- published: 10 Jul 2007
- views: 12157622
Melvin Lee Greenwood (born October 27, 1942) is an American country music artist. Active since 1962, he has released more than twenty major-label albums and has charted more than 35 singles on the Billboard country music charts.
Greenwood is best known for his single and signature song "God Bless the USA", which was very popular back when it was originally released in 1984, and became popular again after the September 11, 2001 attacks (becoming his highest charting pop hit, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100). He also has charted seven No. 1 hits in his career: "Somebody's Gonna Love You", "Going, Going, Gone", "Dixie Road", "I Don't Mind the Thorns (If You're the Rose)", "Don't Underestimate My Love For You", "Hearts Aren't Made to Break (They're Made to Love)", and "Mornin' Ride". His 1983 single "I.O.U." was also a top five hit on the adult contemporary charts, and a No. 53 on the Hot 100.
Greenwood was born in Los Angeles, California. After the separation of his parents, he grew up near Sacramento on the poultry farm of his maternal grandparents. At the age of seven, he started singing in church. In 1969, he joined the Chester Smith Band and had his first television appearance. A short time later, he worked with the country musician Del Reeves.
This land is your land
This land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the gulf stream water
This land was made for you and me
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me a voice was chanting
This land was made for you and me
(chorus)
This land is your land
This land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood forest to the gulf stream water
This land was made for you and me
(chorus)