Lee Greenwood: The Man Behind "God Bless The USA"

How Much Is Lee Greenwood Worth?

Let me tell you about Lee Greenwood. This legendary American country music star has a net worth of $5 million. If you’ve ever heard "God Bless the USA," you know exactly who I’m talking about. That song became his anthem and practically defined his career. Lee’s been making waves in the music world since 1962, with over 20 albums under his belt and more than 35 singles making it onto the "Billboard" country music charts. "God Bless the USA" hit the charts in 1984 and skyrocketed to number 16 after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. But let’s not forget his other chart-topping hits like "Going, Going, Gone," "Somebody's Gonna Love Me," "Dixie Road," and many more. He even served on the National Council of the Arts under President George W. Bush. Lee also opened his own theater in Sevierville, Tennessee, where he performed for years. Today, he’s married to Kimberly Payne, a former Miss Tennessee USA, and they have two sons together. This man’s life is as rich as his music.

From Farm to Fame: Lee’s Early Years

Lee Greenwood wasn’t always the big-name country star we know today. He was born on October 27, 1942, in South Gate, California. Growing up in Sacramento, California, on a farm with his grandparents, Lee discovered his love for music at a young age. By the time he was seven years old, he was already singing in church. Little did he know, those early performances would set the stage for an incredible career in music. His journey began right there, on that farm, with a voice that would one day touch millions.

Building a Music Empire

From The Apollos to Vegas Nights

Back in 1962, Lee Greenwood formed his first band, originally called The Apollos, which later became the Lee Greenwood Affair. They primarily played pop music and performed at casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. But Lee didn’t stop there. In 1969, he joined the Chester Smith Band, where he got his first taste of real success and even made it onto TV. When that band broke up in the '70s, Lee went back to Vegas, working as a blackjack dealer by day and singing by night. It wasn’t glamorous, but it kept him in the game.

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Breaking Into Country Music

Things really started to change for Lee in 1979. That’s when Larry McFaden, a bandleader and bassist for Mel Tillis, caught one of Lee’s performances at a club in Reno, Nevada. McFaden was blown away by Lee’s talent and encouraged him to make some demo tapes. Those tapes eventually led to Lee signing with the MCA label in 1981, with McFaden as his manager. His first single, "It Turns Me Inside Out," cracked the Top 20 on the country charts that same year. And then, in 1984, he released "God Bless the USA," which became not just a hit but a national anthem for millions of Americans. It’s a song that’s been played at everything from presidential campaigns to national celebrations.

Politics and Patriotism

Lee Greenwood’s music has always been tied to patriotism, and that extends into his personal life as well. In 2008, President George W. Bush nominated him for a six-year term on the National Council on the Arts. What was supposed to be a six-year stint turned into a 14-year run, thanks to some political wrangling. When Esperanza Spalding wasn’t confirmed for the position, Greenwood continued serving through both the Obama and Trump administrations until 2022, when Kamilah Forbes was finally confirmed. This led to some controversy among his supporters and within the Republican Party. Greenwood expressed his disappointment in an interview with "Fox and Friends," saying he felt blindsided by the Biden administration’s decision to replace him without a proper conversation.

In 2018, Lee took his patriotism to another level by publishing the "God Bless the USA Bible." This special edition Bible blends scripture with iconic American texts like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He even included handwritten lyrics from "God Bless the USA" throughout the book. It created a stir in 2024 when former President Donald Trump promoted a new edition of the Bible, linking it to his business ventures and political campaigns.

Life Beyond the Stage

Building a Legacy in Tennessee

After years of touring, Lee decided to take a break in 1995 to spend more time with his family. That’s when he had the idea to build a theater in Sevierville, Tennessee. In April 1996, the Lee Greenwood Theater opened its doors. It allowed him to perform daily shows while still being close to home. The theater ran for five successful seasons before Lee decided to hit the road again. Today, the building has been transformed into a church, continuing to serve the community in a different way.

Love and Family

Lee Greenwood’s personal life is as colorful as his career. He’s been married five times, including two stints with his first wife, Edna Greenwood. They eloped in Reno, Nevada, in 1960, divorced, remarried, and then divorced again. His current wife, Kimberly Payne, is a former Miss Tennessee USA and is 25 years younger than him. They tied the knot in 1992 and have two sons, Dalton and Parker. Lee also has four children from his earlier marriages. Family clearly means a lot to him, and it’s something he’s always prioritized alongside his music.

Real Estate Dreams

In 2004, Lee splurged on an 8,500-square-foot mansion in Franklin, Tennessee, paying $867,000 for the property. He gave fans a peek inside his luxurious home in 2015 when he hosted a tour for Open House TV. It’s a place where he can relax, reflect, and enjoy the fruits of his labor. For a man who’s spent decades on the road, having a place to call home is more than just a dream—it’s a necessity.

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