{{Short description|American Christian singer-songwriter (born 1999)|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Riley Elizabeth Clemmons | image = | caption = | image_size = | birth_name = Riley Elizabeth Clemmons | alias = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|12|09}} | birth_place = | origin = [[Nashville, Tennessee]]<ref>{{cite web|title=riley clemmons – About |url=https://twitter.com/RileyClemmons|publisher=Twitter|author=Riley Clemmons|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=January 2019}} | instrument = {{flatlist| * Vocals * piano }} | genre = {{flatlist| * [[Contemporary worship music|Worship]] * [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]] }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Singer * songwriter }} | years_active = 2015–present | label = {{flatlist| * [[Capitol CMG]] * Maxx }} | associated_acts = | website = {{URL|rileyclemmons.com/}} }} '''Riley Elizabeth Clemmons'''<ref name="ASCAP">{{cite web|title=BETTER FOR IT Work ID No.894268039 IPI No.779748265 (CLEMMONS RILEY ELIZABETH) |url=https://www.ascap.com/Home/ace-title-search/index.aspx|publisher=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]|author=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]|accessdate=January 6, 2015}} BETTER FOR IT Work ID No.894268039 IPI No.779748265 (CLEMMONS RILEY ELIZABETH)</ref> is an American singer and songwriter, who plays [[Contemporary Christian music|Christian pop]] style [[contemporary worship music]]. She is known for her Christian radio hits, "[[Broken Prayers]]" and "Better for It"<ref>{{cite web|title="Broken Prayers" Proves To Be Breakthrough Debut For Riley Clemmons Single Resonates With Radio Alongside Over Two Million Streams And Views |url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2018/03/09.BrokenPrayersProvesToBeBreakthroughDebutForRileyClemmons.asp|publisher=JFHNews|author=JFHNews|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> from her debut self-titled album via American music distributor [[Capitol CMG]] on August 3, 2018. On September 22, 2023, she released her third studio album called, ''Church Pew'', with singles, "Loved by You" and "Miracle".
She has accumulated over half a billion global streams and over 105 million YouTube video views. A Nashville native who is an accomplished composer, performer, producer, and recording artist, Riley draws inspiration from life experiences.
==Early and personal life== Riley Clemmons was noticed at a school pageant in Nashville by manager, Mitchell Solarek.<ref>{{cite web|title=ARTIST PROFILE Riley Clemmons|url=https://www.newreleasetoday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=5752|publisher=NewReleaseToday|author=NewReleaseToday|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> She would begin writing songs at the age of 13 and played shows around her hometown.<ref>{{cite web|title=Riley Clemmons – MAXIMUM ARTIST|url=http://www.maximumartist.com/rileyclemmons|publisher=Maximum Artist Group|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> She has worked on her musical craft for several years, including eight years of vocal lessons and a decade of dance lessons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Riley Clemmons – BMG|url=https://www.bmg.com/de/artist/Riley-Clemmons|publisher=BMG|author=BMG|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> She is currently signed to Capitol CMG.
==Music career== In 2015, Clemmons signed to the independent label, Maxx Recordings. Her lyrics are inspired by the struggles of her relationships and faith. She wants to use her music to encourage her generation.<ref name="MaxxRecordings">{{cite web|url=https://btscelebs.com/2015/11/06/interview-maxx-recordings-singer-riley-clemmons-timing-is-everything/|title=[Interview] Maxx Recordings' Singer Riley Clemmons: "Timing Is Everything!"|work=BTSCELEBS|date=November 6, 2015 |accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref>
===2017–2019: Breakthrough and self-titled debut studio album=== Clemmons released her debut single on Capitol CMG, "Broken Prayers", on December 8, 2017.<ref name=BrokenPrayers>{{cite magazine|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/riley-clemmons/1399660616|title=Riley Clemmons by Riley Clemmons |magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> A music video was released on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBDt_-tIfLI|title=Riley Clemmons – Broken Prayers (Official Video)|via=YouTube|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> She discussed her story behind the song in a video uploaded to her YouTube channel, "The song "Broken Prayers" came truly from a place of brokenness and that feeling of having to get yourself together and bring the best most picture-perfect version of yourself to God, basically feeling like the broken pieces aren't good enough for God. The song came from a place of truly finding peace in the fact that God takes you at your most broken, at your lowest place and at your roughest. And not only does He take you there but He delights in it. And He genuinely loves you in that place."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://freeccm.com/2018/02/20/behind-the-song-riley-clemmons-shares-the-heart-behind-her-single-broken-prayers/|title=Behind The Song: Riley Clemmons Shares The Heart Behind Her Single "Broken Prayers" |work=FreeCCM|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSbllLLrbUM|title=Riley Clemmons – Broken Prayers (Song Story) |via=YouTube|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> The song was released to Christian radio and peaked at No. 17 on the [[Hot Christian Songs]] chart.
