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New archival album captures 10 previously unheard rehearsal performances recorded in 1984 ahead of McLean’s historic Carnegie Hall appearance with The Jordanaires
Companion ‘Rehearsal Series: Carnegie Hall’ launches weekly on YouTube beginning May 2, 2026
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean is opening the vault to share a remarkable musical time capsule with fans around the world. In partnership with StarVista Music, McLean released ‘Don McLean & The Jordanaires: Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall’ on Friday, May 1, 2026 — a newly unearthed archival collection featuring 10 previously unheard rehearsal recordings captured in 1984 as McLean prepared for his celebrated appearance at Carnegie Hall alongside the legendary Jordanaires.
Recorded in Garrison, New York, these intimate performances document an extraordinary meeting of musical voices: McLean’s unmistakable storytelling and melodic craftsmanship joined by the rich, instantly recognizable harmonies of The Jordanaires, whose vocal legacy is woven into the fabric of American music.
Originally filmed as a reference for the upcoming Carnegie Hall concert, the recordings have now been newly remastered and assembled into a release that offers fans a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry, spontaneity, and chemistry that defined the collaboration.
The first release from the project, “Crying (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall),” is available now on streaming platforms. In addition, fans will be able to experience the rehearsal footage through the ‘Rehearsal Series: Carnegie Hall’ on McLean’s official YouTube channel, with new videos premiering every Saturday at 7:00 a.m. ET from May 2 through July 11, 2026.
“These recordings take me right back to that moment in time,” said Don McLean. “There was something very special about hearing my songs come alive in the room with The Jordanaires. They brought such warmth, soul, and history to everything they touched. What you hear on ‘Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall’ is real music in its purest form — unguarded, heartfelt, and full of life. I’m thrilled that people finally get to hear and see this chapter of my journey.”
More than just a rehearsal document, the project stands as an enduring snapshot of musical history — a raw and revealing look at seasoned artists shaping a major performance together. The collection blends some of McLean’s best-known songs with fan favorites and deeper cuts, all imbued with the easy grace and emotional authenticity of a live room performance.
“At StarVista Music, we’re always looking for projects that offer both musical excellence and genuine historical value, and this release delivers both in a powerful way,” said Tom Hemesath, VP of Sales, StarVista Music. “‘Don McLean & The Jordanaires: Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall’ is more than an album — it’s a rare archival treasure that captures an iconic artist in an intimate and inspired creative moment. We’re proud to partner with Don to bring these performances to longtime fans and new listeners alike.”
Please enjoy these never-before-seen clips of Don McLean and The Jordanaires rehearsing in Garrison, New York, for their historic 1984 Carnegie Hall performance.
Blending McLean’s timeless folk-pop sensibility with the Jordanaires’ signature Nashville harmonies, the project offers a rare and captivating portrait of two enduring musical legacies coming together.
‘Don McLean & The Jordanaires: Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall’ track listing:
- Crying (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) LISTEN | WATCH (Posted Saturday, May 2nd)
- Dig A Little Deeper (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) LISTEN | May 9
- It Doesn't Matter Anymore (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | May 16
- It's Just The Sun (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | May 23
- Jerusalem (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | May 30
- Believers (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | June 6
- Left For Dead on the Road of Love (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) LISTEN | June 13
- Love Hurts (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | June 20
- Tulsa Time/Deep In The Heart Of Texas (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | June 27
- Your Cheatin’ Heart (Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall) - LISTEN | July 11
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD ‘Don McLean & The Jordanaires: Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall’ HERE: lnk.to/RehearsalsForCarnegieHall
WATCH ‘REHEARSAL SERIES: CARNEGIE HALL’ HERE: youtube.com/@DonMcLeanOnline/videos
About Don McLean:
Don McLean is one of America’s most revered singer-songwriters, best known for his iconic anthem “American Pie,” which remains one of the most celebrated and analyzed songs in popular music history. His catalog includes enduring classics such as “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “And I Love You So,” and “Castles in the Air,” among many others. McLean’s songs have been recorded by artists across genres and generations, and his influence continues to resonate across American music and culture. For more information, visit donmclean.com.
About StarVista Music:
With years of experience distributing entertainment-based content and live entertainment through its sister company, StarVista LIVE, StarVista Music is a trusted and effective label partner. The company provides world-class resources including multi-channel marketing, publicity, promotion, in-house creative expertise, and long-standing industry relationships and partnerships built over its history.
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Social copy:
@TheDonMcLean and StarVista Music release ‘Don McLean & The Jordanaires: Rehearsals For Carnegie Hall,’ an archival collection of newly unearthed 1984 rehearsal recordings captured ahead of Don’s Carnegie Hall performance with The Jordanaires. Plus, new videos premiere every Saturday at 7am ET on YouTube.
Listen: lnk.to/RehearsalsForCarnegieHall
Watch: youtube.com/@DonMcLeanOnline/videos
