Melvin Lee Greenwood (born October 27, 1942) is an American country music singer-songwriter. He also plays the saxophone. 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 is known for his patriotic signature song “God Bless the U.S.A.”, which was originally released and successful in 1984, and became popular again during the Gulf War in 1991 and after the September 11, 2001, attacks (becoming his highest charting pop hit, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100). He also has charted seven number-ones on the US Hot Country Songs list in his career: “Somebody’s Gonna Love You”, “Going, Going, Gone”, “Dixie Road”, “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose)”, “Don’t Underestimate My Love For You”, “Hearts Aren’t Made to Break (They’re Made to Love)”, and “Mornin’ Ride”. His 1983 single “I.O.U.” was also a top-five hit on the adult contemporary charts, and a number 53 on the Hot 100.
instruments played
saxophone
Vocals
Birth Name
Melvin Lee Greenwood
Children
3
Genres
Country, pop
Labels
MCA, Capitol, Liberty, Curb, Country Crossing
Nominated By
George W. Bush
Occupations
Singer, songwriter
Political Party
Republican
President
George W. Bush Barack Obama
Spouses
Kimberly Payne (m. 1993)
Website
Years Active
1962 present
Name
Lee Greenwood
Nationality
United States of America