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“HE SANG LIKE A MAN WHO KNEW WHAT EVERY WORD COST.” Riley Green didn’t just play a song that night — he lit up Windy City Smokeout like only he can. The crowd was loud, already buzzing, but everything shifted the second First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins stepped beside him. They eased into “In Color,” and suddenly the whole place felt different. Softer. Heavier. You could see people stop mid-sentence, hands resting on their chest as those two voices blended like they’d lived the same stories. Every note carried pride. Every line felt personal. And for a moment, 90,000 strangers breathed as one. It wasn’t just a performance. It was one of those rare nights you don’t forget — even if you try.

Riley Green Brings Out U.S. Marine Lieutenant for a Powerful Performance of “In Color” at Windy City Smokeout

Riley Green headlined the Windy City Smokeout festival in Chicago over the weekend, and the crowd witnessed a moment they won’t soon forget. During his set, Green invited a very special guest to the stage: First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps. Together, they performed a heartfelt duet of Jamey Johnson’s iconic ballad “In Color.”

The appearance from Lieutenant Perkins felt especially meaningful. “In Color,” a song Riley covers regularly in his shows, was co-written by Jamey Johnson—himself a United States Marine veteran—alongside James Otto and Lee Thomas Miller. Released in 2008 as the lead single from Johnson’s album That Lonesome Song, the track became his first Top 10 hit, peaking at #9 on the country charts. It went on to earn Song of the Year honors at both the 2009 ACM Awards and the 2009 CMA Awards.

The song tells the story of an older man reflecting on his service during World War II and the memories captured in black-and-white photographs. Having a real-life Marine join Riley onstage added a profound depth to the performance. Lieutenant Perkins looked like a natural with a guitar in hand, and the crowd erupted with cheers as the two delivered a moving rendition of the beloved tune.

Green later shared a clip of the moment online with a simple, powerful message: “Semper Fi. Thank you First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps for singing this one with me.”

The video quickly earned attention across social media, not only for the quality of the performance but also for the authenticity and respect shown between Green and Perkins. It was a reminder of how music can honor service, sacrifice, and shared stories across generations.

Watch the Viral Performance

@rileyduckman
Semper Fi. Thank you First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps for singing this one with me at @Windy City Smokeout
#incolor
#janeyjohnson
♬ original sound – Riley Green

Moments like this are part of what makes live music so powerful. It isn’t just about the songs—it’s about the stories, the people, and the shared experience that brings everyone in the audience a little closer together. Riley Green’s tribute with Lieutenant Perkins was one of those rare moments that blended music and meaning into something unforgettable.

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“1,000,000 VIEWS IN JUST ONE HOUR… AND EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD WHY.” Nashville thought they were about to hear just another solid performance, but Riley Green walked out and blew every expectation to pieces. From the first line of “Worst Way,” his voice cracked, pushed, and then lifted like he was emptying his whole life into that mic. The arena went still, almost holding its breath with him. The cameras caught Keith Urban freezing in place, whispering “oh my God” as that final note shook the entire room. Online? Pure chaos. The clip is shooting past a million views an hour, and everyone’s arguing the same question: “Did Riley Green just level up tonight?” It sure feels like Nashville already knows the answer. 😳

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“THEY’RE BACK AT CMA 2025… AND THIS TIME ALL EYES ARE ON THEM.” Last year, Ella Langley and Riley Green stepped onto the CMA stage like two familiar strangers — nobody expected much, and then the whole room shot to its feet when they launched into “You Look Like You Love Me.” That moment exploded online, pulling in more than 12 million views in just a few days, and no one forgot the way they looked at each other under that warm gold light. This year feels different. They’re no longer the pair who got “invited up for a surprise.” They’re walking back in with big nominations, real wins, and a wave of fans cheering them on. Now everyone’s wondering: will they repeat last year’s magic… or create something even bigger?

Country Music

“A 2× PLATINUM SONG… AND A MOMENT THAT FELT EVEN BIGGER.” Riley Green turned that sold-out arena in Athens into the softest, most emotional moment of the night. When he brought little Logan on stage to sing “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the lights dimmed, the crowd fell quiet, and thousands of phone lights flickered like stars. Logan stood there — small, steady, and singing with every bit of heart he had. Each line felt like it carried the memory of someone’s grandfather in the crowd. You could see people blinking back tears. Moments like this remind us why country music hits so deep — because it comes from real love, real stories, and the memories we never quite let go of.

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Country Music

“1,000,000 VIEWS IN JUST ONE HOUR… AND EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD WHY.” Nashville thought they were about to hear just another solid performance, but Riley Green walked out and blew every expectation to pieces. From the first line of “Worst Way,” his voice cracked, pushed, and then lifted like he was emptying his whole life into that mic. The arena went still, almost holding its breath with him. The cameras caught Keith Urban freezing in place, whispering “oh my God” as that final note shook the entire room. Online? Pure chaos. The clip is shooting past a million views an hour, and everyone’s arguing the same question: “Did Riley Green just level up tonight?” It sure feels like Nashville already knows the answer. 😳

Country Music

“HE SANG LIKE A MAN WHO KNEW WHAT EVERY WORD COST.” Riley Green didn’t just play a song that night — he lit up Windy City Smokeout like only he can. The crowd was loud, already buzzing, but everything shifted the second First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins stepped beside him. They eased into “In Color,” and suddenly the whole place felt different. Softer. Heavier. You could see people stop mid-sentence, hands resting on their chest as those two voices blended like they’d lived the same stories. Every note carried pride. Every line felt personal. And for a moment, 90,000 strangers breathed as one. It wasn’t just a performance. It was one of those rare nights you don’t forget — even if you try.

Country Music

“THEY’RE BACK AT CMA 2025… AND THIS TIME ALL EYES ARE ON THEM.” Last year, Ella Langley and Riley Green stepped onto the CMA stage like two familiar strangers — nobody expected much, and then the whole room shot to its feet when they launched into “You Look Like You Love Me.” That moment exploded online, pulling in more than 12 million views in just a few days, and no one forgot the way they looked at each other under that warm gold light. This year feels different. They’re no longer the pair who got “invited up for a surprise.” They’re walking back in with big nominations, real wins, and a wave of fans cheering them on. Now everyone’s wondering: will they repeat last year’s magic… or create something even bigger?

Country Music

“A 2× PLATINUM SONG… AND A MOMENT THAT FELT EVEN BIGGER.” Riley Green turned that sold-out arena in Athens into the softest, most emotional moment of the night. When he brought little Logan on stage to sing “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the lights dimmed, the crowd fell quiet, and thousands of phone lights flickered like stars. Logan stood there — small, steady, and singing with every bit of heart he had. Each line felt like it carried the memory of someone’s grandfather in the crowd. You could see people blinking back tears. Moments like this remind us why country music hits so deep — because it comes from real love, real stories, and the memories we never quite let go of.