A few weeks back, country music legend Lee Greenwood found himself performing the iconic “God Bless the USA” for military personnel in Qatar. This weekend, he’s slated to take the stage again in the capital for a significant Army anniversary parade.
In addition to his performance, Greenwood will be fulfilling his role on the new board of directors for the Kennedy Center.
Interestingly, he’s often seen as a favorite performer of Trump, who frequently utilizes Greenwood’s songs at various events, including for the upcoming 2024 Republican National Convention. Greenwood mentioned that the Army’s 250th birthday celebration coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, making it a special occasion.
“Over the past 20 or 30 years, my initiative has been focused on supporting the military in various ways. Yes, I will perform at the parade and for the president,” Greenwood shared. He also intends to present Trump with a newly released edition of “God Bless the USA” as a birthday gift.
For Greenwood, the upcoming performances hold a special place. The Trump administration has meticulously organized a grand parade with a hefty budget of $45 million, featuring over 6,600 soldiers and a diverse array of military aircraft and vehicles.
He recounted a personal connection to the military, sharing that his father joined the Navy shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and served in World War II. “I didn’t realize this until I was about 17. So I feel a responsibility to honor those who’ve served, regardless of whether they were active military,” he reflected.
Recently, Greenwood received two Platinum Plaques during CMA Fest in Nashville for “God Bless the USA,” a song that has grown in significance since its release in 1992. “I can’t say it made a major impact initially, but it certainly became prominent after the Gulf War and subsequent events,” he noted.
He described his experience of performing for the President, saying, “All Americans recognize this song, and it resonates deeply within the American way of life.”
Greenwood is not solely focused on performing for Trump’s events; he has also been appointed to the Kennedy Center board, marking a shift in its direction. In the early days of his second term, Trump took the helm as chairman and began making changes, including removing board members appointed by former President Biden.
Among those removed were some notable figures, reflecting Trump’s vision for a new era at the Kennedy Center, distancing it from what he deemed as “anti-American propaganda.” Greenwood emphasized the board’s goals of attracting a diverse audience and fostering an international cultural exchange.
“We want to represent a cross-section of America,” he said, expressing hope for an inclusive environment that celebrates both American and international culture.
While Greenwood has performed in many venues worldwide, he holds the Kennedy Center in high regard, seeing it as a gorgeous space needing restoration. “There are areas of the building that are in disrepair, which I believe is a primary concern for the president. We’re eager to share an improved Kennedy Center with the public,” he remarked.
Finally, Greenwood conveyed excitement about the future, stating that they aim to position the Kennedy Center as one of the premier performance venues in the country. “When people attend shows here, we want them to have the best experience possible,” he concluded.
