Forty years in the past, Lee Greenwood launched “God Bless the united statesA.,” a patriotic anthem that has develop into a normal at political gatherings.
He is carried out the track for quite a few presidents, together with Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. And through the years, he is shaped a friendship with Donald Trump, changing into a fixture at his occasions. Just lately, Greenwood has carried out on the Republican Nationwide Conference, the Madison Square Garden rally marked by crude and racist jokes, and the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally the place Trump made a triumphant return to the venue the place he had been shot.
Final yr, Trump and Greenwood teamed up for the “God Bless the USA Bible.” Printed in China, it’s a King James Model translation that features copies of the U.S. Structure, the Invoice of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance, in addition to a handwritten refrain of the well-known Greenwood track.
Greenwood will perform at Trump’s Make America Nice Once more Rally at Capital One Area in downtown Washington on Sunday in addition to the swearing-in ceremony Monday.
“The pageantry is great. I’m enthusiastic about all of that,” Greenwood instructed The Related Press forward of the inauguration. “I’m excited to sing but once more for President of the USA and notably my pal Donald J. Trump.”
Greenwood mentioned the inauguration, his relationship with Trump and the “God Bless the USA Bibles” with the AP. This interview has been edited for readability and brevity.
AP: You carried out at Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017. Why was it essential for you to take action once more?
GREENWOOD: When the president was sworn in, it was on the Lincoln Memorial. That’s the second time — on the identical place — that I sang for a president. The primary time was (the) 41(st President) George H. W. Bush, which I sang on the Lincoln Memorial for his presidency as nicely, proper after he was sworn in. And I keep in mind (in 2017) President Trump came visiting to greet us and say thanks for my efficiency. And I say, ‘Congratulations on the following 4 years.’ And he stated, ‘No, Lee, it’s the following eight years.’ To be clear, there was a bit of time in between 2020 and 2025, however it’s now going to be eight years that he’s the president.
AP: How did your performances for Donald Trump differ after the assassination try?
GREENWOOD: The temper modified instantly after the assassination try.
After I wrote the track “God Bless the united statesA.,” there’s a line that claims, “I’d gladly rise up subsequent to you and defend her nonetheless at the moment.” That was meant that every one People would stand shoulder to shoulder to defend America and its freedom. I had no thought the fact examine can be “I’m truly standing subsequent to the person who’s going to be operating the nation.” It’s type of ironic that after writing that lyric — and having that be what it’s now — not simply Donald Trump’s track, however America’s track free for reaffirmation and for rehabilitation. Should you keep in mind after 2001, the terrorist attack, “God Bless the united statesA.” was performed in every single place.
AP: “God Bless the united statesA.” has develop into a staple of Donald Trump’s rallies.
GREENWOOD: When Donald Trump began utilizing my track, there was no dialog inside my camp or the Trump marketing campaign for months. I imply, I might watch him … take the stage and I’d get this barrage of emails and texts. “Are you aware that Donald Trump is utilizing your track?” “Sure, I do.” However they by no means reached out and stated, “Can we?” or “Would you like me to try this?” or not. There was no dialog about that till they reached out and principally stated, “We wish you to sing stay for the president.” After which, after all, I began doing that as a result of I consider that he’s the precise man for the job.
AP: When did you meet Donald Trump?
GREENWOOD: My spouse Kim is a former Miss Tennessee USA. And he or she accepted the chief directorship of the Miss Tennessee USA pageant in 1992 after we had been married. And so, she labored for Donald Trump for 21 years. That affiliation, after all, would trigger a number of conferences with Donald Trump when he was only a businessman, and he owned Miss Universe. … That has modified palms a number of occasions. However Kim nonetheless is a director of Miss Tennessee, Miss Georgia and Miss Mississippi USA pageants for Miss Universe. And we’ve had nice success with it through the years. However that that type of provides you perception to how Donald Trump and I first turned related. After which (I) began singing for his marketing campaign and have become mates.
AP: What’s the again story behind the Bibles?
Lee: It was our thought from the very starting, as we round-tabled it — my spouse and I and my administration crew. … I believe it happened as a result of I used to be singing at swearing in ceremonies for brand spanking new residents. … We received to speaking about how a lot it means for a brand new immigrant to know concerning the Structure and the Declaration of Independence. … It’s the King James Model of the Bible. However we put these paperwork, the Structure, Invoice of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance (within the Bible.)
I mentioned it with our pastor at church earlier than we ever endeavored into the manufacturing of it. And he stated, “, any approach we are able to convey folks to Christ.” He stated, “I believe it is a excellent model of it and an endorsement of our nation as nicely.”
AP: Did you go into enterprise with Donald Trump? Is it a licensing settlement?
GREENWOOD: My licensing settlement is with the producer. President Trump has his personal take care of the producer as nicely.
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