About Lee Greenwood
Melvin Lee Greenwood is an American country music singer-songwriter and saxophonist. Active since 1962, he has released more than 20 major-label albums and has charted more than 35 singles on the Billboard country music charts.
Greenwood is known for his patriotic signature song "God Bless the U.S.A.," which was originally released in the spring of 1984 and became a popular song, especially among members of the Republican Party. That summer, it was included in a film about President Ronald Reagan, the Republican presidential nominee, that was shown at the 1984 Republican National Convention. "God Bless the U.S.A." gained prominence during the 1988 United States presidential election campaign, when Greenwood performed the song at the 1988 Republican National Convention and at rallies for the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush. The song was also featured in television advertisements for Bush. It later became popular again during the Gulf War in 1991 and after the September 11, 2001, attacks , and again during the 2016, 2020 United States presidential elections and 2024 as President Donald Trump's rally introduction track.
He also has charted seven number-ones on the U.S. Hot Country Songs list in his career: "Somebody's Gonna Love You", "Going, Going, Gone", "Dixie Road", "I Don't Mind the Thorns ", "Don't Underestimate My Love For You", "Hearts Aren't Made to Break ", and "Mornin' Ride". His 1983 single "I.O.U." was also a top-five hit on the adult contemporary charts, and a number 53 on the Hot 100.
Greenwood was born in South Gate, California, a few miles south of Los Angeles. After his parents separated, he grew up in Sacramento, on the farm of his maternal grandparents. At the age of seven, he started singing in church.
Greenwood did not serve in the United States military despite the universal draft at the time. He has said that was given a 3A deferment for family hardship due to having children at age 17. He eloped to Reno, Nevada with his first wife Edna Greenwood in 1960.
Greenwood founded his first band, The Apollos, in 1962. The band, which changed its name later to Lee Greenwood Affair, played mostly pop music and appeared mostly in casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1969, he joined the Chester Smith Band and had his first television appearance. A short time later, he worked with the country musician Del Reeves. A few records were recorded in Los Angeles with the Paramount label. After the band broke up in the 1970s, Greenwood moved back to Las Vegas, where he worked as a blackjack dealer during the day and as a singer at night.
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