Second Cup Cafe: Lee Greenwood

(CBS)  What better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with the very man who did one of America's most recognizable recent patriotic songs?

Lee Greenwood stopped by the "The Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "Second Cup Cafe" to perform his classic hit, "God Bless The USA," along with a brand new single, "Why Lie."

The latter will be part of a CD being completed for Country Crossings Records (the release date hasn't been set, but it's expected to be out no later than Labor Day).

Greenwood has had over 15 top 10 singles, but it was the release of "God Bless The USA" that secured his spot in music history.

In the beginning, it took some time and some political coaxing for "God Bless the USA" to get the recognition that it deserved.

Released in 1983, the song didn't become a big hit until Desert Storm in 1991, when radio stations gave it a lot of play in an effort to boost patriotism.

"God Bless the USA" returned to the airwaves yet again in 2001. Sadly, as so many perished in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, new life was brought to Greenwood's hit song. It was re-entered into the top 20 of the Billboard country airplay chart, sending Greenwood's 1992 album, "American Patriot," to the top of the sales charts. The album was certified gold in October 2001 and platinum in two months later.

Greenwood's sentimental tribute to his country has also been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America, beating out "God Bless America" and even the "Star Spangled Banner"!

Although his music speaks for itself, Greenwood practices what he preaches, by supporting charities for fallen heroes.

He's been chosen to perform at all eight Sean Hannity Freedom Concerts slated for Aug. 2009. Proceeds from these concerts benefit the Freedom Alliance, which provides educational financial assistance to dependents of our fallen heroes.

As the national spokesperson for Products for Good, Greenwood gave the green light to allow the charity to use "God Bless the USA" to support a commercial venture. Products for Good hopes to raise $20,000,000 to assist charities that support the families of wounded and fallen heroes from the War on Terror.

Greenwood has been awarded Male Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association and the CMA Song of the Year honor in 1985 for "God Bless the USA." He won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1983 for "I.O.U."

[Deborah7R]

When was this article written? Last night before you went to bed or what???
The picture is from 2006!!
And where's the video of his performance?
WHY did you cut him off? How disrespectful, not only to the viewers, to Mr. Greenwood but to the USA!!!!!!
Some here have commented about how much they like your Early Show on Saturdays. I don't normally watch it - prefering MSNBC - but tuned in this morning to see Mr. Greenwood perform "God Bless the USA." What a huge disappointment!

[ironmomf]

Thank you to everyone who left a comment about Lee Greenwood's appearance on the Early Show. I watch the Early Show EVERY DAY...and was SO VERY SAD that I missed it today when Lee Greenwood was going to be on. I was glad to know that I obviously DIDN'T miss much after all.......

[grpaad11]

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN YOUR SHOW I'M SURE THE SAD THING IS YOU DO NOT CARE YOU HAD PEOPLE WATCH YOUR SHOW AND THAT IS ALL YOU CARED ABOUT. I WILL NOT WATCH AGAIN AFTER YOU CUT LEE GREENWOODS SONG, YOU COULD HAVE CUT THE EGG WALK

[kathyqualex]

I'm commenting on the same thing as jcheek33. Twice on the show today, it was cut-off (both times during Lee Greenwood)for commercials. Do you have some anti-American/Commie workiing for you on the commercial end of things? How rude!
As for watching it on youtube.....no thanks! If I wanted to watch youtube, I could see that anytime. I wanted to see & hear him live, on the plaza.

[jandm1535]

For those who missed it, you can hear the song on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssIN3ustUw

[jcheek33]

For 2 hours, they talked about Lee singing God Bless the USA and then cut to local programming during the song. How disappointing that I waited so long for it. Even my kids were waiting!

[militarypat]

AMEN to patdp. And as for the rest, we were doing the same. I do agree that the producer should have known the time allowance and provided for Mr. Greenwood's entire song to be viewed and heard by all. Other features of the show could have been and should have been shortened to provide the amount of time needed for the complete performance of one of this holidays most beloved songs.

[rragas]

I waited 2 hours to see Lee Greenwood perform "God Bless The USA" just to see 30 seconds and then the song cut off. I got my 5 year old daughter sitting in front of the TV to be very disappointed with your network cutting off the song. I have been a fan on the weekend of your news cast but no longer. I believe it to be a slap in the face to your viewers to have us waiting to see something that you have been advertising for 2 hours then you show just a partial of the song. I will be switching to NBC from now on even though I have enjoyed watching the news reporters on your station. What a shame to loose viewers for a bad judgment on your part.
A former viewer.

[Jean14348]

I want to complain - all morning they were saying how Lee Greenwood was going to sing "God Bless the US" on the morning show. I was greatly looking forward to it, and watched the whole show waiting for it. They of course waited 'til the end for him to perform it. THEN CUT HIM BEFORE THE SONG WAS HALF OVER!!!!! Very POOR job CBS!

[patdp]

Waited all morning to hear Lee Greenwood sing and you cut him off, re-live Heidi, nice job produces!!!!