Second Cup Cafe: Lee Greenwood
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."