Lee Greenwood, Home Free’s ‘God Bless The USA’ Wins Award for Most Viral Video
By Movieguide® Staff
From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, “God Bless the USA” was named the most viral video by the 2021 Telly Awards. Though the song was originally written and recorded in the 1980s, Lee Greenwood released a new rendition with the band Home Free and the US Air Force Band in 2020.
“God Bless The USA is timeless and five times a year during President’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, 9/11, and Veterans Day I get requests to do events and perform it,” says Greenwood. “This version just happens to be special because it includes the US Air Force Band and was arranged and put together by Home Free, who are an amazing vocal group. I have been inundated with questions about this version and how it came together as people just love the feel of it. Now to win an award and know that almost one-third of our entire US population has heard this version is astounding to me.”
Since the 2020 version was released more than a year ago over July Fourth weekend, the video garnered more than 200 million views across all platforms.
“Working with Lee Greenwood on such an iconic song was amazing and intimidating, at the same time. First off, we didn’t know how to top the original. Secondly, we were in a pandemic situation with members of the group in different states. Then add in the US Air Force Band. All of us had chill bumps on the final outcome that we all immediately were in agreement to make a video,” says Home Free’s Austin Brown. “How could we make a video in so many places was the first thought. Then our team was able to make it all happen and we were thrilled to release it in time for July 4 of last year. It was an honor to be part of this creative work and what an honor now to win a Telly Award for ‘Most Viral Video’ with over 200 million views across all social platforms.”
Greenwood has shared his patriotic message all around the world, including at the Movieguide® Awards.
Nearly two decades ago, Greenwood performed his hit at the 11th Movieguide® Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry in 2002. Greenwood co-hosted the show with comedienne Louise DuArt.
Before the awards gala, Greenwood said, “My heart is a little heavy for all the troops out in the desert sucking sand while we are in this beautiful hotel. On the other hand, I think the right attitude is to let them know that we support this movement and we’re going to take a dictator out who has been suppressing and killing his people. With that in mind, we are here to celebrate America’s resolve to have entertainment that is morally conscious.”
Greenwood said at the gala, “‘God Bless the USA’ is certainly an anthem for me and I don’t know if it was a dream to have this length of term, but I am very happy to sing it whenever I can.”
