices — his wedding band or some little fun. Check out what he chose. 

The Death of The Gentleman Crooner and Pioneer of The Nashville Sound, Eddy Arnold

The Death of The Gentleman Crooner and Pioneer of The Nashville Sound, Eddy Arnold

Eddy Arnold’s death was definitely a devastating time in the genre. Let’s take a moment to honor him and the musical legacy he left behind.

The Power of Love: Mark Will's Cover of "Back at One"

The Power of Love: Mark Wills’ Cover of “Back at One”

Mark Wills reflects on the significance of taking a risk when it comes to love in his rendition of "Back at One."

Johnny Cash's "Sixteen Tons": A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Johnny Cash’s “Sixteen Tons”: A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Johnny Cash released one of the most amazing performances of the classic hit “Sixteen Tons.”

In It for A Happy Life with Matt Williams’ Song “Rain Down Sunshine”

In It for A Happy Life with Matt Williams’ Song “Rain Down Sunshine”

Let’s raise a glass to the good times with Matt Williams’ hit song “Rain Down Sunshine.”

B.W. Stevenson Sings an Ode to a Beautiful Woman in “My Maria”

B.W. Stevenson Sings an Ode to a Beautiful Woman in “My Maria”

Country singer B.W. Stevenson shares what it would feel like to live a day without a lover in his song “My Maria.”

Let John Prine Sing You a Lullaby with “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight”

Let John Prine Sing You a Lullaby with “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight”

Appreciate the beauty of Kentucky with John Prine’s homely and inviting voice in “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight.”

Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” Will Leave You Weeping

Darius Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” Will Leave You Weeping

Reviving nostalgia in love, Darius Rucker became the first Black country artist to top the Billboard charts with the single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.”

Remembering the Death of Arthur Smith, the Bluegrass Musician Behind “Guitar Boogie” and “Dueling Banjos”

Remembering the Death of Arthur Smith, the Bluegrass Musician Behind “Guitar Boogie” and “Dueling Banjos”

Let’s remember the life and death of country music’s virtuoso multi-instrumentalist bluegrass musician Arthur Smith. Check it out here.

Listen to Keith Whitley, the Voice Behind the Classic Hit “When You Say Nothing at All”

Listen to Keith Whitley, the Voice Behind the Classic Hit “When You Say Nothing at All”

Keith Whitley’s original version of “When You Say Nothing at All” was a chart-topping country hit when it was released in 1988.

“No Heartbeat at All”: Phil Vassar Recounts How He Died Twice After Heart Attack and Stroke

“No Heartbeat at All”: Phil Vassar Recounts How He Died Twice After Heart Attack and Stroke

Country star Phil Vassar opened up about a serious medical emergency in early 2023 that caused him to die twice. Here’s the whole story.

American Idol Laine Hardy’s Moving Cover of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

American Idol Laine Hardy’s Moving Cover of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

Young country singer Laine Hardy moved everyone in tears with his amazing cover of the hit gospel song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

Country Music's Soulful Side: Jamey Johnson's "I Remember You"

Country Music’s Soulful Side: Jamey Johnson’s “I Remember You”

Jamey Johnson’s spiritual musings and nostalgic recollections in his solo track "I Remember You."

Zac Brown Band Breaks the Chains and Finds Inner Cure in Their Celtic Gospel Fusion Track “Remedy”

Zac Brown Band Breaks the Chains and Finds Inner Cure in Their Celtic Gospel Fusion Track “Remedy”

Grammy-winning country group Zac Brown Band reminds their listeners that God is love in their  2015 track “Remedy.” Check it out here.

Wynonna Judd’s Daughter Arrested for the Second Time in 3 Months

Wynonna Judd’s Daughter Arrested for the Second Time in 3 Months

Wynonna Judd’s daughter, Grace Pauline Kelley, was arrested on August 3, 2024, in Carroll County, Georgia, on three misdemeanor counts.

Taylor Swift Rewrites the Most Famous Shakespearean Tragedy in “Love Story”

Taylor Swift Rewrites the Most Famous Shakespearean Tragedy in “Love Story”

In 18-year-old Taylor Swift’s version of Romeo and Juliet titled “Love Story,” the star-crossed lovers enjoy a happily ever after. 

Take on Life’s Challenges with Lauren Davidson’s Hit Song “Live Laugh Love”

Take on Life’s Challenges with Lauren Davidson’s Hit Song “Live Laugh Love”

Country singer Lauren Davidson reminds us to live our lives to the fullest in her song “Live Laugh Love.” 

“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am”: Revisiting Merle Haggard’s Outlaw Anthem

“I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am”: Revisiting Merle Haggard’s Outlaw Anthem

In the country song, “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am,” Merle Haggard reflects upon his life before he rose to fame.

God Hears Our Despairing Cries in Kenny Rogers’s “Love Lifted Me”

God Hears Our Despairing Cries in Kenny Rogers’s “Love Lifted Me”

God’s mercy and kindness are well recognized in Kenny Rogers’ amazing cover of the hit gospel song “Love Lifted Me.”

Believe in the Power Of God Through Alan Jackson’s Cover Of “Love Lifted Me”

Believe in the Power Of God Through Alan Jackson’s Cover Of “Love Lifted Me”

Country singer Alan Jackson reminds everyone that we can always lean on God in times of despair in “Love Lifted Me.”

George Strait features Willie Nelson in Legendary collaboration “Sing One With Willie”

George Strait features Willie Nelson in Legendary collaboration “Sing One With Willie”

King of Country, George Strait, meets Red-Headed Stranger Willie Nelson for a one-of-a-kind duet in the single “Sing One With Willie.”

How Brooks & Dunn’s Cover of “My Maria” Became One of Their Most Defining Hits

How Brooks & Dunn’s Cover of “My Maria” Became One of Their Most Defining Hits

Known country duo Brooks & Dunn released probably the best cover of the hit country love song “My Maria.” 

Did You Know? Patsy Cline Wasn’t a Big Fan of Her First Number One Country Hit “I Fall to Pieces”

Did You Know? Patsy Cline Wasn’t a Big Fan of Her First Number One Country Hit “I Fall to Pieces”

In 1961, Patsy Cline released “I Fall to Pieces,” securing her first number one country hit and cementing her place in the genre. Listen here.

Waylon Jennings Pushed Back Against the Status Quo in 1975 Hit Track “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”

Waylon Jennings Pushed Back Against the Status Quo in 1975 Hit Track “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”

Legendary country icon Waylon Jennings called for a change in his 1975 self-penned number-one country hit “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.”

Willie Nelson’s Tribute to Horses in “Ride Me Back Home” Will Leave you Weeping

Willie Nelson’s Tribute to Horses in “Ride Me Back Home” Will Leave you Weeping

Rescuing 70 horses in Texas, Willie Nelson sings a moving ode in his tear-jerking single “Ride Me Back Home.