Riley Green Reveals the Heartwarming Story Behind His Preferred Name
Riley Green Reveals the Heartwarming Story Behind His Preferred Name
Ilana KaplanThu, June 4, 2026 at 3:18 PM UTC
0
Riley Green revealed the true story behind his preferred name
In an interview with Katie & Company on Tuesday, June 2, the country star spoke about the significance of going by his middle name
Green is set to release his fourth studio album, That's Just Me on Sept. 18
Riley Green opened up about the real reason why he goes by his middle name.
In an interview with Katie & Company on Tuesday, June 2, the "Worst Way" singer revealed the sweet story behind his preferred moniker.
Green, 37, whose first name is Johnathan, has never gone by his first name, which is pronounced with a "soft J."
"Nobody's ever called me Johnathan," he told host Katie Neal.
Riley Green in May 2026 in Las VegasCredit: Bryan Steffy/FilmMagic
He then detailed how "Riley" became his middle — and stage — name.
"I know that I got the name Riley because my great-granddaddy, Paul, who I didn't know, got a little dementia, and he started calling my dad Riley. My dad's name is 'Kevon,'" said Green.
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Green said his parents then decided to name their "first son" Riley.
"I don't even think I would turn if I heard [someone call me Johnathan]," he said.
Advertisement
Last week, Green opened up about his packed schedule, including touring, starring on CBS' Yellowstone spinoff, Marshals, and his upcoming role as a coach on The Voice in a digital cover story for Billboard.
"The biggest battle I face in my career now is just that I'm sleepy all the time," he told the publication. "And it doesn't do well during a country music show to be yawning on the stage."
Green also noted that while he largely appreciates the increase in fan interactions, there are moments where it can be challenging.
"When I'm out with my family and we're at a restaurant, it's an awkward feeling because I don't want to take away from somebody else's evening by causing some kind of ruckus," the "Think as You Drunk" artist told the outlet.
Green also said that he "can't go to another show because I wouldn't want to cause somebody to be paying attention to me when somebody's on stage performing."
He said he planned to shave his mustache one day, so he can "go wherever I want."
Riley Green and Katie Neal in June 2026Credit: Audacy Music/YouTube
Green is set to release his fourth studio album, That's Just Me, on Sept. 18.
On Thursday, May 28, he shared the single "Think as You Drunk."
Green is also set to take his seat as a coach on The Voice for the first time when season 30 premieres in September.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
