Introduction
Atlanta’s New Country Closeup concert delivered an evening of thrilling surprises on December 4th at The Eastern, and one moment, in particular, left the sold-out crowd utterly captivated. In a truly special turn of events, Ashley Cooke graced the stage, stepping in for Ella Langley to share a breathtaking duet with Riley Green. The result? Pure, unadulterated musical enchantment.
Fans were treated to an unexpected rendition of “Don’t Mind If I Do,” the poignant breakup ballad from Riley’s latest album. As Riley’s fingers danced across his acoustic guitar, his signature Alabama twang opened the song, weaving a tapestry of raw emotion about the bittersweet journey of moving forward while lingering heartache remains.
Then, a hush fell over the venue as Ashley’s exquisite voice seamlessly blended with Riley’s for the second verse, their harmonies intertwining to create an undeniably chilling and beautiful moment. Ashley then commanded the stage for the final verse, delivering a profoundly soulful and moving performance that held every single person in the palm of her hand.
The magic of this impromptu collaboration was palpable, and phones lit up across the venue as fans eagerly captured and shared the unforgettable experience on social media. This wasn’t the first time a talented female artist had lent her voice to “Don’t Mind If I Do” in Ella Langley’s absence; just last month, Megan Moroney had similarly dazzled a Florida audience with her take on the song.
“Don’t Mind If I Do,” a deeply personal composition penned by Riley Green himself, serves as the title track of his newest critically acclaimed album. The project also features beloved fan favorites such as “Jesus Saves,” “Worst Way,” and “Change My Mind.”
Nights like these, where artists connect and collaborate so authentically, underscore the powerful resonance of Riley’s music and the incredible talent he shares the stage with. It’s clear that these shared performances are forging a deeper, more profound connection with his ever-growing fanbase.