Don McLean: How He Wrote American Pie, Vincent and His Friendship with Pete Seeger. Part One

** We are releasing a stunning new coffee table book. It will feature all the instruments and their backstory on display at the Musicians Hall of Fame. Learn more: nashvilletodo.com/musicians-h...
This interview is part one with Don McLean. Don tells how he wrote "American Pie" and "Vincent" as well as discussing his friendship with Pete Seeger.
Don is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century.
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[@richardweinberger2756]

I saw Don McLean perform a year or so ago in Los Angeles. I had no idea the scope of his material, he played a lot of old swampy blues, and his ability to get an entire audience of boomers like myself up out of our seats, stomping, singing, cheering him along. He was phenomenal. Great interview !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Richard..... joe

[@RoaroftheTiger]

One of my life's greatest experiences, was hearing Don sing "Vincent" Live on WNEW -FM, one Sunday Morning. I believe it was 1976. Accompanied, only by His Guitar, His Voice, the Song ... Glorious.

[@IAmJustSaying6]

I really like the fact that the interviewer doesn't "filibuster" when asking questions, unlike so many talk show hosts.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Cal......joe

[@scottburton9701]

"American Pie" will be observing its 50th anniversary in 2021-That's the sign of a true classic.

[@brianjansse2341]

I saw Don McLean qt the Palais Theatre in St Kilda Melbourne Australia circa '77-'78 just Don and an Acoustic guitar, I had no idea till that night the sheer beauty and purity of his voice.....it was breathtaking ......so am surprised to hear him say he never got respect....my hat is off to you Don.....Total Respect!!

[@blane4818]

Never had the opportunity to see Don play Live, but I always felt his music deeply. At 62, still do when I hear the songs from back when…Don, Woody, Pete etc. Wish Don all the best. A gem of a man, beautiful human being.

[@ag6424]

I seen Don McLean in 1971 at a concert hall in Toronto, opening for the James Gang. The Joe Walsh led power trio's gear was set up on stage and up front, center stage, was a lonely microphone and a stool. Well, this unassuming young man walked on stage with his harmonica and acoustic guitar strapped over his shoulder and sat down. You see back in those days folk acts would be brought on a tour as openers for rock acts sometimes. It wasn't long into his set when shouts of "ROCK N" ROLL' were being yelled from the balcony. He weathered the cat calls and continued with his set.. Then he tried to get us to sing alone to a new song that was just released on the radio that week. That didn't happen, we were there for power chords from one of the best bands around. We didn't know that 50 years later that sing along would become the infectious ditty that it did, is still going strong.

[@TheZeekgeek1]

This man is a national treasure. Truly. There won’t be another. Thank you for this!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Zeek....Joe

[@janisp.campbell7425]

I"ve always loved this song 'American Pie' but had no idea of all that it meant. As a 76 year old boomer, this gives me perspective. I might be listening to this all day. The video of the song is fantastic. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My heart mourns for the values we have lost. America can be better than we are now.

[@vlastadofek9251]

Thank God for Don Maclean.l love his songs.thanks.you stay healthy!can't wait to see him in denver..

[@paulineschmidhofer1602]

This is the best interview ever ...I love Don McLean..and have done ever since I can remember..now 70 plus years later the song and it's message is absolutely brilliant...thank you

[@krisgomes8187]

Its a wonderful thing that you can separate your age apart from taking the time to go out and learn the meaning behind the song. I feel most people don't find interest in looking up the real meaning behind songs. Thus a song never gets its well deserved respect.

[@MatoMusic805]

Uncle Adolf was right.

[@petesacco3255]

Just wondering what planet you've been on, not knowing what this song was about

[@stevehornshaw4478]

A fan and follower of Joe. He in my view is master interviewer. Respectful, patient, low key, pertinent questions, letting the star open up. Perfect

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Damn Steve.... you’re just way too kind!!! I’m not a professional interviewer... never intended to be one but in order to build the museum properly it had to have video interviews and I couldn’t afford a video staff so I just bought a good camera and started. I never intended for my voice to be heard so the Vault Series I wasn’t wearing a mic for those viewers who said they couldn’t hear me very well. It wasn’t until I started the Backstage show that I was wearing a mic and on camera too. Anyway thank you very much. I’m truly happy you’re watching and enjoying them. All the best, Joe

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

I agree Joe is the best

[@ManwithAx]

Couldn't agree more. Joe is so respectful and unassuming. Never pushy. Don is brilliant and interesting but clearly gets to things in his own way and own time. Joe listens like a patient friend who loves and respects you. His sincerity and heart earns trust and we benefit. From listening to Don it must be a Nashville thing as he said it's the only place he feels accepted. Thanks Joe for sharing what you do and opening up this world to us.

