Don McLean, the celebrated singer known for his iconic hit “American Pie,” was born on Oct. 2, 1945, in New Rochelle, New York. His song “American Pie” was named one of the Top 5 Songs of the 20th Century in a poll by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. As a child, McLean developed a deep interest in music and began learning how to play music at an early age. He decided to pursue a career in music as a teenager and eventually earned a college degree in finance and philosophy in 1968 from Iona College.
McLean released his first album, “Tapestry,” in 1969, which received positive reviews and some commercial success. The album helped transform McLean from an unknown artist to an underground sensation, leading to performances in nightclubs and colleges. The album featured hit songs like “Castles in the Air” and “And I Love You So.” In 1971, he achieved mainstream success with the release of his second studio album, “American Pie,” which featured the titular song that became a cultural touchstone about the loss of innocence of the early rock ‘n’ roll generation.
“American Pie” quickly rose to the top of the Billboard chart in 1972, spending eight weeks on the charts. The song held the record for the longest No. 1 hit for nearly 50 years until it was surpassed by Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” in 2021. Despite not winning Grammy Awards when it was released, “American Pie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. McLean, in addition to his hit song, is known for other popular songs like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” and “Crying.”
McLean has accumulated over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide throughout his career. Many renowned musicians, including Madonna, have covered his songs. Madonna’s cover of “American Pie” entered the U.K. singles chart at No. 1 and achieved success in the U.S. McLean’s induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2004 further solidified his legacy in the music industry. He continues to tour as part of his “American Pie” 50th anniversary celebration, which has now exceeded the 50-year mark. Throughout his career, McLean has remained a beloved figure in the music world, with his timeless songs resonating with audiences across generations.
