Lee Greenwood is scheduled to perform on the summer stage at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. Best known for his patriotic song, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” Lee Greenwood’s prestigious career spans more than three decades. Tickets are $15 and are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Tioga Towns gift shop. For additional information, visit Tioga Downs on Facebook, Twitter, or visit tiogadowns.com. (Photo courtesy of Webster P.R.)
Country music superstar Lee Greenwood is scheduled to perform on the summer stage at Tioga Downs on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group (STVSG). Jeff Gural, CEO of American Racing and Entertainment and owner of Tioga Downs, has pledged to match every ticket sold.
Covering a territory of nine counties within the southern tier of New York and northeast Pennsylvania, STVSG partners with approximately 70 area organizations, which in turn offer assistance and multiple services to veterans, service members and their families.
Best known for his patriotic song, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” Lee Greenwood’s prestigious career spans more than three decades. Greenwood has released 30 albums, which includes 25 singles and seven number one songs on the charts. An interesting fact for fans, Greenwood, a California native, was the drum major in his high school marching band and by an early age was an accomplished musician of multiple instruments, most notably the piano and saxophone.
Originally discovered by the bandleader of country music pioneer Mel Tillis, Lee Greenwood’s remarkable career includes winning Male Vocalist of the year from the Academy of Country Music, two awards from the Country Music Association as Male Vocalist of the Year, and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance, among other industry awards.
Greenwood received an award from the Country Music Association for writing his signature song, “God Bless the U.S.A,” which has since been voted the most recognized patriotic song in America, and is even used in a Homeland Security film for swearing-in new U.S. citizens. A modern-day national anthem so-to-speak, the song made music history when it topped the country singles charts three times in 1991, 2001 and 2003, a reflection of its powerful lyrics and emotional attachment.
Written in 1983, Greenwood’s signature song is just as popular today as it was when it was first introduced. From his public relations firm, Greenwood is quoted as saying, “I wanted to write a song that would unite Americans and instill pride back in the United States. The song represents my family, my community and those men and women who have paid the price for the freedoms we all love and enjoy.” Greenwood’s father was a World War II veteran, and throughout his career he has shared his patriotic qualities by performing for charitable events and participates with other organizations and fundraisers.
An accomplished author, a new venture for Greenwood is penning a children’s book, released over Memorial Day weekend this year, and entitled, “Proud to Be an American.” In honor of those who fight for our freedom, the book, which includes the lyrics to “God Bless the U.S.A.”, was written with the goal of sharing Greenwood’s pride and patriotism with our nation’s youth. Available nationwide at various booksellers, Greenwood’s book has since reached number one status in multiple categories on Amazon.com.
About the book, Greenwood is quoted as saying, “I felt it was time to give the next generation something to hold and read. It tells in a very simple way why it is good to be an American and why we should be proud of it.”
Greenwood recently released a new album compilation, which features ten of his most memorable tracks. Classics like “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands,” “Dixie Road,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Hearts Aren’t Made To Break, They’re Made To Love,” “Time After Time,” among others, are just a few of the fan-favorite songs that concertgoers will look forward to hearing at his Tioga Downs show.
Tickets for Lee Greenwood are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Tioga Downs Gift Shop for $15. All proceeds benefit the STVSG; follow them on Facebook and check out their website at stvsg.org. Follow Lee Greenwood on Facebook, Twitter, or on the web at leegreenwood.com. Follow Tioga Downs on Facebook or Twitter, or visit their website, tiogadowns.com.
Also that evening, a newly established organization initiated by Stray Haven Humane Society, and recently chartered as a local “Pets for Vets” organization will be on hand with information.
