Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 2, 1945 in New Rochelle, NY

 

Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter and composer who is best known for his hit song "American Pie." Born on October 2, 1945, in New Rochelle, New York, McLean grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a singer. McLean began playing the guitar at the age of 16 and started writing his own songs soon after. McLean attended Villanova University for a year before dropping out to pursue a career in music. He moved to New York City and began performing in coffeehouses and clubs in Greenwich Village. In 1969, he signed a recording contract with Mediarts Records and released his debut album, "Tapestry." The album was a critical success but did not sell well. McLean's breakthrough came in 1971 with the release of his second album, "American Pie." The title track, a tribute to Buddy Holly and a commentary on the state of American culture, became a massive hit and remains one of the most iconic songs in American music history. The album also included the hit songs "Vincent" and "Castles in the Air." McLean continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s, including "Don McLean" (1972), "Playin' Favorites" (1973), "Homeless Brother" (1974), and "Solo" (1976). He also continued to tour extensively, both in the United States and internationally. In the 1980s, McLean's popularity began to wane, and he struggled to replicate the success of his earlier albums. However, he continued to release new music and tour, and his live performances remained popular with his fans. In the 1990s, McLean experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to a cover of "American Pie" by Madonna and the use of the song in the film "The Big Lebowski." He also released several new albums, including "Headroom" (1991), "River of Love" (1995), and "Don McLean Sings Marty Robbins" (1999). McLean's music is characterized by his distinctive voice and his ability to blend elements of folk, rock, and country music. His songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and the American experience. In addition to "American Pie," some of his most popular songs include "Vincent," a tribute to the artist Vincent van Gogh, and "And I Love You So," a romantic ballad. Throughout his career, McLean has received numerous awards and accolades for his music. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2012. He continues to tour and record new music, and his songs remain beloved by fans around the world.

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