Riley Green
Riley Green is in the midst of a career-defining season. Since releasing his latest album, Don’t Mind If I Do, in October, the country hitmaker has been building undeniable momentum.
His Platinum-certified, solo-written single “Worst Way” is in the upper echelons of the radio charts, while fan-favorites like “Change My Mind” and the title track have racked up millions of streams. On his “Damn Country Music Tour,” Green is watching the crowds grow louder and more loyal with every stop.
When he spoke with MusicRow a few weeks ago from the road, Green reflected on this season of growth—and how hard work, good songs and a bit of luck have helped bring it to life. “It’s been a really great last year and a half,” he says simply before breaking it down.
Just weeks after that conversation, Green took home three trophies at the 60th ACM Awards, including Single, Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me,” his duet with Ella Langley.
It’s perfectly clear that to the 36-year-old hit-maker, songwriting is of the utmost importance. Green tries to carve out as much time to write as he can—whether that’s bringing songwriters on the road or spending time back home in Alabama, where he finds inspiration. “Obviously now that people are really listening, I need a lot of great songs. You just can’t write enough,” he says.
With three beloved studio albums in his repertoire and years of building loyal ticket-buyers, Green is also hyper-focused on elevating his live show, and approaches each tour stop with with fresh intention.
“The thing I had to realize is, because my fan base is continuing to grow, there’s someone seeing us for the first time every night. I’ve been playing these same songs for a lot of years, so I try to remember that—and play like it’s the first time again.”
It’s a mindset he picked up while touring with superstars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean. “You can’t get comfortable. You’ve got to bring the energy every night.”
Green says he views his shows like mini festivals. “We’ve got four acts, and I really want to showcase the artists I’m a fan of. We change the show up every night, and bring them back out and try to do something that fits each artist,” he says. “I’m playing songs from Don’t Mind If I Do, but also ones I wrote in my early twenties. It’s about taking a show that’s worked for me for years and making it even better.”
Something that Green often gets to showcase on the road is his Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, which he launched in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers. It supports nonprofit organizations that help people in need—a cause that’s become central to his career.
“I’ve been very blessed to be able to tour [and grow my business financially]. If there’s something we believe in, we’ve always tried to support it,” he says. “It’s nice to have something that, for one, honors my granddaddies, but also allows us to respond to whatever is on our hearts.”
In April, he hosted the first annual Buford Bonds Fund golf tournament, raising more than $150,000 for the fund. “We take a portion of ticket sales from the tour and do several events throughout the year to fundraise,” he explains. “Then we funnel that money to places like Folds of Honor, St. Jude or ACM Lifting Lives. It’s great to have that flexibility.”
Despite his growing success and influence, Green remains rooted in Alabama—a choice that continues to shape his music.
“My farm is three and a half hours from Nashville. It’s not easy to drive home after four days on the road, but I’ve realized how important it is to get back. That’s where I find inspiration—on the farm, around my family and with the values I grew up with.”
Green also enjoys the business side of the industry, and credits his work ethic to his upbringing.
“I think that the biggest thing I’ve got going for me is that I grew up around a generation that were hard workers. My dad and my granddaddy taught me to always grab the heavy end. They bragged about how much they could accomplish in a day.”
While his star continues to rise, Green remains grounded in gratitude.
“I’ve already been way more successful in music than I ever thought I would be,” he says. “Playing the Grand Ole Opry, doing a benefit concert for Jacksonville State, playing Red Rocks on a sold-out tour—those things are incredible. As far as my real goals and aspirations, I’m so surprised by how far I’ve been able to come in this business that I’m pretty content. I just want to get as much out of it as I can. I know the opportunities I’ve been given, and that’s why I don’t take my foot off the gas.”
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind?
“I hope people think of me as a songwriter,” Green says. “Music’s always gonna change, but I try to hold on to storytelling and traditional values. That’s what I’m most proud of—writing songs that people can relate to.”
Riley Green On Legacy, Momentum & The Power Of Staying True [Interview]
/by LB CantrellRiley Green
Riley Green is in the midst of a career-defining season. Since releasing his latest album, Don’t Mind If I Do, in October, the country hitmaker has been building undeniable momentum.
