Melvin Lee Greenwood is an American country music singer-songwriter and saxophonist.
Active since 1962, he won a Grammy Award and he has charted 33 singles on the Hot Country Songs with 7 singles reaching the number one. He has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.
Greenwood is known for his patriotic signature song "God Bless the U.S.A.," which was originally released in the spring of 1984 and became a popular song, especially among members of the Republican Party (of which Greenwood is a member). That summer, it was included in a film about President Ronald Reagan, the Republican presidential nominee, that was shown at the 1984 Republican National Convention. "God Bless the U.S.A." gained prominence during the 1988 United States presidential election campaign, when Greenwood performed the song at the 1988 Republican National Convention and at rallies for the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush.
The song was also featured in television advertisements for Bush. It later became popular again during the Gulf War in 1991 and after the September 11 attacks (becoming his highest charting pop hit, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100), and again during the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections as President Donald Trump's rally introduction track.
His seven number-ones on the U.S. Hot Country Songs list in his career: "Somebody's Gonna Love You", "Going, Going, Gone", "Dixie Road", "I Don't Mind the Thorns (If You're the Rose)", "Don't Underestimate My Love For You", "Hearts Aren't Made to Break (They're Made to Love)", and "Mornin' Ride". His 1983 single "I.O.U." was also a top-five hit on the adult contemporary charts, and a number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Birth Name: Melvin Lee Greenwood
Born: October 27, 1942 (age 82)
From: South Gate, California, U.S.
Spouse(s): Kimberly Payne (m. 1993)
Children: 6
Genre(s):
Country,
pop
Instrument(s):
Vocals,
saxophone,
harmonica
Occupation(s):
Singer,
songwriter
Active From: 1962-present