RISERS: Greylan James Is Taking His Place in the Spotlight

Greylan James has been a massively successful songwriter in Nashville for several years, but he's taking his own rightful place at center stage in 2026.

The up-and-coming singer-songwriter is one of Taste of Country's RISERS: 2026 Artists to Watch.

Who Is Greylan James?

James is a 29-year-old country singer-songwriter who originally hails from Knoxville.

He's made quite a splash as a songwriter since moving to Nashville, writing songs for Kenny Chesney, Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Cole Swindell, Darius Rucker and more.

He's also released several songs as a solo artist and toured extensively with some major-name artists.

What Are Greylan James' Top Songs?

James scored a smash hit as a songwriter with Jordan Davis' No. 1 hit, "Next Thing You Know."

Among his best-known solo songs are "Wait Til You Have Kids" and "Water at a Wedding," which went viral online after he teased a clip to his fans.

What Are Greylan James' Career Highlights?

The singer earned a No. 1 hit and ACM Award for Song of the Year for "Next Thing You Know." It also earned him a BMI Award and a CMA nomination.

He's also scored No. 1 hits with Kenny Chesney’s “Happy Does” and Cole Swindell’s “Forever to Me.”

He has received positive press coverage from County Now, People and more, and James has toured with artists including Old Dominion, Scotty McCreery and more.

James wrapped 2025 by opening for Cole Swindell on his Happy Hour Sad Tour.

What's Next for Greylan James in 2026?

James is still out promoting "Water at a Wedding," and he's steadily releasing new music.

His official tour calendar shows a string of dates for 2026, including a March gig at Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium and several summer festivals.

Keep up with Greylan James via his official website.

See the Most Played Country Song from the Year You Were Born

Who had the most played country song during the year you were born? This list is a fascinating time capsule of prevalent trends from every decade in American history. Scroll through to find your birth year and then click to listen. Some of these songs have been lost through the years, many of them for good reason!

Men named Hank dominated early before stars like Freddie Hart, Ronnie Milsap, Willie Nelson Clint Black took over to close the 1980s. More recently it's been Tim Mcgraw, Rodney Atkins, Kane Brown and Morgan Wallen. Did the most-played country song from the year you were born become a favorite of yours later? All info comes from Billboard's country airplay charts.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Most Popular Country Album From the Year You Were Born

Find out which country singer dominated on this list of the most popular albums from the year you were born or graduated high school.

This list is based on sales date from the Soundscan era (1991 to 2022) and total weeks spent atop Billboard's Hot Country Albums chart (1964-1990).

In 1999, Shania Twain's Come on Over album became the first to top the year-end chart in back-to-back years, but that feat has been done four times since, most recently in 2022. Which country album defined your childhood? Scroll down to find out.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Source: RISERS: 2026 Artists to Watch — Greylan James Is Taking His Place in the Spotlight in 2026

Categories: Country Music News