Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 9, 1993 TAG: 9312080085
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK MORRISON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It fits the flag-waving, gift-giving wholesome image that Greenwood has cultivated for a decade and developed into one of the more loyal followings in country music.
Greenwood will bring his Merry Christmas America concert to the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium tonight.
The show will not be all sleigh bells, reindeer and fa-la-la's, however. Greenwood will still include many of his best-known songs, including his perpetually patriotic signature, "God Bless The U.S.A."
In fact, the Christmas concert, according to his publicist, basically will be Greenwood's regular show with a half-dozen Christmas carols added for yuletide spirit.
The stage also will be decorated for the holiday with Christmas trees, garland, fake snow and special lighting.
Otherwise, it will be Greenwood in his everyday glory.
As an all-American, he cemented his standing in 1984 with the release of "God Bless The U.S.A.," which earned Song of the Year honors from the Country Music Association and later became the unofficial national anthem for troops serving in the Persian Gulf War.
In 1992, Greenwood recorded the album, "American Patriot," which included his takes on "The Star Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
As a tribute to his patriotic standing, Greenwood was invited in October to the Fort Campbell, Ky., homecoming for Michael Durant, the Army pilot who was held captive in Somalia.
He also has received the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Patriot Award, as well as other honors from the Points of Light Foundation, the Air Force, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
But before all the stars and stripes, Greenwood was already a popular country crooner, notable for such songs as "I.O.U.," "Somebody's Gonna Love You" and "You've Got A Good Love Comin'," among others. For both 1983 and 1984, he was named the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year.
Before that, he paid his dues as a Las Vegas lounge singer, learning to play 10 instruments. He also wrote commercial jingles, including the "McDonald's and You" theme.
Christmas won't be the end to Greenwood's holiday celebration, however. On Dec. 31, he will host TNN's New Year's Eve show at Sea World in Florida - and wish America a happy new year.
by CNB