Legendary country music star Lee Greenwood is set to perform his iconic anthem, 'God Bless the U.S.A.,' during the pre-race festivities for the South Point 400 NASCAR Playoffs event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This performance marks a significant moment in the event, which is part of the annual Fall NASCAR weekend at LVMS.
Greenwood, known for his powerful and patriotic music, has a rich history in Las Vegas. He began his career working as both a dealer and lounge singer for Michael Gaughan, the current owner of the South Point, at the now-defunct Royal Inn on Convention Center Drive in Las Vegas. Between 1973 and 1976, Greenwood dealt most of the games in the casino, and in 1979, he was hired to play in the gazebo just below the Folies Bergere showroom at the Tropicana. It was during this time that his first single entered the country music charts.
A Southern California native, Greenwood started his musical journey singing in church at the age of seven. He began as a saxophonist and guitarist in several bands before launching his solo career in 1982. His breakout success came two years later with the release of 'God Bless the U.S.A.,' a song that resonated deeply with Americans during a time of social and economic challenges. The song has become a symbol of unity, pride, and gratitude.
Greenwood has been nominated for and won numerous prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award for Male Country Vocal Performance in 1984. Earlier this year, he was honored with the film 'An All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood,' which featured special guests like Dolly Parton, Paula Deen, and Kid Rock performing his top hits to celebrate his success and support U.S. veterans.
South Point 400 and Fall NASCAR Weekend
The South Point 400 is part of an exciting Fall NASCAR weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For the third year in a row, LVMS will offer a FREE Friday event, which will kick off with a NASCAR Cup Hauler Parade around the speedway on Friday afternoon, October 18. This will be followed by Xfinity practice and qualifying later that day. The racing action on Friday will conclude with the zMax CARS Tour West Star Nursery Classic at the iconic Bullring, where tickets are available for as low as $20 during pre-sale, and kids 12 and under can attend for free.
Saturday's events will include Cup Series qualifying in the early afternoon, followed by the Ambetter Health 302 NASCAR Xfinity Series race. The weekend will culminate with Sunday's South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. Tickets for the weekend and single-day events are still available, with Sunday tickets for kids 12 and under priced at just $10 and free on Friday and Saturday with the advance purchase of an adult ticket.
Lee Greenwood's performance of 'God Bless the U.S.A.' will add a special touch to the pre-race festivities, reflecting his long-standing connection to the city and his enduring impact on American music. For more information on the South Point 400 and to purchase tickets, visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway website or call 1-800-644-4444.
Greenwood's career is a testament to his dedication and talent, earning him a place in the hearts of many music fans. His music, particularly 'God Bless the U.S.A.,' has become an integral part of American culture, much like other iconic patriotic songs such as 'America the Beautiful' and 'The Star-Spangled Banner' (The Star-Spangled Banner).
