Throughout the 1970s Don McLean maintained a large and loyal Dutch and UK fan base. His frequent concert tours to both countries were always sold out meaning it was no surprise when Don returned to number 1 in 1980 with his recording of Roy Orbison and Joe Melson’s...
Don McLean’s debut album Tapestry was issued by Mediarts in 1969. Following the takeover of Mediarts by United Artists and the success of American Pie, United Artists relaunched the album in 1971. This album remains a landmark in Don McLean’s career and contains...
McLean wrote “Vincent,” also known as “Starry, Starry Night,” in the fall of 1970, while he was working for the Berkshire School District. He was living in the Sedgwick House, a beautiful Federal style house in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The Sedgwick family included...
“American Pie” is partly biographical and partly the story of America during the idealized 1950s and the bleaker 1960s. It was initially inspired by Don’s memories of being a paperboy in 1959 and learning of the death of Buddy Holly. “American Pie” presents an...
This is an early recording of Don singing “American Pie” unearthed from the archives of WMUC radio, a student run station at the University of Maryland. The station believes the recording originates from spring 1971, well before the song was released for sale as a...
For about seven years from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s I knew the Seegers (Pete and Toshi) about as well as anybody. I worked with Pete Seeger frequently. He was very generous and encouraging at a time in my life when it meant a great deal to me. However, there...
Recent Comments