 Grammy
Award winner and multi-platinum entertainer Lee Greenwood returned to the road in 2001
after five years at his own theater in Sevierville, TN. Greenwood toured extensively to
packed houses around the country, and found himself back at the top of the sales charts,
and back at radio.
In January of 2002, Lee signed a long-term recording contract
with Curb Records. He will begin recording in the spring, with a new album to be released
in the summer.
Greenwood's career stands as a shining example of the American
success story. From his humble beginnings on a farm near Sacramento, California, Lee has
taken his natural talent and achieved worldwide recognition in the entertainment business
with a career so far spanning three decades.
Lee began honing his musical abilities in Jr. High School,
learning to play most of the instruments in the orchestra by age 14. Both of his parents
were musicians, and Lee followed in their footsteps from an early age. He was quick to
acquire the musical and business skills that would prove necessary for his life as an
entertainer.
He formed his first band, the Moonbeams, while still in Jr. High
School. By the time he had graduated high school, Lee was already a seasoned performer.
His career became the focal point in his life, so much so, that he turned down a music
scholarship to the College of the Pacific, abandoned a promising professional baseball
career, and even skipped his own high school graduation because he was booked to perform a
standing engagement at the Golden Hotel & Casino (now Harrahs) in Reno, Nevada.
For the next several years, Lee was faced with a series of near
misses. At one point, Felix Cavaliere, a musician from New York City, approached him about
forming a new group called the "Young Rascals" but Lee passed on the opportunity
to stay in Las Vegas. The Young Rascals went on to record "Good Lovin" which
became a major # 1 hit and a string of other hits.
Reaching out for his own recording opportunity, Lee moved to Los
Angeles to record his first solo album on Paramount. This attempt was a successful project
but was never released. After a two and half year struggle, Lee returned to Vegas to
recover lost economy.
Instead of allowing his trials to bring him down, Greenwood found
inspiration in coming so close to success. In 1978 he found the courage to leave the
security of the Vegas lounges and welcomed the opportunity to fly to Nashville to write
and record a demo session with the help of the Mel Tillis Band.
The results of this long-shot opportunity led to his contract
with MCA and his producer Jerry Crutchfield, then head of MCA Publishing. Their first
session together yielded hit songs like "It Turns Me Inside Out," "Ring On
Her Finger, Time On Her Hand." "Ain't No Trick," and introduced this
dynamic new recording artist to country music.
Greenwood found immediate acceptance with country music audiences
who appreciated his powerful vocals and energetic show. His feel for country music,
coupled with his electrifying performances, quickly established him as a major artist.
Only two years after the release of his debut album, he won the coveted Country Music
Association's Male Vocalist of the Year award. He won the same award again, as well as a
Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance the following year. Continuing his streak,
Greenwood won the 1984 ACM Male Vocalist of the Year award. His first three albums
achieved gold status, and his Greatest Hits quickly went platinum. In 1985, a less
publicized facet of his talent was recognized when the CMA awarded him Song of the Year
honors for penning both the words and music to "God Bless The USA."
After the Gulf War in 1991, Lee was one of the most in-demand
performers. Because of his support for the military and veterans during that time, Lee
would often play two and sometimes three shows per day, traveling to and from in private
jets.
The staying power of this dynamic performer throughout fifteen
successful touring years remains evident in every Lee Greenwood show. Thirty albums,
numerous TV appearances, and hundreds of radio interviews are all vehicles through which
this tireless performer maintains his visibility with the public. His celebrity tours with
the United Services Organization (USO) are one of the many high-profile charity
organizations to which this humanitarian donates his time.
In 1995, Lee Greenwood decided to take a break from his rigorous
tour schedule to start a family with his wife Kim. Their son Dalton was born in April
1995. In order to spend more time at home, Lee elected to build and perform in his own
theater in the Smoky Mountains.
The April 1996 opening of the Lee Greenwood Theater provided the
chance to continue performing, but without the rigors of being on the road constantly. The
theater was heralded for its state-of-the-art sound and lighting, as well as one of the
most entertaining shows around. With the help of dancers, musicians, intricate staging and
numerous costume changes, Greenwood captivated audiences with a variety of musical styles,
from movie themes to "God Bless The USA."
Lee and Kim's second son Parker Reid came along three years later
in July 1998. Although he was not touring with the exception of a few major appearances,
Lee focused on his songwriting and being a father and husband.
Since the tragedies of September 11, Lee has seen his signature
hit "God Bless The U.S.A." take on yet another life. Since the attack on
America, airplay has increased ten fold, skyrocketing "God Bless The U.S.A."
back into the top 20 of the Billboard country airplay chart, and sending Lee's 1992 album
"American Patriot" to the top of the sales charts. The album was certified gold
in October 2001 & platinum in December 2001.
Lee's performances have been as in-demand as his CDs. He has been
called upon to perform at numerous events and on national television programs. Recent
appearances include The Prayer service at Yankee Stadium, a moving a cappella performance
for the rescue workers at Ground Zero, the nationally televised Thanksgiving Day parade in
Detroit, Michigan, Game 4 of the 2001 World Series, Regis and Kelly, Entertainment
Tonight, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and many more. He continues to maintain a
rigorous touring schedule, including visits to military bases and performances at
government functions, including the Veteran's Day ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Lee is now poised to embark on the next phase of his journey as
an entertainer. Fueled by his passion for great country music, Lee’s deal with Curb
Records promises many exciting new things. Lee will be touring the United States and
abroad to support the album.Lee
Greenwood sings his mega hit song "God Bless The USA" at the Washington Redskins
Kickoff Game at FedEx Field.
Click on Photos to enlarge.
Call CJ DiRoma at 856-665-5513 for more information and availability
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