All-Star Tribute to “God Bless the U.S.A.” Songwriter Lee Greenwood to Hit Theaters

An all-star tribute to singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood, known for his 1984 patriotic hit “God Bless the U.S.A.,” is scheduled to hit theaters during Veterans Day weekend on November 12 to honor all those who have served America.

The prerecorded All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood will premiere in movie theaters for one night only. The tribute will feature performances by Dustin Lynch, Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Michael W. Smith, The Isaacs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tracy Lawrence, Big & Rich, Jamey Johnson and Gavin DeGraw. Also making appearances are Creed’s Scott Stapp, Crystal Gayle, Sam Moore and T Graham Brown, Larry Gatlin and Debby Boone, Mark Wills, Home Free, The Frontmen, and Ty Herndon and Janie Fricke, among more.

“On the night we filmed this special, I was overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time,” said Greenwood, 80, in a statement. “I couldn’t believe so many great artists came to honor my music. On top of that, my entire family sat in the front row to witness this magical evening with me. I could not have been prouder.”

He added, “Now, to share that special night with veterans, first responders, and country music fans with this premiere presentation in theaters is a perfect way to celebrate my 40-year career, which has included honoring so many of them.”

Greenwood has also partnered with Concerts 4 A Cause to give the public a chance to sponsor a veteran and their guest/caregiver to enjoy the live concert event.

Throughout his career, Greenwood has won multiple CMA and ACM awards, in addition to a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.” His career spans 22 albums, along with seven compilations, and seven No. 1 hits. Those hits are “Don’t Underestimate My Love For You,” “Hearts Aren’t Made to Break (They’re Made to Love),” “Mornin’ Ride,””Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going, Going, Gone,” “Dixie Road,” and “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose).”

His signature song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” was released in 1978 and reemerged over the decades, first during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. The song, which eventually appeared on Greenwood’s 1984 album You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’, peaked at No. 7 on the country chart and reappeared again on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 16, following the attacks on 9/11.

“What is more patriotic than Lee Greenwood’s ‘God Bless The USA’?” said Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys in a statement. “To honor those who served and those currently serving along with Greenwood is something very dear to my heart. I get to travel and perform all over the U.S. because of the freedoms that I am granted due to those protecting this great nation. I am thrilled to get to be part of this special night.”

(Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)