Country music icon Lee Greenwood has made an exhilarating return to the spotlight, delighting fans with a breathtaking surprise just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations. Greenwood, known for his timeless hit “God Bless the U.S.A.,” has teamed up with the U.S. Air Force band and the acclaimed a cappella group Home Free to breathe new life into this patriotic anthem.
Greenwood, at 77 years young, decided it was high time to put a fresh spin on his iconic song, a beloved symbol of American pride since its release in 1984. In an exclusive interview with American Songwriter, Greenwood shared his motivation behind this unexpected collaboration.
“After singing ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ for 30 years the same way, it’s like I kind of sat back and relied on listening. You know, what can I sing different here?” mused Greenwood. “And I was encouraged by their tech at the board, who said, ‘Just do a couple passes. And do something like you’ve never done before.’ This is ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ like you’ve never heard it before.”
The revamped rendition, featuring the harmonious blend of Greenwood’s vocals, the U.S. Air Force singers, and the charismatic stylings of Home Free, promises to be a highlight of this year’s Fourth of July festivities. Greenwood’s decision to collaborate with the U.S. Air Force singers was a deliberate nod to the spirit of independence that the holiday embodies.
“When we were talking about collaborating not just with Home Free but also with the United States Air Force singers, I thought, well this is really a positive for the Fourth of July, being we’re not working,” Greenwood explained. “I think the common thread in Nashville is, if Lee Greenwood doesn’t sing ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ on the Fourth of July, take the flag down. So we really wanted to make sure we had a virtual performance. It was just a great opportunity for me.”
For Austin Brown of Home Free, collaborating with the legendary Greenwood on this project was nothing short of a dream come true. Brown’s cover band has frequently closed their shows with “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and he recognized the enduring impact of the song on audiences nationwide.
“When we sing this song, everyone in the audience, no matter where we are in this country, everyone stands up. It’s one of those songs that’s gonna be here forever. It’s going to be in the American culture forever,” Brown, 34, said. “And the opportunity to do this with a legend like Lee Greenwood, the original artist, the guy who wrote this song, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
The heartfelt collaboration between these musical powerhouses captures the essence of unity and patriotism, values deeply cherished by Americans. As Greenwood enthused, “These singers from the Air Force, they are every bit professional quality. They’re the best I’ve ever heard.”
In a time when the nation seeks to come together, Greenwood’s decision to revitalize this iconic anthem serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of the American spirit. As we prepare to commemorate the Fourth of July, Greenwood’s rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” promises to reignite our collective pride and appreciation for the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Don’t miss the electrifying performance that will surely be the talk of the town this Independence Day. Lee Greenwood, the U.S. Air Force singers, and Home Free are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience, reminding us all why “God Bless the U.S.A.” remains an enduring symbol of American resilience and unity.
Stay tuned for the virtual performance that promises to be a highlight of this year’s Fourth of July celebrations. Greenwood and his collaborators are set to captivate audiences across the nation with a rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” like you’ve never heard before.