His Platinum-certified, solo-written single “Worst Way” is in the upper echelons of the radio charts, while fan-favorites like “Change My Mind” and the title track have racked up millions of streams. On his “Damn Country Music Tour,” Green is watching the crowds grow louder and more loyal with every stop.
When he spoke with MusicRow a few weeks ago from the road, Green reflected on this season of growth—and how hard work, good songs and a bit of luck have helped bring it to life. “It’s been a really great last year and a half,” he says simply before breaking it down.
Just weeks after that conversation, Green took home three trophies at the 60th ACM Awards, including Single, Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me,” his duet with Ella Langley.
It’s perfectly clear that to the 36-year-old hit-maker, songwriting is of the utmost importance. Green tries to carve out as much time to write as he can—whether that’s bringing songwriters on the road or spending time back home in Alabama, where he finds inspiration. “Obviously now that people are really listening, I need a lot of great songs. You just can’t write enough,” he says.
With three beloved studio albums in his repertoire and years of building loyal ticket-buyers, Green is also hyper-focused on elevating his live show, and approaches each tour stop with with fresh intention.
“The thing I had to realize is, because my fan base is continuing to grow, there’s someone seeing us for the first time every night. I’ve been playing these same songs for a lot of years, so I try to remember that—and play like it’s the first time again.”
It’s a mindset he picked up while touring with superstars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean. “You can’t get comfortable. You’ve got to bring the energy every night.”
Green says he views his shows like mini festivals. “We’ve got four acts, and I really want to showcase the artists I’m a fan of. We change the show up every night, and bring them back out and try to do something that fits each artist,” he says. “I’m playing songs from Don’t Mind If I Do, but also ones I wrote in my early twenties. It’s about taking a show that’s worked for me for years and making it even better.”
Something that Green often gets to showcase on the road is his Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, which he launched in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers. It supports nonprofit organizations that help people in need—a cause that’s become central to his career.
“I’ve been very blessed to be able to tour [and grow my business financially]. If there’s something we believe in, we’ve always tried to support it,” he says. “It’s nice to have something that, for one, honors my granddaddies, but also allows us to respond to whatever is on our hearts.”
In April, he hosted the first annual Buford Bonds Fund golf tournament, raising more than $150,000 for the fund. “We take a portion of ticket sales from the tour and do several events throughout the year to fundraise,” he explains. “Then we funnel that money to places like Folds of Honor, St. Jude or ACM Lifting Lives. It’s great to have that flexibility.”
Despite his growing success and influence, Green remains rooted in Alabama—a choice that continues to shape his music.
“My farm is three and a half hours from Nashville. It’s not easy to drive home after four days on the road, but I’ve realized how important it is to get back. That’s where I find inspiration—on the farm, around my family and with the values I grew up with.”
Green also enjoys the business side of the industry, and credits his work ethic to his upbringing.
“I think that the biggest thing I’ve got going for me is that I grew up around a generation that were hard workers. My dad and my granddaddy taught me to always grab the heavy end. They bragged about how much they could accomplish in a day.”
While his star continues to rise, Green remains grounded in gratitude.
“I’ve already been way more successful in music than I ever thought I would be,” he says. “Playing the Grand Ole Opry, doing a benefit concert for Jacksonville State, playing Red Rocks on a sold-out tour—those things are incredible. As far as my real goals and aspirations, I’m so surprised by how far I’ve been able to come in this business that I’m pretty content. I just want to get as much out of it as I can. I know the opportunities I’ve been given, and that’s why I don’t take my foot off the gas.”
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind?
“I hope people think of me as a songwriter,” Green says. “Music’s always gonna change, but I try to hold on to storytelling and traditional values. That’s what I’m most proud of—writing songs that people can relate to.”
RiverTown Music And Media Launches In Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Sydney Mack, Julianne Drenon & Andy Griggs. (L-R, front row:) Ashley Perry & Paul Perry.
RiverTown Music and Media has opened in Nashville. Led by industry veteran Julianne Drenon and business entrepreneurs Paul and Ashley Perry, the new company will offer record label services, music video production, social media content, podcasts and more.
As seasoned IT professionals, Paul and Ashley Perry bring their expertise managing and maintaining computer systems networks and software applications. Drenon has experience in management, publishing, touring and more through her 20 years in the industry.
