Lee Greenwood Perfomrs with Spokane Symphony May 7

Apr 21, 2005

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 509-326-3136

LEE GREENWOOD PERFORMS WITH SPOKANE SYMPHONY MAY 7

Spokane Country music singer Lee Greenwood will join the Spokane Symphony under the direction of Associate Conductor Morihiko Nakahara in a concert to salute the recently returning military troops on Saturday, May 7, at 8 p.m. in the Spokane Opera House.

Lee Greenwood, internationally acclaimed and appropriately identified with patriotism in the entertainment industry, gained his success the old-fashioned way: He earned it, one rung up the ladder at a time. In 1983, after years of struggling to gain recognition in the music industry, his song God Bless The USA singularly transported Greenwood far beyond the ranks of stardom to a niche in America's pop culture that remains his alone.

In the 20th year anniversary of its release, God Bless The USA was voted online by Americans as the most recognizable patriotic song in the nation, besting God Bless America and the National Anthem as the modern national anthem of the common man.

Like many great careers, Greenwood had humble beginnings on a farm near Sacramento, California. He began honing his musical abilities in junior high school, learning to play most of the instruments in the orchestra by age 14. Both of his parents were musicians, and he followed in their footsteps from an early age. He was quick to acquire the musical and business skills that would prove necessary for his life as an entertainer.

Greenwood was embraced by country music audiences who appreciated his powerful vocals and energetic show. His feel for country music, coupled with his electrifying performances, quickly established him as a major artist. Only two years after the release of his debut album, he won the coveted Country Music Association's Male Vocalist of the Year award. He won the same award again, as well as a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance the following year.

Greenwood won the 1984 ACM Male Vocalist of the Year award. His first three albums achieved gold status, and his Greatest Hits quickly went platinum. In 1985, a less publicized facet of his talent was recognized when the CMA awarded him Song of the Year honors for penning both the words and music to "God Bless The USA."

The staying power of this dynamic performer throughout 20 successful touring years remains evident in every Lee Greenwood show. Thirty albums, numerous TV appearances, and hundreds of radio interviews are all vehicles through which this tireless performer maintains his visibility with the public. His celebrity tours with the United Services Organization (USO), including his most recent USO tour in September 2003, are one of the many high-profile charity organizations to which he donates his time.

His performances continue to be as in-demand as his music. He has been called upon to perform at numerous events and on national television programs. Other recent highlights within include appearances at The Prayer service at Yankee Stadium, a moving a cappella performance for the rescue workers at Ground Zero, the nationally televised Thanksgiving Day parade in Detroit, Game 4 of the 2001 World Series, Regis and Kelly, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and many more. He continues to maintain a rigorous touring schedule, including visits to military bases and performances at government functions, including the Veteran's Day ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

This final SuperPops concert of the season is underwritten by Global Credit Union and KHQ TV.

Tickets are $17, $25, $33 and $38. Tickets are available in advance without service charge at the Spokane Symphony ticket office, 818 W. Riverside, Suite100, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or at spokanesympony.org.

CALENDAR LISTING:
Lee Greenwood and the Spokane Symphony, Saturday, May 7. Tickets are $17, $25, $33 and $38. Tickets are available in advance without service charge at the Spokane Symphony ticket office, 818 W. Riverside, Suite100, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or at spokanesympony.org.