Lee Greenwood is an iconic figure in American country music, best known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.” Over a career spanning decades, Greenwood has made a significant impact not only in music but also in philanthropy and political circles. With a net worth estimated at $5 million, Greenwood’s success can be attributed to his enduring musical legacy, his business ventures, and his involvement in shaping American patriotism.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lee Greenwood was born on October 27, 1942, in South Gate, California, but spent much of his childhood growing up on a farm in Sacramento with his grandparents. His musical journey began at the young age of seven when he started singing in church, cultivating a passion for music that would define his future. In 1962, Lee formed his first band, The Apollos, which would later become the Lee Greenwood Affair. The band primarily played pop music and performed at various casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 1969, Greenwood joined the Chester Smith Band, where he made his first television appearance and experienced the thrill of performing on a larger stage. After the band’s breakup in the 1970s, Lee returned to Las Vegas, where he worked as a blackjack dealer by day and continued to sing at night. His determination and dedication to his craft eventually paid off when he was discovered in 1979 by Larry McFaden, a bandleader and bassist for Mel Tillis. McFaden recognized Greenwood’s talent and helped him secure a recording deal with MCA Nashville in 1981, leading to the release of his first single, “It Turns Me Inside Out,” which reached the Top 20 on the country charts.
Rise to Fame with “God Bless the USA”
Lee Greenwood’s most famous song, “God Bless the USA,” was released in 1984 and became a symbol of American patriotism. The song resonated deeply with audiences and gained renewed significance after the September 11, 2001, attacks, when it reached No. 16 on the charts. This anthem has since been embraced as a patriotic rallying cry, particularly during political campaigns. In fact, the song was used by Donald Trump in both his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, further cementing its place in American political culture.
Aside from “God Bless the USA,” Lee Greenwood has had a successful career with numerous chart-topping hits. Some of his most notable singles include “Going, Going, Gone,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love Me,” and “Don’t Underestimate My Love for You.” He has over 35 singles that have charted on Billboard’s country music charts and has released more than 20 albums. His ability to connect with his audience through emotionally charged songs has made him a respected figure in country music.
Political Involvement and Public Service
In addition to his musical career, Lee Greenwood has also been involved in public service and politics. In 2008, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve a six-year term on the National Council on the Arts, a prestigious position he held until 2022. Greenwood’s role on the council was extended due to the Senate’s blockage of a replacement nomination by President Barack Obama, which led to Greenwood serving under both Obama and Trump administrations.
Throughout his tenure, Greenwood maintained his political neutrality, focusing on supporting the arts while remaining active in conservative circles. In 2021, he expressed his disappointment after the Biden administration replaced him with Kamilah Forbes, though his contributions to the National Council were widely acknowledged.
Greenwood’s political involvement didn’t stop at the National Council. In 2021, he made headlines with the release of the “God Bless the USA Bible,” which featured patriotic U.S. texts interspersed with passages from the Bible. Although the Bible sparked controversy, especially when it was promoted by Donald Trump for business ventures, it further solidified Greenwood’s status as a figurehead for American patriotism.
The Lee Greenwood Theater: A Unique Venture
In 1996, Lee Greenwood took a break from his music career to focus on his family life and pursue a new business venture. He built the Lee Greenwood Theater in Sevierville, Tennessee, which opened in April 1996. The theater allowed Greenwood to perform daily shows while spending more time with his family. It operated for five successful seasons before it closed in 2001, when Greenwood decided to return to touring. The former theater building is now used as a church, a testament to Greenwood’s enduring influence on his community.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Lee Greenwood’s personal life has been marked by several marriages. He has been married five times, with his first two marriages being to Edna Greenwood. They first eloped in 1960 in Reno, Nevada, but their marriage ended in divorce. The couple remarried but eventually divorced again. Lee is currently married to Kimberly Payne, a former Miss Tennessee USA, who is 25 years younger than him. They married in 1992 and have two sons, Dalton and Parker. Lee has four children from his previous marriages.
In 2004, Greenwood purchased an 8,500-square-foot mansion in Franklin, Tennessee, for $867,000. The home, which he gave a tour of on Open House TV in 2015, reflects his success and love for family life.
Lee Greenwood’s Net Worth and Legacy
With a career spanning more than five decades, Lee Greenwood’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. This figure comes from his successful career in country music, his business ventures, including his theater and real estate investments, and his role in American political and patriotic circles. His signature song, “God Bless the USA,” continues to bring him recognition and has contributed significantly to his wealth over the years.
Greenwood’s influence goes beyond music; his contributions to the National Council on the Arts and his political involvement have made him a respected figure in both the entertainment and political worlds. His music continues to inspire generations of Americans, and his legacy as a patriot, artist, and philanthropist is firmly established.
