Riley Green has recently been recognized as a Groundbreaker among Billboard’s 2025 Country Power Players, a nod to his impressive trajectory in country music. Reflecting on his career, Green expressed, “I never thought of myself as a great singer, [but] I knew how to entertain people.” This mindset spurred him to differentiate himself through songwriting, an avenue through which he has excelled.
Jimmy Harnen, president and CEO of Nashville Harbor/Big Machine Label Group, acknowledged Green’s songwriting versatility, noting that he is now unafraid to convey his personal experiences and observations through his music. This authenticity has undoubtedly contributed to his growing popularity, evidenced by the success of his self-penned singles. In 2025, Green achieved significant milestones with two Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers: “Don’t Mind If I Do,” featuring Ella Langley, and “Worst Way.” His latest single marked a historic moment, making him the first artist to have back-to-back No. 1 hits solely written by himself since Taylor Swift accomplished this in 2011-12.
Since the inception of the Country Airplay chart on January 20, 1990, a mere 4% of all No. 1 songs have been solely written by the performing artists. This percentage climbs to only 5% when factoring in songs by duos or groups authored by one member. In contrast, Green’s success is especially notable considering the average number of songwriters credited on other recent No. 1s stands at 5.9.
Exploring the landscape of artists who have achieved this remarkable feat historically, few have penned multiple No. 1s alone. Leading the pack is Alan Jackson, who boasts 11 self-written Country Airplay No. 1s, ranging from his early hits in the 1990s to more recent songs. Toby Keith, Taylor Swift, and Ronnie Dunn are also among those who have solidified their standing through self-penned successes.
Green joins this elite group with his two current hits, contributing to his growing reputation as a significant voice in country music. Reflecting on his songwriting roots, he credits his upbringing and the close bond he shared with his grandparents for instilling traditional values that resonate in his music.
Overall, Green’s achievements not only highlight his individual talent but also signify a hopeful resurgence of authenticity and storytelling in country music. As he continues to carve out his path, fans and industry insiders alike are excited to witness what he will explore next in his evolving musical journey.