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 in 2005
Greenwood speaking at the 1988 Republican National Convention, with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan
Greenwood with President George H. W. Bush in 1991
Greenwood performing "God Bless the USA" at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2013
"God Bless the U.S.A." is an American patriotic song written and recorded by American country music artist Lee Greenwood, and is considered to be his signature song. The first album it appears on is his 1984 album You've Got a Good Love Comin'. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart when originally released on May 21, 1984. That summer, the song 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. The song became popular again during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. As a result of its newfound popularity, Greenwood re-recorded the track for his 1992 album American Patriot.
2001 re-release cover
Image: God Bless the USA 1984