“I met Paul and Ashley at an event in Paris, Tennessee,” says Drenon. “RiverTown Music and Media was born out of our mutual love for music and a united vision to offer label services to artists signed to our label and unique creative services to other artists, as well as the business community. We want to take a grassroots digital streaming and social media content-focused approach to launching the label’s artists, as well as offering creative and production services to outside artists like Darryl Worley and businesses.”
The music division’s label will house flagship artists Andy Griggs and Sydney Mack. Distributed by ADA, RiverTown Music’s staff brings experience in digital distribution, Meta Certified Creative Strategy Professional, Youtube Certified in Channel Optimization, Rights Management, Asset Monetization and Content Ownership.
“It’s never been about fitting a mold,” says Mack. “Country music is just how I speak my truth and hope it lands somewhere familiar for someone else. I’m so grateful for this opportunity with RiverTown Music, a label that champions individuality and empowers artists to stay true to themselves.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited about my music as I am now,” adds Griggs. “I have grown seasoned and so have the people around me. RiverTown Music and I somehow found each other and man, what a match. Musically, there is freedom in the wind like I’ve never felt. And as far as the old saying of the business, the yolk is light. Go figure! I’m in love working with these guys.”
The organization’s media division can produce music videos, social media content production, podcast production and commercial television. Their full-service media production includes a professional sound stage, full lighting gear and a multi-camera shoot with an on-site producer. They currently produce Darryl Worley’s podcast Sounds Like Life, which has amassed millions of views since its launced last year.
“RiverTown Media has been a blessing to work with on my podcast,” says Worley. “From the quality production to the creative support of the staff they have helped bring my vision for this podcast to life!”
Trisha Yearwood & Friends To Celebrate Linda Ronstadt
/by Madison HahnenTrisha Yearwood will bring her friends Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Patti Scialfa and James Taylor together for a special show to celebrate Linda Ronstadt and the Los Angeles country-rock scene of the 1960s through ‘80s on July 22 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.
Co-produced between Yearwood and the CMHOFM, the show is connected to the museum’s Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock exhibit, which is ending its three year run on Sept. 1. The exhibit explores L.A. singers, songwriters and musicians who frequented Nashville nightclubs and embraced country music, eventually shaping “country-rock.” During the show, Yearwood and the additional performers will perform some of Ronstadt’s music, among other country-rock hits.
“Linda Ronstadt is a big reason I wanted to be a singer,” says Yearwood. “I was 10 years old when I discovered her music, and her big voice drew me in. She combined the country music that my parents listened to…like Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline…but it had an edge to it that I loved. Through Ronstadt, I discovered Emmylou Harris, the Eagles, Jackson Browne, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons and many more. I’m honored to be a part of celebrating Linda and this incredible era of music that is such an important part of the history of country music.”
Tickets will go on sale this Friday (May 16) at 10 a.m. CST.
Bruce Springsteen To Explore Country Music On New ‘Somewhere North Of Nashville’ Album
/by Lorie HollabaughBruce Springsteen. Photo: Danny Clinch
Bruce Springsteen will release the never-before-heard album Somewhere North of Nashville in full on Tracks II: The Lost Albums due out June 27 via Sony Music.
The previously-unheard, 12-song collection inspired by the sounds of honky tonk, rockabilly and uptempo country was recorded simultaneously with The Ghost of Tom Joad in the summer of 1995, and features members of the core band at the heart of those sessions including Danny Federici, Garry Tallent and Gary Mallaber. Featuring elements like pedal steel from Marty Rifkin (later a member of The Sessions Band) and fiddle from Soozie Tyrell, Somewhere North of Nashville includes two songs originally planned for Born In The U.S.A., “Stand On It” and “Janey Don’t You Lose Heart.”
“What happened was I wrote all these country songs at the same time I wrote The Ghost of Tom Joad. Those sessions completely overlap each other. I’m singing ‘Repo Man’ in the afternoon and ‘The Line’ at night. So the country record got made right along with The Ghost of Tom Joad,” Springsteen recalled. “Streets of Philadelphia got me connected to my socially conscious or topical songwriting. So that’s where The Ghost of Tom Joad came from. But at the same time I had this country streak that was also running through those sessions and I ended up making a country record on the side.”
In addition to today’s release of “Repo Man,” Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will kick off “The Land of Hope & Dreams Tour” tonight in Manchester, England.
