Proud to play in the USA: Lee Greenwood brings his American Spirit Tour to Fayette County Fair
2911 Media
In a month that celebrates patriotism, it’s only fitting that country music icon and Grammy Award-winning singer Lee Greenwood will bring his music and love of country to the Fayette County Fair on Sunday, as part of his American Spirit Tour.
Greenwood rose to national prominence when President Ronald Regan embraced what would become an American anthem. Just a year after its release, Reagan used Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” in his campaign film at the 1984 Republican National Convention, ahead of his landslide victory in November of that year.
“He wanted to uplift the country at the time and who was I to go against the president?” Greenwood recalled in a recent phone interview. Four decades have elapsed since then, but the song continues to touch the lives of Americans when they hear it at celebrations, sporting events and memorials across the country.
The American Spirit Tour he is on this summer “is a celebration of the values and pride that make this country great,” said Greenwood.
Making the right choice
Greenwood, who will be 83 in October, has been a man of many talents, and early on was recognized for his athleticism in track and baseball – so much so that he ended up being offered a scholarship to the College of the Pacific in his native California.
“I felt like I was too short and too small,” he said. “Music, on the other hand, didn’t have a height restriction.”
Greenwood was eager to hit the ground running in the music business, even skipping his graduation ceremony to take his band, the Apollos, to the Silver State.
“I left high school and moved to Nevada, where I spent 20 years before moving to Nashville,” said Greenwood, adding that it was hard work, but nonetheless fun.
“Work was easy to get at the time and I think I played in every casino that’s been torn down in the past 25 years,” said Greenwood, with a chuckle.
Career milestones and timeless music
Throughout Greenwood’s expansive career, he has earned numerous Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA) awards, along with a Grammy Award for Top Male Vocal Performance on “I.O.U.” in 1985.
His hallmark hit “God Bless the USA” charted in the top five on the country singles charts three times, in 1991, 2001 and 2003, setting a record as the only song in any genre to do so.
It also reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly after 9/11, further cementing its place in history.
Greenwood, a self-professed conservative Christian, said that “God Bless the USA” is meant for all Americans.
“I didn’t intend for it to be political,” he explained. “My dad was in the Navy, my wife’s father was in the Army and I love the discipline and dedication that they have, which goes beyond any civilian.”
Grounded in faith, family and freedom
Greenwood’s childhood story was one of hard work, farm chores and self-reliance. Most days after school he would gather fruit, flowers and vegetables from their garden and sell them, allowing him to buy items like shoes, socks and school clothing. In between, he learned to play the piano and by the age of 14, he played nearly all the instruments in the school orchestra.
Greenwood is still accruing accolades. Most recently he received a Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association, which recognizes individuals who overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success.
Greenwood remains grounded, however, and it’s clear that he’s proud of his family, from his wife of 33 years, Kimberly Payne, a former Miss Tennessee, and their sons, Dalton and Parker. Dalton was named Valedictorian of his high school class, went on to earn a biochemistry degree from Washington & Lee University in Virginia, and later completed a PhD in cancer research and immunology at Vanderbilt University. Parker, a chancellor’s scholar, earned a master’s in music production and engineering at the University of Miami in Florida.
Greenwood said that he’s instilled in his children the patriotism that he himself feels.
“They realize that military service is a sacrifice that is made for our benefit-to be free,” he said. “We, as a nation, created our independence and fought each other to define what that means. They also understand the importance of the Constitution.”
What’s next
Greenwood’s latest endeavor is a Bible that is called the “God Bless the USA Patriot Edition.”
“It’s the King James version, and also includes the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” he said, adding that only 1,000 copies have been printed.
Greenwood said that he’s looking forward to performing at the Fayette County Fair Dunbar. The showtime Sunday is at 7 p.m.
“I can’t wait to hit the road and share my music with my Pennsylvania fans,” he said.
Other performers set to appear at the Fayette County Fair are the Little Mermen Disney tribute band on July 31 and country singer John Morgan on Aug. 2. For more information on the fair, go online to fayettefair.com.