She released her second single, "Better For It," on June 8, 2018.<ref name=Better>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/better-for-it/1392787021?i=1392787226|title=Better For It – Single |publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> A music video was also released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5cgC8H0uXc|title=Riley Clemmons – Better For It |via=YouTube|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> Clemmons announced she will join [[Danny Gokey]] and [[Tauren Wells]] for "The Hope Encounter" Tour in September until November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2018/05/25.RileyClemmonsDropsBetterForItOnHeelsOfBreakthroughHit.asp|title=Riley Clemmons Drops 'Better For It' On Heels of Breakthrough Hit |work=JFHNews|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> The song peaked at No. 37 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. A music video for "Hold On" was released on July 19, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9F8R9R8XVs|title=Riley Clemmons – Hold On |via=YouTube|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref>
Clemmons' self-titled debut studio album was released on August 4, 2018.<ref name="Debut">{{cite web |author=Tmothy Yap |date=October 2, 2014 |title=Riley Clemmons Releases Debut Album Today |url=http://www.hallels.com/articles/19814/20180804/riley-clemmons-releases-debut-album-today.htm |accessdate=August 7, 2018 |publisher=Hallels}}</ref> The album debuted at No. 28 on the Top Christian Albums chart and No. 13 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart.
=== 2019-Present === In 2021, her sophomore album, Godsend, would flourish with singles including, “Fighting for Me,” “Keep on Hoping,” and “For the Good.” She was nominated as Female Artist of the Year at the K-Love Awards in 2021, becoming the youngest nominee in the show's history at the age of 20. Riley would go on to be tapped as an artist to watch by People and Rolling Stone and was named one of the Top Christian Artists of 2022 by Billboard. With over half a billion global streams and 85 million YouTube video views at the age of 23, her music has continually proven to impact people.
On September 22, 2023, her third album, Church Pew, released with single, “Loved By You” amassing over 4 million global streams. “Miracle” reached 1 million streams in the first two weeks. Church Pew, with its pure and honest roots, will undeniably carry messages of hope, connecting people through love, humility, and humanity.
Riley's music has cemented her place as an artist to watch with accolades from Rolling Stone, People Magazine, Dove Awards Nomination, KLOVE Award Nomination as well as performances on the TODAY Show, FOX & Friends, and debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
==Discography== ===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;" | Album details ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Peak chart positions |- !style="width:2em; font-size:90%"|[[Christian Albums|US<br />Christ]]<br /><ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/christian-albums|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (Top Christian Albums)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}{{dead link|date=December 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> !style="width:2em; font-size:90%"|[[Heatseekers Albums|US<br />Heat]]<br /><ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/heatseekers-albums|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814042020/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/heatseekers-albums|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2018|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (Heatseekers Albums)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=August 13, 2018}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|''Riley Clemmons'' | * Released: August 4, 2018<ref name="BrokenPrayers"/> * Label: [[Sparrow Records|Sparrow]] * Formats: [[Compact disc|CD]], [[Music download|digital download]], [[Streaming media|streaming]] | 28 | 13 |- !scope="row"|''Godsend'' | * Released: June 4, 2021 * Label: Sparrow * Formats: CD, digital download, streaming | — | — |- !scope="row"|''Church Pew'' | * Released: September 22, 2023 * Label: Sparrow * Formats: CD, digital download, streaming | — | — |- |}
===Extended plays=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of extended plays ! scope="col" style="width:16em;" | Title ! scope="col" style="width:16em;" | EP details |- !scope="row"|''Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / Silent Night'' | * Released: November 2, 2019 * Label: Sparrow * Formats: Digital download |- !scope="row"|''Fighting for Me'' | * Released: June 21, 2019 * Label: Sparrow * Formats: Digital download |- !scope="row"|''The First Christmas'' | * Released: October 25, 2019 * Label: Sparrow * Formats: Digital download |}
===Singles=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Single ! colspan="5"| Chart positions ! rowspan="2" |[[List of music recording certifications|Certifications]] ! rowspan="2" | Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|US<br />AC]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/ASI|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (AC Songs)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=December 4, 2018}}{{dead link|date=December 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Christian Songs|US<br />Christ]]<br /><ref name="US-Christ-Songs">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/ICO|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218142151/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/ICO|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2019|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (Hot Christian Songs)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Christian Airplay|US<br />Christ Air.]]