Riley Green's grandfather, Buford Green, died in 2010, but his grandson might not be rising through the ranks in Nashville nearly two decades later if not for his influence and guidance. The up-and-coming singer attributes both his love of classic country and the very basis of his performance skills to his late grandpa.

"My Granddaddy Buford was really into, like, Merle Haggard, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams. It was way before my time, but that's what I learned to sing [and] play," Green tells Taste of Country. "I never sang when I was playing guitar until my granddaddy started pushing me ... That was there I got my traditional roots."

The elder Green gave his grandson his reverence for the Grand Ole Opry, too. Buford Green also built a performance venue on his property -- the Golden Saw Music Hall, which was decorated with various taxidermy -- and encouraged local artists, both established and aspiring, to take the stage. Green did, but stuck to covers; he'd learn the power of his own material later.

Green, who is Taste of Country's newest RISER, has been enjoying a whirlwind year full of touring and milestones. He recently notched his first No. 1 at country radio with his single "There Was This Girl," and released his Get That Man a Beer EP in June. Next up, the singer will embark on his own headlining Get That Man a Beer Tour in the fall, featuring Travis Denning as opening support.

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