Country music staple Lee Greenwood announced he is releasing his take on classic Christmas songs just in time for the holiday season. The album, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”s is expected to hit retailers in the coming weeks − it’s already available on the Lee Greenwood website − and will be a must have for both Greenwood fans and collectors of Christmas music.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” will be released on Country Crossing Records and is Greenwood’s first release since his 2003 CD “Stronger than Time.”
Greenwood is best known for his patriotic hit “God Bless the USA” for which he was awarded the Country Music Award Male Vocalist of the Year as well as Song of the Year. But his career has spanned the last 30 years and included country music chart-toppers such as “Going, Going, Gone,” “Dixie Road,” and “I Don't Mind the Thorns (If You're the Rose).”
The success of “God Bless the USA” launched Greenwood into country music stardom and earned him fan devotion as well as a reputation as a member of the patriotic faithful. He’s since been a supporter of serviceman overseas and does a lot of promotions for patriotic causes.
Greenwood Branches Out
With “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Greenwood makes his second leap into traditional Christmas carols and hymns. It is not really a departure for the now staple artist as his songs have always attempted to appeal to the heartland values of his core fans.
But the new holiday album is also a nod to the wider, non-country music audience who might be less familiar with his music.
This is Greenwood’s first Christmas album in nearly 25 years. His previous release, “Christmas to Christmas” came on the heels of the immense success of “God Bless the USA” in 1985. Since then he’s stuck predominantly with touring and recording other material.
Christmas Songs
In addition to the title track, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” contains the lighthearted “We Need a Little Christmas” but knowing what he does best has kept Greenwood in the country music spotlight for 30 years.
The result is a focus on more inspirational songs such as “What Child is This,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and a medley joining “Joy To The World” with “Hark The Herald Angels Sing.”
Early press on the CD calls Greenwood’s vocals jubilant and claim the balladeer has not lost his ability to use his soulful voice to convey strength.
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