Turnpike Troubadours’ ‘Wild America Tour’ On Tap For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughTurnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
The Turnpike Troubadours have revealed their “Wild America Tour,” kicking off this fall.
Stops on the new tour include Chicago’s Salt Shed, Kansas City’s Uptown Theater, St. Louis’ The Factory at the District, Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Washington, D.C.’s The Anthem, among many others. Old Crow Medicine Show, Wyatt Flores, Ken Pomeroy, American Aquarium, Leon Majcen, Shane Smith & The Saints, Lance Roark, Evan Honer, Dawes, Rattlesnake Milk, Randy Rogers Band, Shelby Stone, Robert Ellis, Trampled By Turtles and Noeline Hofmann will join as rotating support on the trek.
Tickets for the new dates are available today, (May 14) with general on-sale following on Friday (May 16).
Ahead of the fall shows, the band will tour through the summer, including several dates with Zach Bryan across the U.K., and they’ll also join Willie Nelson’s 10th Anniversary Outlaw Music Festival Tour this summer and will headline the final day of the 2025 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix on October 19 in Austin at the Circuit of The Americas with Garth Brooks and Kygo.
The band released their surprise new album, The Price of Admission, last month via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers. The record debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre and country charts, No. 3 on the U.S. Albums Spotify chart and No. 9 on the Global Album Spotify chart, the band’s highest Spotify debuts to date. It also reached the top of the Billboard Digital Albums and Current Digital Albums Sales charts, and has garnered over 13.3 million streams across platforms to date.
“Wild America Tour” Dates:
August 28—Chicago, IL—The Salt Shed
August 29—La Vista, NE—The Astro Amphitheatre
September 4—Kansas City, MO—Uptown Theater
September 19—Lubbock, TX—Cook’s Garage
September 25—Columbus, OH—KEMBA Live! Outdoor
September 26—St. Louis, MO—The Factory at the District
October 9—Pikeville, KY—Appalachian Wireless Arena
October 10—Columbia, SC—Township Auditorium
October 18—Corpus Christi, TX—Concrete Street Amphitheater
October 24—Salem, VA—Salem Civic Center
October 25—Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
November 6—Pittsburgh, PA—Petersen Events Center
November 7—Washington, D.C.—The Anthem
November 8—Cleveland, OH—Wolstein Center
December 11—Stateline, NV—Tahoe Blue Event Center
December 13—Mesa, AZ—Mesa Amphitheatre
AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee To Host Unsigned Songwriter Competition
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Association of Independent Music Publishers Nashville Young Professionals Committee is hosting an Unsigned Songwriter Competition exclusively for AIMP Nashville members to showcase their talent to some of the top names in the music industry.
The competition is open for submission now, and unsigned members are invited to submit one original song for consideration. Applications must be received by May 23.
Songs will be reviewed by the Young Professionals committee comprised of members from Jody Willams Songs, BMI, Sea Gayle Music, River House, Endurance Music, Big Yellow Dog Music, SMACK, Curb, Wren Songs and Big Loud. Six winners will be selected to perform live at The Listening Room Café on June 24 at 6 p.m., in a special showcase hosted by UMG Recording Artist Kassi Ashton and songwriter Rocky Block. In addition to the performance, winners will have the opportunity to play their music in front of an audience of managers, publishers and other influential music industry professionals.
“This is an incredible platform for emerging songwriters to get their music heard and connect directly with the people who can help take their careers to the next level,” says Nina Fisher of the AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee.
Click here for more information and to submit a song.
Jon Nite Signs With Concord Music Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Mellissa Spillman (Concord), Claire Buchanan (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Jon Nite, Brad Kennard (Concord), Garrett Stephenson (Concord) and Ellie Gray (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman
ACM and CMA Award-winning songwriter Jon Nite has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. The deal includes all future works and a selection of Nite’s catalog.
“I’m so thankful for Matt Turner and the Concord team,” says Nite. “I’ve been a longtime fan of their crew and the work they’ve done over the years. To have them believe in my songs and help chase this with me over the next season is incredible!”
The Amarillo, Texas native has been a recognized name in Music City for over a decade. He has penned 18 No. 1 hits, earning three CMA Triple Play awards. In 2018, he received a Grammy and ACM nomination for Cole Swindell’s “Break Up in the End.”
