Don McLean
Don McLean
Full Name and Common Aliases
Donald Lynn "Don" McLean is an American singer-songwriter and musician.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: October 2, 1945, in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Still active in music industry
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Singer-Songwriter, Musician
Early Life and Background
Don McLean grew up in a musical family in New England. His father was a saxophonist and his mother sang in church choirs. Don's early life was marked by exposure to jazz, folk, and pop music, which would later influence his style. He began playing the guitar at age 10 and started writing songs as a teenager.
Major Accomplishments
Don McLean has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades. His breakthrough came with the release of "American Pie" in 1971, which topped the charts for four weeks and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song's cryptic lyrics and soaring melody made it a cultural phenomenon, resonating with listeners across generations.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to "American Pie," Don McLean has released numerous albums and singles that have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Some notable works include:
"Castles in the Air" (1976)
"Tapestry" (1980)
* "Chain Lightning" (1984)
Don's music often explores themes of love, social commentary, and nostalgia. His distinctive vocal style and acoustic guitar-driven sound have been praised by critics and fans alike.
Impact and Legacy
Don McLean has had a profound impact on popular music. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, and his influence can be heard in many contemporary singer-songwriters. "American Pie" is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time, with its innovative structure and poignant lyrics continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Don McLean's music has become an integral part of American cultural heritage. His ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable has made him a beloved figure in the music industry. As a masterful storyteller, Don continues to weave tales through his lyrics, captivating audiences with his unique voice and perspective.
Don McLean's legacy extends beyond his own music. He has inspired countless musicians and helped shape the course of popular music. His commitment to creative expression and artistic integrity has earned him a devoted following and critical acclaim. As a testament to his enduring impact, Don McLean remains widely quoted and remembered as one of the most talented singer-songwriters of all time.
Quotes by Don McLean
Don McLean's insights on:
I've never done anything but what I wanted to do with my life. I don't think too many people can say that. I wrote the songs I wanted to write, for me. I had no idea that 'American Pie' would relate to anybody.
That song didn't just happen. It grew out of my experiences. 'American Pie' was part of my process of self-awakening: a mystical trip into my past.
No matter how happy or hopeful I am, I always tend to drift back to that. It's underneath all the music I've ever written... An artist is trying to tell you how he's feeling. And if that accidentally becomes entertaining, it becomes a career.
When people ask what 'American Pie' is about, they're missing the point. The song isn't about the lines themselves - it's about what is between the lines. The song is about what isn't there.
I was around in 1970, and now I am around in 2015 ... there is no poetry and very little romance in anything anymore, so it is really like the last phase of 'American Pie.'
Basically, in 'American Pie,' things are heading in the wrong direction. It is becoming less ideal, less idyllic. I don't know whether you consider that wrong or right, but it is a morality song in a sense.
I just started playing guitar and started singing and started working on this act that I would call 'Don McLean' when I was probably in high school.
My parents were not musical, and they were not effervescent people; everything was very quiet. The music that I played was loud; it used to drive them up the wall. My father died, and that was a tragedy for everybody, but suddenly I didn't have anybody to stop me from doing what I wanted to do.
I have a weird sense sometimes of what's going to happen before it happens, and I kind of live by that, which is how my instincts operate, I suppose.
Being on United Artists was almost as bad as not being on any label at all. They were the crappiest in the business. All they did was movie soundtracks. Now, they were making an effort to become much hipper - signing people like Bobby Womack and what have you.