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Riley Green at Faster Horses: A Sunday to Remember

By Clarissa Darling on September 3, 2024

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Michigan International Speedway, Riley Green took the main stage at the Faster Horses Festival, delivering a performance that was both a testament to his roots and a showcase of his rising star power. The festival, a near sell-out event, buzzed with anticipation for the Alabama native, whose blend of traditional country and heartfelt storytelling has resonated with fans nationwide.

File Photo: Riley Green performs at the Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, 2024. (Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Green, a former quarterback turned country sensation, has a biography that reads like a country song itself. Born on October 18, 1988, in Jacksonville, Alabama, Green’s early life was steeped in the sounds of classic country and the outdoors. His journey from college athlete to reality TV contestant on CMT’s “Redneck Island” to a chart-topping musician is a narrative of grit and authenticity.

His accolades include the coveted Academy of Country Music’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year and a nod from the iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best New Country Artist. With hit songs like “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” Green has carved out a niche that honors the past while forging a new path.

On screen, Green’s credits include the music video “Bury Me in Dixie” and an appearance on “CMT Campfire Sessions,” showcasing his versatility as an artist.

The weather, clear yet sweltering in the 90s, did little to dampen the spirits of the crowd or Green himself. He delivered renditions of “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” and “Get That Man A Beer” with a raw energy that matched the heat of the day. The emotional weight of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” hung in the air, a poignant moment that had fans swaying and singing along. And when “You Should Have Seen It In Color” filled the venue, it was a vibrant capstone to a set that celebrated life’s rich tapestry.

The festival’s headliners, including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Hardy, set a high bar, but Green’s Sunday performance stood out as a highlight—a moment where the heat of the day was matched only by the warmth of the music.

In a world where country music often grapples with its identity, Riley Green stands firm, a beacon of tradition in a modern landscape. His Faster Horses performance was a reminder of why country music endures: it’s the stories, the authenticity, and the connection between artist and audience that turn a concert into an experience. And for those gathered on that sweltering Sunday, it was an experience to remember.