Lee Greenwood to Re-Record ‘God Bless The U.S.A.’ with a Twist
By Movieguide® Contributor
Lee Greenwood wants his classic anthem “God Bless The U.S.A.” to reach an even wider audience, so he is recording a rock version of the song.
The new version of “God Bless The U.S.A.” will feature country/rock musician Drew Jacobs alongside Greenwood. Jacobs has reimagined multiple classic country songs in the past, such as “The Thunder Rolls,” “God’s Country” and “Whiskey Lullaby,” converting them into the rock style.
“This is a big year for God Bless The USA. I have not recorded the song with many people, ever, as I felt like it would be passing the baton to someone else to sing my signature song,” Greenwood said. “However, this rock-version is not something that I would have done on my own. So, I am excited to have fans and fellow patriots hear it, share it, and add it to their playlists.”
“God Bless The U.S.A.” became a beloved song across the country in the 1980s when then President-elect Ronald Reagan used it on his campaign trail. Forty years later, it has been played countless times to commemorate numerous national events such as military retirement ceremonies, naturalization events and firework displays.
Along with this new rock rendition, Greenwood has celebrated the 40-year anniversary of the song through a vinyl album of his greatest hits.
READ MORE: LEE GREENWOOD RELEASES VINYL TO HONOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘GOD BLESS THE U.S.A’
“The remastered American Patriot album, initially released in 1992, features Greenwood’s fan favorites and hits, like ‘Dixie,’ ‘The Great Defenders,’ and his timeless anthem, ‘God Bless The U.S.A.’ It also includes spectacular renditions of American standards, including ‘The Pledge of Allegiance,’ ‘America,’ ‘This Land Is Your Land,’ ‘The Battle Hymn Of The Republic,’ ‘God Bless America,’ ‘America The Beautiful,’ and our Nation’s Anthem, ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’” a press release about the album explained earlier this year.
“I’m honored to have such a fantastic relationship with Universal Music and am truly grateful for their efforts to release my anthemic patriotic album on vinyl in time for the 4th of July,” Greenwood added. “It’s beautiful and is an impressive display of the creative products that our fans can enjoy!”
The rock version of “God Bless The U.S.A.” will be available starting Nov. 1.
READ MORE: WHY COUNTRY STAR LEE GREENWOOD’S LEGACY CONTINUES AFTER FOUR DECADES