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Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century. A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs have been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird “Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, one of McLean’s four handwritten manuscripts of the lyrics to “American Pie” was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Now in 2020, Don signed a recording contract with Time Life/Warner Bros. Records to release his catalog of recordings as well as the much anticipated new album Still Playin’ Favorites, which will be released in the Fall. “American Pie” will be featured in the Avenger’s Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie BIOS and much more to be announced. And when you think things are slowing down, not so for Don McLean! 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of American Pie with a World Tour to follow.
DON MCLEAN’S ‘AMERICAN PIE’: DOCUMENTARY, STAGE PLAY AND BOOK IN THE WORKS
50 years after he wrote the song, Don McLean is ready to tell the story of “American Pie.”
The singer-songwriter has announced plans for a feature documentary, “The Day The Music Died: The Story Behind Don McLean’s American Pie,” set for release at the end of 2021.
The project will also inform a new stage play that will revolve around McLean’s deep catalog (which includes “Vincent,” “Castles in the Air” and “Wonderful Baby”), as well as a children’s book based on his most famous song.
There’s good reason for all of this activity. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of “American Pie,” an eight-and-a-half-minute epic that chronicled – somewhat cryptically – the politics, youth culture and defining events of the ’50s and ’60s.
“American Pie” Madonna Style Celebrates 20th Anniversary
As many people know, there are some songs that are considered classics. So when another artist covers a classic song, it can either turn out to be a hit (Whitney Houston covers Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’) or it could be a dud (Jessica Simpson covering Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Are Made For Walkin’’).
One song that would be considered both, depending on who you talk to, is Madonna’s take on “American Pie” by Don McLean.
Fellow Singer/Songwriters and Friends Remember and Mourn the Loss of Rock ‘N’ Roll Icon Little Richard
Grammy Award winning, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member, Little Richard, the mastermind behind legendary hits “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up,” “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Tutti Frutti” and many more, has passed away at the age of 87. Little Richard’s music broke racial barriers and his impressionable style shattered all that was standard. The eccentric star paved the way for other stand-out acts with his unique nature, flamboyant flair and inspiring innovations to culture. With an unmatched career of stellar achievements, the musical giant leaves behind an unforgettable legacy. Little Richard was not only a distinct entertainer but a friend to many in the music industry.
USA Today Premieres “Legendary Tips and Guitar Secrets with Don McLean”
Songwriter Hall of Fame member and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean continues to be creative, even in times of quarantine. McLean, always wanting to help others, took to his iPhone and made a very special video showcasing unique tips and techniques on playing the guitar, songwriting and live performances. Teaming with USA Today, this exclusive video release is available.
Don McLean To Be The Focus Of The Big Interview With Dan Rather, Premiering Wednesday, May 20th At 9pm ET / 6pm PT On AXS TV
Songwriter Hall of Fame member and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean joins Dan Rather for a special evening, opening up about what has shaped and defined him as an artist, fellow superstar influences, and the making of Recording Industry of America (RIAA) top 5 song of the 20th Century “American Pie,” in this exclusive look at an all-new episode of The Big Interview—airing Wednesday, May 20 at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
Don McLean Inks Recording Deal With Time Life
Songwriter Hall of Fame member Don McLean has amassed a plethora of albums throughout his 50-year career, which began in 1969, and quickly soared his status to stardom with the 1971 release of American Pie. Now, in 2020, many of the recordings which has been unavailable on any digital platform will soon be released through a new recording and distribution agreement with Time Life, which is distributed through the WEA/Warner Bros. distribution system.
#AmericanPie Trends After Tyson Fury Sings Don McLean’s Classic Following Win Over Deontay Wilder
Tyson Fury may be one of the great boxers of the modern era, but he is also a showman. When it comes to putting on a show, few places are more suited to the role than Las Vegas. Few men revel in the role more than the Gypsy King.
Having dismantled Deontay Wilder in seven rounds to claim the WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday night, the Gypsy King swapped boxing gloves for a microphone.
‘The Song – Recorded Live @ TGL Farms’ To Feature Don McLean And His Hit Songs In 30 Minute TV Show
Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriters Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) as a top 5 song of the 20th Century. His creative works “Castles In The Air,” “Vincent,” and “American Pie” will be the focus of a full episode of The Song – Recorded Live @ TGL Farms tv show during its inaugural season that will air beginning this week. Check local listings for air times. The Song airs in national syndication across America. Broadcast dates & times will vary by market. Find your local station by using the station finder at thesong.tv.
Jack Black Channels Don McLean During Music Themed Episode Of National Geographic’s ‘Brain Games’
The Emmy-nominated Nat Geo’s Brain Games featured Jack Black as mentalist Lior Suchard was getting into his mind during the music themed episode which aired this week. Seen in the clip here: screenrant.com/jack-black-brain-games-mentalist-clip watch as Jack Black and his Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass learn how music affects the brain. Wonder what song he was channeling?? Well, it was none other than Don McLean’s “American Pie”!
Don McLean Joins Styx, Blue Öyster Cult, Warrant, Lita Ford, Walter Trout, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush and More For Rock Legends Cruise IX Sailing February 18-22, 2021
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Since 2010, Native American Heritage Association (NAHA) have chartered an entire Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship, and created a historic rock festival at sea known as Rock Legends Cruise (a “cruise for a cause”). Now in...