With a career spanning over six decades, Alabama did more than showcase its love for country music as it helped propel the genre into the future. Blending the numerous styles of country music, the band gained international success. Showered with countless awards over the years, CMT Giants decided to honor the legendary group with a special ceremony in Nashville. Having a rich history in country music, there seemed no better city to host such an honor. And among the long list of performances, Riley Green decided to cover the No. 1 hit song “Dixieland Delight.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Written while driving down U.S. Route 11W in Tennessee, the song eventually made its way to the airwaves thanks to Alabama’s album The Closer You Get. Besides taking over the Billboard Hot Country Songs, the hit also became a football tradition for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
“Goosebumps!!! Awesome job,” one fan wrote in response to the video performance. “I have always loved this song and love Riley ! He’s amazing,” another commenter added.
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Riley Green Covered “Dixieland Delight” More Than A Few Times
As for Green, he took the stage with excitement as he shared how Alabama inspired him. “I was looking forward to coming to see it and when I got a call to do a song and kind of tribute to the group, ALABAMA, it was for me personally, a huge honor from Alabama. Grew up listening to him as a kid. I have a great relationship with Randy over the years. He’s always been a really great mentor to me. So glad I can shine a little light on what an amazing career they had.”
While performing at CMT Giants is a big deal, Green explained how “Dixieland Delight” is a song he loves to cover. “I think I’ve covered ‘Dixieland Delight’ at every show for well over a decade now. Very much an anthem in the state of Alabama. I grew up playing in all these college towns, so it’ll be pretty cool, probably a little bit nerve-wracking to play it for the group that made it famous. Obviously you want to do it justice.”
With more than enough time to practice over the years, Green gracefully covered the song that had fans loving the tribute. Comments included, “I have always loved this song and love Riley! He’s amazing.” Another person added, “ Darlin you sang this song so good. I love you so much.”
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT)
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