[@NYCgirl927]

It’s amazing how many of the greats credit Elvis as their inspiration. He is the King Of Rock And Roll for good reason.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi NYC... that’s very true... joe

[@mikefannon6994]

Elvis also inspired Dylan, people of all ages, all over the world loved him, still do.

[@bruce8429]

He was always a great folkie to me. He never tried to go mainstream but just wrote somebfolk songs that turned into hits. Loved that.

[@TooLooze]

Vincent. A timeless song I hope he covers in the next part.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching TooL.... joe

[@letsif]

I like how Don tells it. Very relatable and sincere.

[@SteveHewittMusic]

First ever interview I’ve heard from Don M, the man has a good look on reality. I like his attitude

[@OceanRoadbyTonyBaker]

I caught his act at The Great Southeast Music Hall in Atlanta in about '73. Small venue and everybody sat on the floor. I had seen P,P&M and The Lettermen in concert before and no one else. I remember he broke a string and re-strung while talking, pulled it up into tune and never missed a beat. I was twenty-two doing four sets a night in Underground Atlanta at the time, drunk and stoned and sad all the time. He blew me away.

[@mikefannon6994]

The Great Southeast Music Hall was an amazing place! I saw many music icons in that small venue, Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, Link Wray, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Earl Scruggs, Amazing Rhythm Aces, and more.

[@markspiegel4284]

I also saw Don at the Great Southeast!

[@galileoshift8330]

as a black american this dude shook me open to all music AP stops my soul in freeze frame

[@madelynroberts5081]

Me too. A Farrmer Jack's grocery store in Detroit at 3:30 a.m., when it was just beginning to break as a hit. This tune comes on for the first time I heard it and it absolutely stopped me in my tracks and I didn't move until it ended. Then i was in a fog trying to absorb it.

[@rossanderson5243]

Roberta Flack wrote ‘Killing me softly with his song’ about Don.

[@barbmirell2150]

The song is about him, but not written by Flack.

[@rossanderson5243]

@@barbmirell2150 Yes you are right.

[@syzygytop]

@@rossanderson5243 double-check, and you'll find it was Lori Lieberman who wrote it, and first recorded it, but Roberta Flack is the artist who took it to the top of the charts

[@WhippJunior]

You’re knocking ‘em Dead Joe. Grew up not far from Don and now live not far from Pete Seeger’s old place. First song I learned on guitar...Vincent. Excellent interview Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Glad you’re enjoying them Whipp.... thanks... joe

[@Bricameron]

I love hearing his wisdom throughout the years.

[@josephrichardson5124]

I was around 12 when I began playing music too. I started going to drum lessons in school when I was 12 and for my 13th birthday I got a drum kit. I’m now 17 and I now play drums, guitar, bass and piano. Music changed my life forever, I now want to be a music teacher when I leave school.

[@dougarchbold1489]

Don is a man who lives on his own terms. This realism comes through in his music and conversation. I would say he is a unusual genius. Self taught. I love his lyrics and the lifestyle he has. A wandering minstrel.

[@stevehornshaw4478]

I guess that's your success. Its spontaneous just u and the person. That comes over and its good u r a fan like us. U have a rare gift. Just special

[@sparky6086]

Dad was a Pharmacist. He had his own store and had customers, where he knew 4 generations of their families. One thing, which he noticed, that in every case, where a child had asthma, at least one person in their household was a heavy smoker. It really stood out to him in the 1980's, because by then, there were many people who didn't smoke.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Sparky... Joe

[@sparky6086]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks Joe!

[@rickvia8435]

Joe Chambers has a gift for interviewing. Unassuming. He's talking to a friend - a chat, but it's never boring. Good info for any music lover.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Rick... I’m very happy you’re enjoying the interviews... thanks for watching.. Joe

[@jasontouvi8978]

Don McClean's "American Pie" is a national anthem of culture. From Buddy Holly all the way to the future. Thanks for this gem of an interview!

[@wardka]

This channel is doing a great and vital service to music history, delving so much deeper than the sound bytes of mainstream media.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Alienart.... many thanks... it’s been a true labor of love for me. These are the musicians who truly made the soundtrack of “my” life and millions of others and continues to affect millions who were not even born when they were in the top 40..... best, Joe

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

ABSOLUTELY

[@Kugerand727]

Amen, thank you Joe !

[@thejigantics2641]

Nicely put... my thanks to Joe and to all those great artists but especially to Joe for his interviewing style and for his Labour of love

[@Bricameron]

Musicians like to talk.

