The late President Ronald Reagan's hidden songwriting talent is being revealed with the upcoming release of two new patriotic songs. Country music stars Lee Greenwood and Sara Evans will be releasing these tracks, co-written by Reagan and record producer Mike Curb decades ago.
Curb, founder of Curb Records, recounted his collaboration with Reagan, which began in 1974 during Reagan's final year as California governor. Their shared involvement with Junior Achievement sparked a friendship and led to Reagan enlisting Curb's help in his presidential campaign. The infamous California traffic provided ample opportunity for the pair to write songs together during their travels.
Their first composition, "Together, a New Beginning," served as the theme song for the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit. Following Reagan's loss to Gerald Ford in the 1976 Republican primaries, they penned "God Has a Greater Plan," inspired by Nancy Reagan's words of comfort to her husband. A third song, originally titled "We Can Begin the World Over Again," with lyrics entirely by Reagan, was later revisited.
Years later, producer Mark Joseph introduced this song to Lee Greenwood, who adapted and retitled it "Let's Start the World Over Again." Greenwood retained some of Reagan's original lyrics, such as "beacon of freedom," while incorporating his own understanding of Reagan's legacy and patriotism. Greenwood emphasized the blend of Reagan's altruism and Curb's vision in the revitalized song.
Curb described the songs as a nostalgic reflection of a simpler time in American society, capturing Reagan's personality as an entertainer and a fair-minded individual. He also noted Reagan's pre-political career as a Hollywood actor, starring in over 50 films, further highlighting his creative background.
"Start the World Over Again" by Greenwood and "God Has a Greater Plan" by Sara Evans will be released as part of the soundtrack for the 2024 biopic "Reagan," starring Dennis Quaid.
