The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper

Vol. 10 No. 28 - April 14, 2010

FEATURE

Lee Greenwood to sing at Affaire

Anna Maria Island Sun News Story

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LEE GREENWOOD
Lee Greenwood is best known for his patriotic ballad, "God Bless the U.S.A."

Country artist Lee Greenwood will perform four songs at the Community Center’s annual dinner auction, the Affaire to Remember on Saturday, April 24.

"We are extremely excited and honored to have a famed American patriarch and legendary country music star like Lee supporting the children and families of this wonderful community at our auction,” Assistant Director Scott Dell said. “We hope everyone will join us in supporting the Center and pack the hall.”

Greenwood is best known for his patriotic ballad, “God Bless the U.S.A,” which has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America. However, it is only one of the many hits that have propelled Greenwood’s successful career.

With his distinctive voice, insightful songwriting and unparalleled showmanship, Greenwood has been captivating audiences for decades. He has won numerous accolades including two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association and the CMA Song of the Year honor in 1985 for “God Bless the USA.”

He won the Top Male Vocal Performance in 1983 for “I.O.U.” His lengthy string of hits includes such classics as “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose)” and “Dixie Road.”

“I think my choice of material has been an asset to my career,” Greenwood said. “People recognize that I choose songs that have quality and are not cheap shots. I always record songs that have more depth in the lyric.

“I’m just not the kind of guy to sing something cute. I’m a songwriter and I go for depth. Maybe that’s what has made me have a lasting career.”

In 1996, he opened the Lee Greenwood Theater in Sevierville, Tennessee, a booming tourist town in the Smoky Mountains. Then after five years, he opted to leave the Smoky Mountains and resume touring nationally.

He is currently working on an album of pop standards such as Ray Charles’ classic “I’m Busted” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” as well as a new country album.

“This is more than a come back album,” he said. “This is more like a reinstatement of my talent. Even at this age, I can still do this effectively and this will be an album for all generations.

“I’ve been a musician and a singer since I was seven years old. It’s always something that brought me joy and because I have joy in my heart for doing it, I spread the joy to other people.

Every couple attending the Affaire will receive an autographed copy of Greenwood's greatest hits CD donated by the Harrington House.

The Affair begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and the silent auction. Dinner will be followed by Greenwood’s performance and then the live auction. The evening concludes with an after gala dance with D.J Chris Grumley spinning the tunes.

Tickets are $150 per person; tables of eight are available. For tickets or to donate or be a sponsor, call Sharon at 778-1908, ext. 9203.


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