Born 84 Years Ago Today in California, the Country Legend Who Performed His Patriotic Anthem for Multiple US Presidents

Lee Greenwood, born on 27 October 1942 in California, is best known for “God Bless the U.S.A.” The song has endured across several decades and political campaigns, making it a prominent patriotic anthem even though it was not his highest-charting hit.

Greenwood scored 20 top 10 country hits from 1982 to 1987, including seven No. 1 singles. “God Bless the U.S.A.” reached No. 7 in 1984 but became his best-selling single and was certified double platinum. It featured in Ronald Reagan-related material, was used by George H.W. Bush’s campaign and at the 1988 Republican convention, and resurfaced during the Gulf War, after the 11 September attacks and in Donald Trump’s three presidential campaigns.