Lee Greenwood: The Man Behind The Iconic Anthem

When you hear the name Lee Greenwood, you might immediately think of his timeless anthem "God Bless the U.S.A." But there's so much more to this legendary country music star than just one song. Over a six-decade career, Lee has charted over 30 hits on Billboard's country singles chart, including 20 Top 10 songs and seven No. 1 hits. Two of those hits were even duets with country music royalty, Barbara Mandrell. Yet, Lee's story isn’t just about the music. This self-proclaimed “farm boy from California” has lived a life full of adventure, love, and resilience. Leaving home at a young age to pursue rock 'n' roll with his band, the Apollos, Lee eventually carved out a legendary career in the music industry. After several marriages, he found lasting love with his wife of 27 years, former Miss Tennessee Kimberly Payne, who continues to be his partner in every sense of the word. How does Lee describe his life today? "In one word, blissful," he shares exclusively with Closer Weekly. "My wife and I share a wonderful life, and I couldn’t ask for more."

Scroll down to read Closer’s exclusive interview with Lee Greenwood, where he dives deep into his career, family, and the inspiration behind his iconic hits.

What Can We Expect from Your New Tour?

Lee Greenwood’s upcoming tour promises to be a journey through the best of his career. "We’re going to perform all of the hits we had in country music," he says with enthusiasm. "As the year progresses, we’ll also debut songs from a new CD filled with original tracks. We’re just about finished with that project, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. It’s going to be a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished and a look toward the future."

Read also:

George Clooney Talks Broadway Family Life In Nyc And Balancing It All

What Inspired You to Write "God Bless the U.S.A."?

Lee’s journey to writing "God Bless the U.S.A." began when he was just 16 years old and left home to explore the world. "I hadn’t traveled much before that," he recalls. "When I moved to Nevada, I was exposed to so many different people from all over the globe. It opened my eyes to the diversity and richness of our country. After relocating to Nashville in 1979, I wanted to write a song that truly captured the essence of America and who I was as a person. That’s how 'God Bless the U.S.A.' came to life."

What Was the Inspiration Behind the Lyrics?

The opening line of "God Bless the U.S.A."—“If tomorrow all the things were gone I worked for all my life"—is deeply personal for Lee. "It’s about my grandparents and the farm where I was raised in Sacramento, California," he explains. "We were sharecroppers, and when farming became less profitable, they had to move from the land they loved to renting apartments. It was a tough transition for them, and it left a lasting impression on me. And of course, I couldn’t forget the military. My father served in the Navy during World War II and survived it. His service and sacrifice inspired me to honor the brave men and women who defend our country every day."

What Are Some of the Most Memorable Reactions to the Song?

Lee has had countless unforgettable moments while performing "God Bless the U.S.A." "There’s nothing quite like meeting a soldier who’s lost two legs and hearing them say they joined the Army because they heard my song," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "Or singing it off an aircraft carrier surrounded by thousands of troops. And then there are the July 4th shows where you see citizens waving flags and lights, singing along in a heartfelt tribute to our great nation. Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do."

Are There Other Songs You’re Proud Of That Might Be Overshadowed by "God Bless the U.S.A."?

While "God Bless the U.S.A." is undoubtedly Lee’s most famous song, he’s proud of many others as well. "While touring with Kenny Rogers, I wrote a hit song for him called 'A Love Song,'" he recalls. "Kenny told me, 'Well, you made it a hit.' It’s always rewarding to see other artists succeed with songs you’ve written. Music is a universal language, and it’s a privilege to be able to share my stories through it."

What Was It Like Singing at Presidential Inaugurations?

Lee has had the honor of performing at several presidential events, including inaugurations. "I sang at the Lincoln Memorial for George Bush and Donald Trump, and at parties for several others," he says. "When the Reagan Library opened in 1988, I was singing while sitting behind me were Nixon, Carter, Ford, Bush, Reagan, their wives, and Lady Bird Johnson. Can you imagine? And recently, I performed at a Texas A&M event that raised money for hurricane relief. It was attended by Obama, Clinton, Carter, Bush, and Bush. I even emceed the event, which featured Lady Gaga, and sang with A&M cadets. It was an incredible experience."

Being Appointed to the John F. Kennedy Center Board of Trustees—How Does That Feel?

Lee’s career is filled with accolades, but being appointed to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees is one he holds dear. "I was appointed to the National Council on the Arts by Bush 43, so being appointed as a trustee to the Kennedy Center by the president was truly fantastic," he says. "It’s an honor to be part of an organization that celebrates the arts and brings people together through music, theater, and dance. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and the impact it can have on society."

Read also:

Lester Holt Exits Nbc Nightly News For A New Chapter At Dateline

Have You Worked with Any Other Legends?

Lee’s career has intersected with some of the biggest names in entertainment. "In 1988, we did our fifth or sixth USO Tour with Bob Hope," he remembers fondly. "We performed eight shows around the world in just eight days. That was an incredible experience. Bob was a true legend, and I learned so much from him about entertaining troops and bringing joy to those who serve our country."

Did Anything in Your Childhood Shape Your Path?

Lee’s early life was marked by challenges and triumphs that shaped him into the artist he is today. "My parents divorced when I was a year old because the war tore them apart," he explains. "So I was raised by my grandparents, and my grandmother always let me play the piano in the corner of our trailer. My mother had several marriages, and I didn’t see her much. I didn’t meet my father until I was 14 or 15. Despite these difficulties, I found solace in two things: baseball and music. I started playing in clubs and bars when I was just 14 and 15, and I worked hard around the farm. Music came naturally to me. I would sing songs off the radio, sit at the piano, and play by ear. It was a passion I couldn’t ignore. I formed my own band at 13 or 14 and left for Las Vegas at 16 with the Apollos."

How Did Your Parents’ Split Affect You?

Lee didn’t fully understand his parents’ separation until he was older. "I didn’t realize they weren’t together until I was 7 or 8," he says. "When I was about 12, I started asking where my dad was. They finally allowed me to see him when I was 13, and we had a great relationship until he passed away. I also had a wonderful stepfather, Louis D’Antonoli, who proudly wore my tour jacket. He was a huge support system for me growing up."

Did You Get Married at 17?

Yes, Lee did get married at a young age. "We had two children, Laura and Ted, and I’m still very close to both of them," he shares. "That marriage actually helped me avoid the Vietnam draft—I was given a 3A classification. I would’ve gladly joined the military, but it kept me out. It was a challenging time, but it shaped who I am today."