Nite’s multi-genre cuts include Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope,” David Nail’s “Whatever She’s Got,” Luke Bryan’s “Knocking Boots” “Strip it Down” and “What She Wants Tonight,” Dierks Bentley’s “Living” and “Tip it on Back,” Kenny Chesney’s “Noise” and many more. Nite scored a No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian chart with Dan + Shay’s “Pray for You” in 2017. Other artist cuts include Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Dallas Smith, Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Phillip Phillips and Brandi Carlile, among others.
Nite was awarded the SESAC Writer of the Year in 2023 for his work on Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancin’ in the Country” Brett Young’s “You Didn’t” and Barrett’s “Pick Me Up.”
“Jon Nite’s songs have been a mainstay on country radio for the last 10 plus years,” shares Turner, A&R Vice President at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “His ability to write songs that evoke emotion is second to none! It’s truly an honor that he chose to entrust Concord with his catalog of hits and future works,” “I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish in the coming years together!”
‘Opry 100 Honors’ Kicks Off With Tribute To Loretta Lynn
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry’s “Opry 100 Honors” series kicked off last night (May 13) with a special show honoring Opry trailblazer Loretta Lynn.
The special series of “Opry 100 Honors” shows pay tribute to the icons who have helped shape the Opry’s first century. The “Opry 100 Honors Loretta Lynn” show included performances by Opry member Crystal Gayle (Lynn’s sister), Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell, duo Twitty & Lynn (grandchildren of Lynn and Conway Twitty), and Opry members Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Rhonda Vincent. The night concluded with Russell’s take on Lynn’s classic “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” followed by an all-cast sing along.
The special series continues with a June 18 show paying tribute to Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash featuring performances by John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash, The Tennessee Four (including Johnny Cash’s grandson Thomas Gabriel on vocals), and Opry members The Gatlin Brothers and Lainey Wilson.
On July 8, Charlie Danielswill be honored with performances by Opry members Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Chris Young, Gretchen Wilson and more. Additional shows for August, September and October will be announced soon.
A portion of ticket sales from the shows will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country music professionals in times of need for over 60 years. The fund provides financial assistance for medical bills, emergencies and other hardships faced by those in the industry.
Zach Top Earns First Chart-Topper With ‘I Never Lie’
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Top. Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne
Zach Top has landed his first No. 1 single at country radio this week as “I Never Lie” tops the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.
Written by Top with Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols, the song also reached No. 1 at Canadian country radio, and has spent six consecutive weeks as the most-played on Australian country radio. The achievement adds to a landmark year for Top, who was named 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year and performed his song, “Use Me,” during the ACM Awards.
Top is in the midst of his extensive “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” and is also supporting select dates on Alan Jackson’s “Last Call Tour” this spring and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” kicking off later this month. The dates will highlight songs from Top’s debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and was nominated for ACM Album of the Year.
Live Nation To Offer Special Promotion Price With ‘$30 Ticket To Summer’
/by Madison HahnenLive Nation has revealed its newest initiative, “$30 Ticket To Summer.” The new program will allow fans the opportunity to purchase discounted $30 tickets to over 1,000 shows throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Beginning May 21, fans will be able to purchase the special promotion tickets to $uicideboy$, Goo Goo Dolls, Pantera, Avril Lavigne, Halsey, Papa Roach & Rise Against, Barenaked Ladies, Hardy, Peach Pit & Briston Maroney, Big Time Rush, Hauser, Pierce The Veil, Billy Idol, James Taylor, Rod Stewart, The Black Keys, Keith Urban, Simple Minds, Cody Jinks, Kesha, Slightly Stoopid, Coheed And Cambria, Kidz Bop Kids, Styx & Kevin Cronin Band, Counting Crows, Leon Bridges, Summer Of Loud, Cyndi Lauper, Little Big Town, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dierks Bentley, +LIVE+ & Collective Soul, Thomas Rhett, Dispatch, Luke Bryan, Toto + Christopher Cross + Men At Work, The Doobie Brothers, Nelly, Volbeat, The Driver Era, The Offspring, Weird Al Yankovic, Willie Nelson and more while supplies last.
For a full list of participating shows and information on how to purchase tickets, click here.