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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

Keith Whitley Looks Back on Past Relationship with β€œI Wonder What You Think of Me”

Keith Whitley Looks Back on Past Relationship with β€œI Wonder What You Think of Me”

Keith Whitley holds onto his high school lover with the single β€œI Wonder What You Think of Me.”

Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Trisha Yearwood Share the Stage for a Striking Performance of β€œSoftly And Tenderly”

Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Trisha Yearwood Share the Stage for a Striking Performance of β€œSoftly And Tenderly”

Music icons McEntire, Clarkson, and Yearwood gather on one stage to maximize their joint slay for the Christian Hymn β€œSoftly and Tenderly.”

Dive into Honky Tonk Hell: Whitney Morgan and the 78's Gritty Anthem

Dive into Honky Tonk Hell: Whitey Morgan and the 78’s Gritty Anthem

Here’s everything you need to know about Whitey Morgan and the 78’s gritty song β€œHonky Tonk Hell.”

From Rock to Gospel: Elvis Presley's Soulful "Somebody Bigger Than You and I"

From Rock to Gospel: Elvis Presley’s Soulful “Somebody Bigger Than You and I”

The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, poured his heart out in the most heartwarming rendition of β€œSomebody Bigger Than You and I.”

Deep Country Gospel: Randy Travis Makes "Are You Washed In The Blood" His Own

Deep Country Gospel: Randy Travis Makes “Are You Washed In The Blood” His Own

Reflect, repent, and change with Randy Travis’ soul-touching rendition of β€œAre You Washed in The Blood.”

Find Peace in God: Johnny Cash’s Sweet Rendition of β€œIn the Sweet By and By”

Find Peace in God: Johnny Cash’s Sweet Rendition of β€œIn the Sweet By and By”

Let’s find peace as we listen to Johnny Cash's sweet rendition of the hit gospel song β€œIn the Sweet By and By.”

β€œMy Home’s in Alabama” is Alabama’s Single to Stardom

β€œMy Home’s in Alabama” is Alabama’s Single to Stardom

In the single β€œMy Home’s in Alabama,” the particular state is where the heart is for the country band Alabama.Β 

What makes Hillary Scott & The Scott Family’s β€œThy Will” a Powerful Christian Hymn?

What makes Hillary Scott & The Scott Family’s β€œThy Will” a Powerful Christian Hymn?

Hillary turns her grief into a powerful gospel song with the single β€œThy Will.”

American Rapper MC Chris Shares How Willie Nelson’s Kindness Blew Him Away

American Rapper MC Chris Shares How Willie Nelson’s Kindness Blew Him Away

American rapper Mc Chris shared a post on Facebook about legendary country icon Willie Nelson’s act of kindness, and fans were definitely touched.Β 

β€œIt’s Taken Its Toll On Me” - Country Singer Ernest Announces Short Hiatus

β€œIt’s Taken Its Toll On Me” – Country Singer Ernest Announces Short Hiatus

Find out the reason behind rising country music star Ernest's short hiatus.Β 

Relive The Old Country Vibe with Dallas Moore’s β€œTryin’ To Be a Blessing”

Relive The Old Country Vibe with Dallas Moore’s β€œTryin’ To Be a Blessing”

Missing the old country vibe? Try listening to Dallas Moore’s β€œTryin’ To Be a Blessing,” as it will surely take you on a trip down memory lane.Β 

George Jones and Tammy Wynette Took on the Pop Standard β€œNear You” and Made It a Country Hit

George Jones and Tammy Wynette Took on the Pop Standard β€œNear You” and Made It a Country Hit

Country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette covered the pop standard β€œNear You” in 1977, making it a number-one country hit.Β 

Joe Bonsall, Legendary Tenor Vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 76

Joe Bonsall, Legendary Tenor Vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 76

After 50 years of performing with the band The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall recently passed away due to ALS complications.Β Β Β 

Brooks & Dunn Collabs with Lanco for A Remake of β€œMama Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing”

Brooks & Dunn Collabs with Lanco for A Remake of β€œMama Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing”

Country singer Brooks & Dunn surprised fans with a Lanco collab for a remake of β€œMama Don’t Get Dressed Up for Nothing.”

