American Pie - United Artist Records released in October, 1971 with words and music written by Don McLean and dedicated to Buddy Holly ~ CDP 7 46555 2. 2003 Capitol Records 72435-84279-2-9.
Many music fans have a favorite song or favorite album in which they remember all the lyrics to. They remember when it was first released, where they purchased it from and the impact it made upon them. For me that song has always been American Pie.
Don McLean had released his first album, Tapestry, in 1970 with little notice. With a larger record label behind him American Pie (the album) was released in October 1971 and literally shot up the charts based on the strength of the song American Pie. The song was unique, dealing with loss and years of social upheaval, musical changes, religion and war. (Sounds like current times, doesn't it?) Through the song McLean recalled and honored Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), musicians that McLean looked up to and had passed away. The song struck a nerve with the American public, most of whom were tired of war, social ills and all the other stressful issues of the day.
In 2003 Capitol Records reissued the album in along with two additional songs and a nice booklet in which McLean describes how he came to write the album as well as his concept of the history of the times in which it was written. It’s a great addition to anyone’s music library.
Interesting American Pie facts: At 8:32 it is the longest song to reach #1 on the Billboard music charts. In 2001 American Pie was voted the #5 Most Memorable Song of the Century. The original vinyl 45 single, due to the song’s length, had the first half of the song on side one, the second half on side two. The only way to hear the song in its full length was to buy the vinyl album.
Years ago we attended a wedding and to close out the reception the new bride and groom asked everyone to hold hands and to form a circle around the dance floor. While we all faced each other they closed the reception by asking everyone to sing American Pie in unison…the full eight minute and thirty two second version. I belted it out as best I could and I admit it brought serious tears to my eyes. The sound of a room full of people singing that song was such a great experience and one I obviously still remember. It was so cool to hear everyone, younger and older alike, sing it together.
THAT is what music is all about.
And, I still remembered all of the words. Thank you, Don.
Thanks for reading and listening,
Doug