Riley Green delivered a powerful moment at Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout over the weekend when he welcomed a very special guest to the stage. During his set on Sunday, July 13, Green introduced the massive crowd to First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps.
Together, the two teamed up to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” a song Green frequently includes in his live sets. Each time he performs the song, Riley Green takes pride in portraying the narrative of an elderly man reflecting on some of the most pivotal moments of his life, including his time fighting in World War II. Having Lieutenant Perkins share the stage for this song added an extra layer of meaning and reverence.
With Perkins dressed in his uniform while playing the guitar and showcasing his baritone vocals beside Green, the crowd lit up with excitement, making for one of the most memorable moments of the night.
“Semper Fi,” Green wrote in his caption while sharing a clip of the performance on TikTok. “Thank you First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps for singing this one with me at Windy City Smokeout.”
@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
“In Color” was co-written by Johnson, a United States Marine veteran himself, with James Otto and Lee Thomas Miller. It was released in 2008 as the lead single from Johnson’s That Lonesome Song album and went on to become his first Top 10 hit, peaking at #9 on the chart. The ballad also earned Song of the Year trophies at both the ACM and CMA Awards in 2009.
The powerful duet wasn’t the only highlight of Green’s weekend. While on stage in front of his Chicago fans, the country star welcomed another guest – fellow Alabama native Ella Langley, to perform their hit duets, “You Look Like You Love Me” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
@kevin.p6389 Cheers Chicago Cowboys. Also that chemistry 👀🥵🔥#ellalangley #rileygreen #windycitysmokeout #chicago ♬ original sound – Kevin P
Green also recently debuted his acoustic Midtown Sessions EP via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. He served as a producer on several songs off the 5-track project including solo-written tracks “Worst Way” and “Jesus Saves,” as well as a stripped-down rendition of Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy in Me.” Erik Dylan produced the remaining tracks.
In addition to the stripped-back versions of four fan-favorites, he also debuted a new song titled “Bartender In Destin.” The Midtown Sessions EP follows on the heels of his full length record, Don’t Mind If I Do, which was released last October.
Riley Green’s set at Windy City Smokeout warmed up the crowd for Jon Pardi’s headline performance to cap off the weekend. The festival’s 2025 lineup also featured Bailey Zimmerman, Koe Wetzel, Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Dylan Gossett, Jon Pardi and Megan Moroney plus a slew of rising acts who took the stage during the day.
His stop in Chicago, IL came in the midst of his current headline run, the Damn Country Music tour. The trek will continue through November with Ella Langley serving as direct support alongside openers Jamey Johnson, Lauren Watkins and more.
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