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Raised in Jacksonville, Alabama, Riley Green built his career on stories that reflect his upbringing in the Deep South—family traditions, country values, and a strong work ethic rooted in small-town living. Long before he stood on arena stages, Green grew up immersed in country music and Southern culture. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and went on to play quarterback at Jacksonville State University. But it was his love for music, not football, that shaped the next chapter of his life. Drawing influence from the likes of George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Merle Haggard, Green began writing songs that would resonate with country audiences hungry for authenticity.
Green’s career began with a DIY ethos. He independently released a series of EPs starting in 2013, including Riley Green, Riley Green EP, County Line, Outlaws Like Us, and In a Truck Right Now. These early releases showcased his knack for storytelling, particularly songs like “Bury Me in Dixie” and “Georgia Time,” which reflected his roots and his lyrical emphasis on tradition. The song “Bury Me in Dixie” became a fan favorite, helping him build a grassroots following through streaming platforms and relentless touring across the Southeast.
His breakthrough moment came when he signed with Big Machine Label Group. In 2018, Green released his major-label debut single “There Was This Girl.” The track, which paired a catchy melody with a tale of youthful romance, climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and eventually reached number one. Its success set the stage for his debut studio album, Different ‘Round Here, released on September 20, 2019. The album featured “There Was This Girl” as well as other singles like “In Love by Now” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the latter becoming one of the defining songs of his career.
“I Wish Grandpas Never Died” was more than just a charting single—it became a cultural moment for many country fans. The deeply personal track struck a chord with listeners through its nostalgic and heartfelt lyrics. Though some lyrics initially sparked minor controversy, Green stood by the song’s integrity, and it ultimately received radio edits that helped broaden its reach. It was certified Gold by the RIAA and played a major role in propelling Green to national recognition. The song’s success further solidified his identity as an artist who wasn’t afraid to speak from the heart, even when it meant pushing against current commercial trends.
In the years following his debut album, Green continued to release new music and build his reputation as one of country music’s most reliable traditionalists. In 2020, he released the Valley Road EP, which included acoustic renditions of songs from his debut album. He followed that with another EP titled If It Wasn’t for Trucks, which dropped in September 2020 and featured songs like “Better Than Me” and “If I Didn’t Wear Boots.” These tracks continued to explore familiar themes—rural pride, family ties, and life lessons learned on backroads and front porches. The stripped-down production highlighted his vocal delivery and lyrical sensibility, earning respect from both critics and fans.
Green’s next full-length studio album, Ain’t My Last Rodeo, was released in October 2023. The album included the single “Different ‘Round Here” featuring Luke Combs, a duet that brought together two champions of modern traditional country music. The track gained traction across country radio and added to Green’s growing catalog of hits. Ain’t My Last Rodeo demonstrated not only his growth as a songwriter but also his comfort in the spotlight, balancing songs that felt personal with ones crafted for big-stage performances.
Throughout his career, Green has earned several honors and award nominations, including recognition from the Academy of Country Music. In 2020, he was named ACM New Male Artist of the Year, a major industry nod that affirmed his rise in a competitive field. The award acknowledged both his commercial success and his ability to connect with fans on a deep, emotional level—an essential quality in country music.
Beyond the stage and the studio, Green has made efforts to stay close to his roots. He’s used his platform to support charitable causes, including organizations that focus on veterans and rural communities. His commitment to giving back reflects the same values found in his lyrics—loyalty, humility, and respect for tradition. Whether he’s talking about his hometown or the people who shaped him, Green continues to represent a version of country life that feels grounded and honest.
What distinguishes Riley Green in today’s country landscape is his unwavering dedication to the kind of music that got him there—songs that pay tribute to where he came from and the people who made him who he is. He hasn’t chased pop-country trends or leaned heavily into crossover success; instead, he’s stayed faithful to a sound built around steel guitars, honest lyrics, and the enduring appeal of storytelling.
Green has also become a go-to opening act for some of country music’s biggest stars, including Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean. His live performances are known for their authenticity and energy, winning over crowds with setlists that span heartfelt ballads and anthemic crowd-pleasers. These performances have helped solidify his position as a dependable and exciting artist in the country touring circuit.
As of 2025, Green remains one of the genre’s strongest advocates for keeping traditional country alive in the mainstream. With multiple albums, chart-topping singles, award wins, and a growing fan base, he continues to build a career rooted in sincerity. While many artists rise fast and fade just as quickly, Green’s steady climb and dedication to his craft suggest staying power.
From self-released EPs and barroom gigs to radio hits and awards shows, Riley Green has navigated his career with purpose. He’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—he’s making sure the wheel keeps turning, with the kind of music that speaks to working-class stories, family legacies, and the enduring soul of American country.
- Ain’t Like I Can Hide It – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Ain’t My Damn to Give – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Alcohall of Fame – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Atlantic City – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
- Bettin’ Man – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Break Up More Often – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Change My Mind – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Chip Off the Ol’ Block – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Copenhagen in a Cadillac (featuring Jelly Roll) – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Damn Country Music – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Damn Good Day to Leave – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Damn Good Day to Leave – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Damn Good Day to Leave – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
- Different ‘Round Here – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Different ‘Round Here (featuring Luke Combs) – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Don’t Mind If I Do (featuring Ella Langley) – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Get That Man a Beer – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- God Made a Good Ol’ Boy – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Good Morning from Mexico – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Good Morning from Mexico – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
- Hard to Leave – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- I Wish Grandpas Never Died – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- In a Truck Right Now – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- In Love by Now – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Jesus Saves – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Jesus Saves – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
- Looking Back on This – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Mississippi or Me – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- My First Everything – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- My Last Rodeo – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Numbers on the Cars – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Outlaws Like Us – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Pick a Place – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Pick a Place – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
- Raised Up Right – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Rather Be – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Reel Problems (featuring Luke Bryan) – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Runnin’ with an Angel – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- Same Old Song – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- That’s a Mistake – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- There Was This Girl – Different ‘Round Here – September 20, 2019
- They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Too Early to Drink – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Torn – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Turnin’ Dirt – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Waitin’ All Day – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Way Out Here – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Way Out Here – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
- Workin’ on Me – Ain’t My Last Rodeo – October 13, 2023
- Worst Way – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18, 2024
- Worst Way – Way Out Here – April 12, 2024
Albums
Different ‘Round Here (2019): 14 songs
Ain’t My Last Rodeo (2023): 12 songs
Don’t Mind If I Do (2024): 18 songs
Way Out Here (2024): 7 songs
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