[@DolOnTheDial]

I saw Don from the front row of a revolving stage at Ontario Place in Toronto many moons ago...I was so impressed by his connection to the people, it was a wonderful experience. "if I fail I'll find a way out of it"...taking that away with me.

[@rtod4]

I saw Don and Judy Collins in Durham a few years ago. Still sounded great, with a rollicking version of American Pie. I liked his answer to'what does it mean?' "It means I never have to work again"(paraphrasing)

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching RTOD...Joe

[@drewcamero1489]

Joe, This is literally a dream come true. For about a year now, I fantasized about a road trip that ended with me knocking on Don's door and talking music. We would talk like old friends and make plans on how to save music. We would plot how to get a new generation to love lyrics, words, ideas, and truth. This interview got me half way there. I guess its up to me where I go from here.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Drew ... good luck with your dream... best... Joe

[@efhs1970]

Probably one the most honest interviews yet! In 1971-72 I was stationed at Keesler AFB, 19 years old and the first time I was on my own away from home! There was a row of small bars just outside the west gate! There was one really small bar with a great looking bartender that was really laid back! The entertainment was a jukebox! And every night I probably played American Pie at least twice, it was one of those songs that made me long for my friends back home! Looking forward to the 2nd part of the interview! Thanks Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

It’s really good Larry... joe

[@Jackcr33]

Man did Don nail it when he said music was no more fun when it got to the late 70's, music was great in the 50's and 60's but not now

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Jerome... maybe not the music business isn’t as fun but good music is always fun....Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Jerome....Joe

[@jmack619]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Hi Joe . Thank you for great interviews!! I remember Lennon saying " The 70's was a drag" regarding his new music Double Fantasy in 1980. I think, "The Jester" was Don MacLean, instead of Dylan, who is NOT a jester. Thank you from Canada

[@kathykay2010]

Ahhh Haaa! Here it is! Just what I've been looking for!! Great interview Joe. I can relate to his asthma issues. I nearly died 3 times from asthma attacks as a kid. He's blessed to have overcome it and create so much incredible music. We are all blessed by you and Don's contributions to the music world. I look forward to seeing the upcoming vids on Don. Thanks again Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Kathy... best... joe

[@michaelelliott1212]

This interview is interesting, because the interviewer let the Don Mclean talk. And didn't try to push him into talking firstly about his main/bread&butter songs. He just allowed it to develop!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Michael.... Joe

[@MaryPinkHair]

I have to say... life as we are living it would not be the same without Don McLean's contribution. He made it possible to step back and look more closely. Smell the roses you might say. This is my fav. interview so far BECAUSE even if he thinks he is slow.... he doesn't come off as such. lol He is on a different wave length as the rest of the artists.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Linda.....Joe

[@billcarsonalias]

I don't know much about him besides "American Pie" but this guy is fascinating. Great interview!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks A... Joe

[@Craig-bz3dm]

Listen to Don Mclean Greatest Hits , you will not be disappointed ☮️

[@spoonido]

Thank goodness - a Don McClean interview that talks about more than just American Pie. He wrote and recorded some wonderful work. Looking forward to watching Part Two... getting past American Pie. Well done, MHFM!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Spoonido.... joe

[@retiredammo4617]

Another great interview! The things we learn from all the back stories.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks 461... joe

[@debbieosborn9464]

Love this interview. I could listen to him all day. Great story teller.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Debbie.... Best, Joe

[@cugir321]

Love Don's phrasing......the best.

[@donsnowy773]

This channel has so much to enjoy. Thankyou

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching don..... joe

[@pamelamacneil1331]

What a great interview with, the great Don McLean. You should congratulate yourself Joe, for him agreeing to this interview. My guess is he agree's to very few. It's just as interesting listening to him in person as it is listening to his songs. Really looking forward to part two! Thx. for sharing.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Pam.... best, Joe

[@Ed_Stuckey]

Joe, I'm glad you didn't ask,"What does American Pie mean?" We all know it means, "I'll never have to work again (unless I want to)"

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ed.... Yes... that kinda song will set you up for life. Best, Joe

[@happyron]

Thanks so much, as a songwriter I feel so blessed to be working in a time when all this great stuff is just a click away

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

AGREE

[@SteveGoldfield]

I'm still listening, but I'm hoping to hear about Don's banjo playing, I only know about it because of an interview I once did with Warren Hellman, who started the free Hardly Strictly festival in San Francisco. Warren told me he was taking banjo lessons from Roger Sprung . He wanted to hire a banjo player to play at his birthday party, and Roger suggested Don McLean, who was about 20. So, Warren hired him.

