Riley Green Celebrates Two Historic Solo-Written No. 1s At BMI
BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and NHRE’s Jimmy Harnen and Ryan Dokke presented BMI’s Riley Green with No. 1 plaques for “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way,” along with a Gold plaque for “Change My Mind,” his current single and fastest-rising track at country radio to date. They also announced that “Worst Way” is now certified 3X Platinum by the RIAA. ; Photo Credit: Larry McCormack for BMI
BMI brought Riley Green and his team together on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 11) to celebrate the artist’s historic back-to-back No. 1 hits, “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Industry members, friends, and family gathered in the BMI lobby and received a warm welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley. Gathered on stage were Green and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen.
Bradley began by highlighting the rare nature of the achievement, noting that Green is the first country artist to land consecutive solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift.
“This marks the first time a country artist has landed back to back solo written number one singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since Ms. Taylor Swift, I think someone else here had something to do with that as well that deserves a big hand,” said Bradley. “Riley has accomplished what very few have ever done. He wrote two number one songs entirely by himself. That’s not just a milestone, it’s a reminder of a lost art form.”
Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson was the next to step to the mic, recalling a moment at a previous party where she predicted this very moment. “Most of you will not remember this, but a few years ago at the ‘Different Round Here,’ No. 1 party, I stood upstairs and I told Riley in front of his co-writers on the song that I really, really love his solo written songs even more,” laughed Stevenson. “Watching your live show, growing to what it is, hearing your songwriting continue to level up and seeing the shift from rising star to one of the most in-demand artists in the format, it’s been really incredible.”
Pictured: L to R: MusicRow‘s John Nix Arledge, Riley Green, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Photo: Larry McCormack
Studio Bank’s Ron Cox also took a moment to highlight Green’s Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, an organization founded by Green to honor his grandfathers and serve the needs of veterans. In honor of the two No. 1s, Studio Bank made a donation to the fund.
Before Green spoke, Borchetta and Harnen praised his work ethic and authenticity. Harnen reminded everyone that both singles were certified Platinum before even reaching the top of the radio charts, and Borchetta said Green was the “epitome of Southern culture.”
The producer of the two tracks, Dann Huff, was unable to attend, but was praised by Bradley as “The Maestro” for his work in the studio. “Dan Huff the Maestro, is arranging and producing these records. They sound amazing,” Bradley said.
Finally, Green closed the afternoon out, offering his gratitude to his team, his parents, and his fans.
“I wanna thank all my co-writers for … oh nevermind….” joked Green. “I figured out you get even more if you write it by yourself. It’s easier that way. You don’t have to deal with a bunch of people in the room!”
Green then thanked collaborator Ella Langley for her part on “Don’t Mind If I Do.” “It was such a cool thing to have two giant songs with another artist out on the road and being able to play it together every week,” said Green.
“Something like this is really motivating. I think that as a songwriter it’s nice to have some type of recognition and get a pat on the shoulder from all of you and say what you’re doing is working.”
