Lee Greenwood’s ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ Re-Enters Digital Songs Chart
With a sales bump from the Fourth of July holiday, Lee Greenwood’s signature song “God Bless the U.S.A.” re-entered the country digital songs chart. The boost in downloads resulted in the granddaddy of all patriotic country anthems being certified platinum — selling one million downloads.
Originally released in 1984, the song, written by Greenwood, peaked at Number 7 on the Billboard Country Songs chart, but has experienced a number of chart resurgences since, most notably following the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001. That year, Greenwood performed the song at the start of Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium to an emotional ovation. (Watch the video above.) Ten years later, Beyoncé recorded and released her own version of the song as a charity single assisting the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund.
In a statement, Greenwood, who continues to tour and is a regular presence at the Grand Ole Opry, said, “Throughout our history, we’ve had songs that have been a battle cry, that have given us courage and strength. Each time, people reach out for something that will unite them, and make them feel proud as Americans. And every time they look for it, they find ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ So I sing it as much as a I can across America and I’m thankful for every download.”
Greenwood will perform tomorrow night in Green Bay, Wisconsin.