God Bless the U. S. A.: Biography of a Song

This is a world of disposable superstars, with stories of instant success one day and instant failure the next. That's not the case with Lee Greenwood. His rise to fame was a slow, tedious journey that reached a peak with his platinum single God Bless the U.S.A. in 1983. God Bless the U.S.A.: Biography of a Song tells the story of that climb and the continued success of this country-music singer/songwriter. Greenwood recounts his days as a struggling young musician playing clubs in California, a USO tour in Alaska, and nightclubs in Vegas. He traces the tragedies-failed bands and marriages-and the triumphs, such as striking his first record deal. Through it all, Greenwood notes that as the political world around him changed, his own outlook and success seemed to take on a new shape as well. This book is not just an encapsulation of the bittersweet pains of success and the fight to attain it. It is also a valuable and insightful piece of social and historical commentary. With the help of longtime friend and writer Gwen McLin, Greenwood tells not just of the personal, but also of the political and historical influences in his life that led to the writing of his platinum-selling anthem. From the forties to the nineties, this book recounts not only the life of the songwriter but also the contemporary history of our nation. Veteran performer Lee Greenwood has been recognized by a great variety of organizations for his music, civic, and humanitarian accomplishments. His accolades include a Patriot's Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Academy of Country Music's Male Vocalist of the Year, and the Air Force American Spirit Award. He has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees plus an appointment as brevet major general of the U.S. Air Force. He has released sixteen albums and performs worldwide throughout the year. Gwen McLin is formerly a college literature teacher and served as chairman of the Florida Endowment for the Humanities.Greenwood, Lee is the author of 'God Bless the U. S. A.: Biography of a Song' with ISBN 9780882899053 and ISBN 0882899058.