Reba McEntire’s β€œI’m a Survivor” Lifts Your Faith Up

Reba McEntire’s β€œI’m a Survivor” Lifts Your Faith Up

You don’t know how strong you are until you realize how much you have survived. McEntire’s β€œI’m a Survivor” is a testament to an unbreakable faith.Β 

Conway Twitty Sings a Tear-jerking Cover of β€œD-I-V-O-R-C-E”

Conway Twitty Sings a Tear-jerking Cover of β€œD-I-V-O-R-C-E”

Conway Twitty sings a male perspective of Tammy Wynette’s 60s smash hit D-I-V-O-R-C-E.Β 

Throwback to Randy Travis’ 1988 Hit Single β€œHonky Tonk Moon” 

Throwback to Randy Travis’ 1988 Hit Single β€œHonky Tonk Moon” 

β€œHonky Tonk Moon” by Travis is a wonderful song to play for cozying up your moody afternoon.Β 

Alison Krauss and Union Station’s Moving Gospel Hit β€œA Living Prayer”

Alison Krauss and Union Station’s Moving Gospel Hit β€œA Living Prayer”

Alison Krauss and Union Station released one of the most moving gospel songs of all time, β€œA Living Prayer.” 

Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About Country Singer Jan Howard

Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About Country Singer Jan Howard

Here are some interesting facts about the legendary country singer Jan Howard.Β 

Brooks & Dunn's Enduring Hit: A Look at "Mama Don't Get Dressed Up For Nothing"

Brooks & Dunn’s Enduring Hit: A Look at “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing”

Here’s what you need to know about Brooks & Dunn’s hit song β€œMama Don’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing.”

Morgan Wallen Sets Country Music Record in the UKΒ 

Morgan Wallen Sets Country Music Record in the UKΒ 

Hitmaker Morgan Wallen’s summer is shaping up to be a historic one after performing in a sold-out 50,000 crowd at BST Hyde Park in the UK.Β 

Dolly Parton and Keith Urban Sing of Loving Someone Until β€œThe Twelfth of Never”

Dolly Parton and Keith Urban Sing of Loving Someone Until β€œThe Twelfth of Never”

Country icon Dolly Parton enlisted the help of Keith Urban in singing a cover of the Johnny Mathis track β€œThe Twelfth of Never.” Check it out.Β 

Listen to Loretta Lynn’s Take on the Gospel Hymn β€œIn the Garden”

Listen to Loretta Lynn’s Take on the Gospel Hymn β€œIn the Garden”

Loretta Lynn’s cover of the 1912 gospel hymn β€œIn the Garden” is a testament to her ability to convey deep emotions to her audience effortlessly.Β 

Listen to Hank Williams’ Raw Heartbreak in His 1952 Track β€œYou Win Again” 

Listen to Hank Williams’ Raw Heartbreak in His 1952 Track β€œYou Win Again” 

Hank Williams expressed his despair over not being able to leave his partner despite her unfaithfulness to him in β€œYou Win Again.” Check it out.

Charley Pride and His Rendition of Hank Williams’ Widely-Covered Song β€œYou Win Again”

Charley Pride and His Rendition of Hank Williams’ Widely-Covered Song β€œYou Win Again”

Hank Williams’ song β€œYou Win Again” has been covered by a long list of artists, including Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Charley Pride.Β 

Listen to β€œThe Pill”: Loretta Lynn’s Gutsy Song About Birth Control and Sexual FreedomΒ Β 

Listen to β€œThe Pill”: Loretta Lynn’s Gutsy Song About Birth Control and Sexual FreedomΒ Β 

Loretta Lynn wasn’t afraid to drive the industry and conservative listeners into shock with her track β€œThe Pill.” Listen to it here.Β 

Clint Black and Roy Rogers, Team Up In β€œHold On Partner”

Clint Black and Roy Rogers, Team Up In β€œHold On Partner”

The King of Cowboys, Roy Rogers, enlisted the help of country singer Clint Black for his 1991 song and final charting single, β€œHold on Partner.”

Crowd Cheers Loudly as Zach Bryan Brings The β€œHawk Tuah” Girl Onstage

Crowd Cheers Loudly as Zach Bryan Brings The β€œHawk Tuah” Girl Onstage

The crowd cheers loudly as Zach Bryan brings the β€œHawk Tuah” girl onstage during his performance at the Nashville concert.Β 

β€œEvil On Your Mind” By Jan Howard: Gut Feeling or The Truth?Β 

β€œEvil On Your Mind” By Jan Howard: Gut Feeling or The Truth?Β 

Let’s unravel whether Jan Howard’s hit song β€œEvil On Your Mind” is just a gut feeling or the truth.

Heal Your Soul While Listening to Darryl Worley’s Hit Song β€œSecond Wind”

Heal Your Soul While Listening to Darryl Worley’s Hit Song β€œSecond Wind”

Let’s find out how Darryl Worley’s hit song β€œSecond Wind” helps heal the souls of those who are lost.Β 

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