Riley Green Proves He’s a Momma’s Boy in the Best Way
Riley Green might be known for his rugged voice and Southern swagger, but if there’s one thing fans love most—it’s that he’s proudly a momma’s boy.
A regular at Losers Bar in Nashville, located right next to his own Midtown venue, Riley Green’s Duck Blind, Green spent much of 2024 showing up for impromptu performances, surprise guest spots, and even bartending alongside Post Malone. But some of the most memorable moments came from the nights he took the stage with Jamey Johnson and Ella Langley.
One such night happened after their performance at American Icon: Toby Keith, a tribute concert honoring the late country legend. After the show, the trio made their way to Losers, where they treated the packed crowd to several songs—including their chart-topping hit, “You Look Like You Love Me,” which later earned Green and Langley their first CMA Award.
But before wrapping the night, Green paused the set for a very personal request.
“This One’s For My Mama”
Stepping up to the mic, Green let the crowd know it was almost time to end the night—but not before doing one more song, by special request.
“Mama, we was about to quit,” Green said, looking toward the back of the bar, “but then I told Jamey that you like this song, so he’s going to do it for you. This song is for my mama tonight, everybody. In case you’re sober enough to remember it…”
The crowd laughed, and Johnson began to strum the opening chords of “High Cost of Living.” Green smiled:
“Yep, that’s the one.”
Johnson’s booming voice took over the room, his raw delivery and acoustic simplicity holding the crowd in a hush. Green joined in for harmonies during the chorus but gave Johnson the spotlight, letting the moment speak for itself.
A Southern Gentleman Through and Through
Riley Green dedicating his mom’s favorite song—especially that song—is the kind of moment that sticks. Not just for her, but for everyone who saw it. It’s the kind of thing that says everything about how he was raised.
As for Jamey Johnson? He can take a bar full of people and bring them to church with nothing but a guitar and that voice. No production. No frills. Just heart.
@marilynnoltee I have way too many videos from this night #rileygreen #jameyjohnson #losersnashville ♬ original sound – Marilyn | Dating + Concerts
Watch the full performance below—and if you haven’t revisited the studio version of “High Cost of Living” lately, it’s always worth a listen. Some songs just don’t age.