<br /><ref name="Billboard2">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/CRI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218142138/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/CRI|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2019|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (Christian Airplay)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Hot Christian Adult Contemporary|US<br />Christ AC]]<br /><ref name="Billboard3">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/ICA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218142228/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/ICA|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2019|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (Christian AC Songs)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Billboard charts#Christian|US<br />Christ<br />Digital]]<br /><ref name="Billboard4">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/CRT|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218142118/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/CRT|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2019|title=Riley Clemmons – Chart history (Christian Digital Song Sales)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=July 31, 2019}}</ref> |- | 2017 | align="left"| "[[Broken Prayers]]" | — | 17 | 16 | 18 | — | | rowspan="5" |''Riley Clemmons'' |- | rowspan="6"|2018 | align="left"| "Better for It"<ref name="Better"/> | — | 37 | 28 | — | — | |- | align="left"| "Broke" | — | — | — | — | — | |- | align="left" | "Drop Everything" | — | — | — | — | — | |- | align="left" | "I'll Stay" | — | — | — | — | — | |- | align="left" | "[[Silent Night]]" | — | — | 23 | — | — | |''The First Christmas'' (EP) |- | align="left" | "[[Winter Wonderland]]" | 30 | — | — | — | — | | {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2019 | align="left" | "Fighting for Me" | — | 9 | 4 | 8 | 10 | * [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]: Gold<ref name="RIAA">{{cite certification|region=United States|artist=Riley Clemmons|access-date=September 1, 2023}}</ref> | ''Godsend'' |- | align="left" | "Free" | — | — | — | — | — | | {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2020 | align="left" | "Over and Over"<br />{{small|(featuring [[Lauren Alaina]])}} | — | 27 | 24 | — | — | | rowspan="3" |''Godsend'' |- | align="left" | "Healing" | — | ? | ? | ? | ? | |- | rowspan="3" | 2021 | align="left" | "Keep on Hoping"<ref>{{cite web |title=[Music Video] Keep On Hoping – Riley Clemmons |url=https://coghive.com/music-video-keep-on-hoping-riley-clemmons/ |website=Coghive |access-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> | — | ? | ? | ? | ? | |- | align="left" | "For the Good" | — | 9<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/christian-songs/2022-06-11|title=Hot Christian Songs Chart {{!}} June 11, 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> | 5<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/christian-airplay/2022-05-28/|title=Christian Airplay Chart {{!}} May 28, 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> | 10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-christian-adult-contemporary/2022-04-16/|title=Christian AC Airplay {{!}} April 16, 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> | — | | ''Godsend (Deluxe)''<ref>{{cite web |title=Riley Clemmons releases Godsend (Deluxe) with new songs and reimagined favorites |url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2022/04/01.RileyClemmonsReleasesDeluxeVersionofGodsendAlbum.asp |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |access-date=2 May 2022}}</ref> |- | | | | | | | | |- | rowspan="2" |2023 |"Loved by You" | — | — | — | — | — | | rowspan="2" |''Church Pew'' |- |"Miracle" | — | — | — | — | — | |}
===As featured artist=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" colspan="4" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:90%;"| [[Hot Dance/Electronic Songs|US<br />Dance]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/DAN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218142229/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/DAN|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2019|title=Riley Clemmons – Dance Songs History |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:90%;"| [[Dance/Mix Show Airplay|US<br />Dance Airplay]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/DNC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218142204/https://www.billboard.com/music/riley-clemmons/chart-history/DNC|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2019|title=Riley Clemmons – Dance Airplay History |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=August 7, 2018}}</ref> ! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:90%;"| [[Christian Songs|US<br />Christ.]]<br /><ref name="US-Christ-Songs"/> ! scope="col" style="width:4em;font-size:90%;"| [[Christian Airplay|US<br />Christ. Airplay]]<br /><ref name="Billboard2"/> |- ! scope="row"| "Misfit Anthem"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/misfit-anthem-feat-riley-clemmons-radio-version/1221736505?i=1221736507|title=Misfit Anthem (feat. Riley Clemmons) [Radio Version] – Single|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref><br /><small>([[Social Club Misfits]] featuring Riley Clemmons)</small> | rowspan="1"| 2017 | — | — | — | — | ''The Misadventures of Fern and Marty'' |- ! scope="row"| "Out My Mind"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/out-my-mind-feat-riley-clemmons-single/1349736319|title=Out My Mind (feat. Riley Clemmons) – Single|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref><br />{{small|([[Tritonal (group)|Tritonal]] featuring Riley Clemmons)}} | 2018 | 38 | 12 | — | — | {{N/A|Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row"| "[[I'm Leaning on You]]"<br />{{small|([[Crowder (musician)|Crowder]] featuring Riley Clemmons)}} | 2020 | — | — | 19 | 15 | ''[[I Know a Ghost]]'' |- |}
==Awards== === GMA Dove Awards === {{awards table}} |- | [[50th GMA Dove Awards|2019]] | Riley Clemmons | New Artist of the Year | {{nom}} |- | [[53rd GMA Dove Awards|2022]] | "Without You" <br>{{small|([[Social Club Misfits]] featuring Riley Clemmons)}} | Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year | {{nom}} |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|http://rileyclemmons.com/}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Clemmons, Riley}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:American performers of Christian music]] [[Category:Musicians from Nashville, Tennessee]] [[Category:Songwriters from Tennessee]] [[Category:1999 births]]