Celebrating America's 250th Birthday with LEE GREENWOOD — The Story of God Bless The U.S.A.

Celebrating America's 250th Birthday with LEE GREENWOOD — The Story of God Bless The U.S.A.

Author: Contagious, Inc. July 1, 2026 Duration: 37:02

Is there anything more synonymous with patriotic pride than "God Bless The U.S.A."? As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th birthday of our nation, we're bringing back this fan favorite — originally released on Veterans Day 2022 — because Lee Greenwood and this song belong on every American holiday playlist.

Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the Grammy award-winning artist to reflect on the song's remarkable 40-year journey — from being written in the back of a tour bus in 1983 to becoming the only song ever charted in the top five across all genres of music. Lee shares stories from nearly 300 days a year on the road, performing at two presidential inaugurations at the Lincoln Memorial, touring with Bob Hope on his final USO Christmas tour, and what it felt like to watch "God Bless The U.S.A." surge back to the top after 9/11 and the Gulf War.

They also dig into Lee's nonprofit work with Helping a Hero — a Houston-based foundation that has built over 200 specially adapted homes for wounded warriors — and the story behind the limited edition "God Bless The U.S.A. Bible," a leather-bound King James Bible featuring Lee's handwritten chorus lyrics alongside the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Pledge of Allegiance.

This Fourth of July Lee's message rings as true as ever: America is the greatest country on the planet — and faith, unity, and hope will always carry us through.

#leegreenwood #godblessthesua #america250 #july4 #keepthefaith #davidsams #contagiousinfluencer


The conversations found in CIA: Contagious Influencers of America are not your typical interviews. Hosted by nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, this podcast digs into the raw, human stories behind the people shaping culture from a foundation of faith. Each episode is a deep exploration of personal history, focusing on how guests-from artists and musicians to spiritual leaders and everyday pioneers-navigated profound challenges. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of battling addiction, confronting fear, and turning perceived failures into fuel for a meaningful life. The dialogue naturally unfolds to reveal how spirituality and creativity intertwine, offering listeners more than just inspiration; it provides a blueprint for resilience. This isn't about surface-level success stories. It's about the gritty, often unseen work of moving mountains, whether that work happens on a stage, in a studio, or within the quiet corners of one's own journey. The podcast creates a space where vulnerability is strength, and where the lessons learned in overcoming obstacles resonate with anyone seeking to make a tangible difference in their own world. Tune in for authentic conversations that examine the heart of influence, where faith meets action and music underscores the message of hope.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
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