THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED - DON McLEAN ON HIS NEW DOCUMENTARY

A long, long, time ago…. legendary singer songwriter Don McLean wrote a song that would change the world. Now we get the full story in a new documentary.

In the documentary, The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie ( NOW streaming on Paramount+) McLean, or the first time, powerfully reveal and share the secrets behind his iconic song. In addition, the documentary highlights cultural moments in America’s history that are as relevant now as they were in 1971, when the song was released.

The film tells stories of the people who were a part of this moment from the beginning, and shows the point of view of a new generation of artists who are motivated by the same values and ideas that inspired the song’s creation.

With a narrative running deeper than a catchy tune and cryptic verses, “American Pie” is a musical phenomenon woven deep into the history of American culture, entertaining audiences around the world for over 50 years.

According to Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming and events at Paramount, and chief content officer of music at Paramount+, “Not only is ‘American Pie’ one of the most universally known songs of all time, it also represents a significant piece of musical history and a pivotal moment in American culture. It’s a story that needs to be told and we’re excited to have “The Day The Music Died”  takes fans deeper into the song’s making, finally put to rest the speculation behind its lyrics and hear from today’s biggest artists – both legends and future stars – who it has personally influenced,” 

The documentary tells the story of American Pie, a special and unique song by using contemporary audio/visual storytelling techniques to artistically reimagine the music for a modern audience.

About Don McLean

Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). 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 has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, “Weird Al” Yankovic and countless others.

In 2015, McLean’s handwritten manuscript 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. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings as well as a new album Still Playin’ Favorites. 2021 brought Don’s “American Pie” features in the Avengers’ Black Widow and the new Tom Hanks movie Finch. Don received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free, a children’s book has been written, and much more!

I caught up with Don McLean via ZOOM to discuss the documentary and why he things the song means so much to millions of people around the world.