Country music icon and Franklin resident Lee Greenwood will be performing two shows at the Franklin Theatre on Saturday, July 8.
Here are 5 fun facts about Lee Greenwood to get you ready for the show.
- Song of the Year in 1985 was “God Bless the USA”
Greenwood won CMA Song of the Year in 1985 for writing “God Bless the USA.” The song has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America.The singer knows first-hand what it’s like to have loved ones fighting for the freedom of all Americans as his father served in the Navy & the Merchant Marine in World War II. “USA” is now part of the film for Homeland Security shown when swearing in new citizens to the United States. “God Bless the USA” went far beyond what Greenwood expected when he wrote it in the back of his tour bus in 1983. The song has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001 and 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It was also #1 on the pop charts after 9/11/01.
2. Greenwood Has Seven #1 Hit Songs
With seven #1 songs & 25 charted singles, Greenwood’s include: “It Turns Me Inside Out”, “Ring On Her Finger Time on Her Hands”, ”She’s Lyin”, “I Don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose”, “Dixie Road”, “Somebody’s Gonna Love You”, “Going Going Gone”, “You Got A Good Love Comin”, “Fools Gold”, and “Mornin Ride”. Several cross over hits include, “Touch & Go Crazy”, “IOU” and the duet with Barbara Mandrell, “To Me”. An additional duet with Suzie Boggus, “Hopelessly Yours”, was nominated for a Grammy. The CD “American Patriot”, recorded & released in 1992, went Platinum in 3 months.
3. Recently Named Billboard’s 100 Greatest Country Artist of All Time
Greenwood, who was recently named one of Billboard’s 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time, performed during President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Previously, Greenwood sang during President Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush’s ceremonies.
4. Just Released ‘The Lee Greenwood Collection’
Lee Greenwood is celebrating the release of ‘The Lee Greenwood Collection’ in Kirkland’s, Hobby Lobby and select retailers nationwide. ‘The Lee Greenwood Collection,’ in partnership with Trade Cie, LLC, includes patriotic home decor with some of Greenwood’s iconic “God Bless the U.S.A” lyrics.
“So many veterans, military families and just all around patriotic fans have told me how lyrics like “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free” or ‘The Flag still stands for freedom” truly mean to them. So, we took those words and created some beautiful pieces that exemplify that song. I’m really proud of this collection and hope it brings a sense of warmth and patriotism to your home,” Greenwood said.
5. Greenwood Turned Down a Baseball Scholarship to Pursue Music
Greenwood was an All-Star baseball player in High School and was scouted by the Dodgers but chose to pursue a music career instead. Greenwood was also the High School Drum Major for the band, he also played the saxophone and drums.
Watch our interview with Lee Greenwood at this year’s City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game at CMA Fest.
