October 18, 2021by Lorie Hollabaugh
Lee Greenwood. Photo: Josh D. Adams
Lee Greenwood was honored on Oct. 12 in a special tribute concert at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama celebrating his 40-year career.
Artists on hand for the celebration, which was the third-highest grossing event in Von Braun Center history, included Gavin DeGraw, Debby Boone, Sam Moore, Michael W. Smith, Scott Stapp (of Creed), Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, The Gatlin Brothers, Janie Fricke, and more.
During the tribute, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Sam Moore and T. Graham Brown performed a star-studded collaboration of “Soul Man,” while DeGraw gave his version of the Greenwood hit “I.O.U.” and Brice sang “I Don’t Mind The Thorns When You’re the Rose.” Additionally, The Oak Ridge Boys performed their signature hit “Elvira” and Boone sang “You Light Up My Life.” The night ended with the entire ensemble of guests singing the beloved hit “God Bless the USA.”
Lee Greenwood. Photo: Josh D. Adams
“When Lee Greenwood announced that he wanted to host his All-Star Salute tribute concert in the Von Braun Center Propst Arena, we were ecstatic,” says Von Braun Center Director of Marketing and Public Relations Samantha Nielsen. “We knew the event would be hugely successful–not just for the VBC, but for the entire city of Huntsville and North Alabama… We will continue seeing benefits from hosting this event in Huntsville because there are still three 1-hour television specials from the Lee Greenwood tribute concert that will be aired nationally in 2022.”
In addition to great music on stage, Louis and Patti Breland of Breland Homes bestowed keys to two veterans and their families–SFC Scott Barkelow, USA (Ret) and SSG Michael Brown, USA–through a special partnership with Lee Greenwood and the Helping a Hero organization.
Andy Wickstrom, President of Henry Repeating Arms, presented three veterans, GySgt Brad Wallace, Sgt Michael Price, and MSG Ken Knight, with the Henry Military Service Tribute firearms in recognition of all who answer the call of duty. Greenwood was also presented with The New Original Henry Silver Deluxe Engraved Edition firearm.