“Country Star Riley Green Pays Tribute to Alabama with a Heartfelt Performance of ‘Dixieland Delight'”
Alabama’s six-decade-long career not only showcased their deep love for country music but also played a pivotal role in shaping the genre’s future. By blending various country music styles, the band achieved international success and received numerous awards. In recognition of their legendary status, CMT Giants hosted a special ceremony in Nashville to honor them, a city deeply rooted in country music history. Among the performances, Riley Green chose to cover Alabama’s No. 1 hit, “Dixieland Delight.”
The song, written during a drive down U.S. Route 11W in Tennessee, gained popularity through Alabama’s album “The Closer You Get.” Besides topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it also became a beloved football tradition for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Green took the stage with enthusiasm, expressing how Alabama had inspired him. He shared, “I was looking forward to coming to see it, and when I got a call to do a song as a tribute to Alabama, it was a huge honor for me personally. I grew up listening to them as a kid and have had a great relationship with Randy over the years. He’s been a fantastic mentor to me, so I’m glad I can highlight their incredible career.”
Performing at CMT Giants was significant for Green, who explained that “Dixieland Delight” is a song he’s loved covering for over a decade. He added, “It’s very much an anthem in Alabama, and I’ve played it in college towns across the state. Performing it for the band that made it famous is both exciting and nerve-wracking because you want to do it justice.”
After years of practice, Green delivered a heartfelt rendition of the song, winning the audience’s approval. Fans praised his performance, with one saying, “I’ve always loved this song, and Riley is amazing.” Another added, “Darlin, you sang this song so well. I love you so much.”