Don McLean: Difference between revisions

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{{quote| ''Bye-bye, Miss American Pie''}}

By far best known for "American Pie" (which was voted Number 5 of the 365 Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of American and the National Endowment for the Arts), '''Don McLean''' (October 2, 1945 - ) is an influential folk-rock singer/songwriter. He reached the height of his success in the 70s with his album, ''American Pie'', which contained the titular hit as well as the other notable single, "Vincent."

"American Pie" was written in memory of [[Buddy Holly (Music)|Buddy Holly]], Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, who were killed in a plane crash in 1959. The song popularized the phrase "The Day the Music Died" in reference to the event. The lyrics also reflect the impact that event had on McLean's childhood and the song is semi-autobiographical in nature. It reached number one on the charts for four weeks in 1972 and holds the record for the longest song to occupy that slot, with a run time of 8 minutes 36 seconds (though only half the song was on the A-side; the other half was on the B-side).

After "American Pie," McLean continued to write and perform songs. He found further success in the UK, but never again saw such popularity in the States. He is known for covering the songs of [[Buddy Holly (Music)|Buddy Holly]], for obvious reasons, and also [[Roy Orbison (Music)|Roy Orbison]]--his substantial vocal range fits Orbison's repertoire well.

* [[Go Mad Fromfrom the Revelation]] - Similar to the Total Perspective Vortex from ''[[The HitchhikersHitchhiker's Guide to Thethe Galaxy]]'', "Infinity" appears to be about being confronted by the [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet|smallness of Earth in the universe]].

* [[Three Chords and Thethe Truth]]

[[Category:Musicians{{PAGENAME}}]]