[@steelypeanut]

Awesome interview man!! I love this channel, whether you’re interviewing country giants or session players who’ve been on thousands of records! What with my senior year being taken away by this virus, it’s so nice to finish up my work and see a new video! Rock on man 🤟

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Glad you’re enjoying them Steely.... joe

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

I love Joe's interviews also Sharing history & personal lives just a great rarity

[@alpha-omega2362]

I always thought his “Castles in the Air” is his best. I got his first album before anyone ever heard of him. It was called Tapestry.

[@Craig-bz3dm]

I agree my friend , but I Love the version from Believers in 1981

[@edselman58]

Fascinating interview.Mclean's songs(especially during a live performance) seems to pull you in the middle of it from the story/meaning of those lyrics.He is gifted at getting your attention.Just proves all you need sometimes is just a guitar and a gifted singer/songwriter on stage that can make everyone there feel involve and sing along with him.Thanks Joe!...ken.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Ken.... joe

[@abelincoln95]

A very thoughtfully conducted interview. Looking forward to Pt. 2.. Thanks, Joe!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you too Abe.. joe

[@digitalbrand5510]

Drove with my parents to LA, CA in a new Chevy station wagon with American Pie playing on the 8 track. So great! Love the interview and keep ‘em comin’.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Digital.... joe

[@gastonflatulenza1276]

I remember American Pie (I was in 5th grade). But it was the album with "Oh My, What a Shame" and "The More You Pay (The More It's Worth)" on it. I feel like it shaped my teenage years. I listened to that album over and over and tried to write like Don McLean. I ended up getting a music degree and I became a music therapist. I liked Don's big hits (esp. Vincent), and I had all his records, but it was that one album, which was either untitled or just called "Don McLean." On the Amazon, The Pride Parade, If We Try . . . Those songs meant to much to me and influenced who I am today. This album was on United Artists but I am pretty sure it is out of print. The BEST album! I was also a huge Beatles and Beach Boys fan, so maybe that has something to do with why I connected so easily with his music. I am so grateful for Don McLean and his contributions to American music.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Gaston.... joe

[@richardcord1501]

Outstanding interview! Its amazing how rare this is today. I appreciate the way you just let Don talk and elaborate without soundbite interruptions. Please keep it up Joe. These are treasures.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Richard... joe

[@robertcronin6603]

No doubt 🔥

[@migalito1955]

Look forward to part II. Thanks, - both you for providing and Don for sharing.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Michael... joe

[@beverlyinskeep5807]

I feel soooo blessed to be led to this interview!!! Always looking for truth and positive vibes!!!

[@stephenclark1551]

Really looking forward to part 2 What a terrific interview.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Stephen... thanks... I think part two is better... joe

[@mczensun8610]

I met Don as a busker on 16th st mall in Denver in 2009 ... didn't really believe him at first... cool guy

[@slm3913]

Thank you for this. It is so great. Love Don MacLean. I had every one of his 45s back in the 60s and 70s. Congratulations on 50 years.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching SLM...Joe

[@stevehornshaw4478]

What a masterful interview Joe. You guided it perfectly to get this eloquent talent to open upon. Just a model vid. As always I'm awestruck. Huge thnx

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Steve... joe

[@bobx1034]

yes, unlike far too many interviewers who talk damn too much, you allowed Don to speak.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you very much Bob... Joe

[@pennyoflaherty1345]

I saw Don this year with my son & granddaughter it was epic such a legend

[@bruce8429]

By the waters of Babylon really touched me. It seemed to have been written to protest the Iraq war. It wasn't since it was written before the war but I opposed the war and it comforted me more than once.

[@shkyrbty]

This is such an interesting interview. I am looking forward to the second part. For I don't know how many years, we rode to school on the school bus everyday listening to American Pie on the radio. It seemed to sum up a whole epoch of music and culture that our young minds couldn't fully understand but it gave us something to hold on to, and to look toward the future.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your memories John…..Joe

[@frankperry1111]

Great interview. I sing at community suppers for charity and every time I do a cover of Vincent, the audience gets a bit quieter as they begin to listen. I seem to get the most applause when singing that beautiful song. I make not a penny and consider each time time I do a cover I do as a tribute to the writer, the artist. Thanks Don and thank you Joe. I saw a Don MCLean concert on Public Tv out of NYC when I came home from the Air Force in December of 74. Don was playing in front of a college audience. Pete Seeger had a show in the 1960's on Public Tv, Rainbow Quest. I think Buffy Sainte-Marie may have been on the last episode of Rainbow Quest. Both Pete & Buffy were blacklisted. Joe, It would be awesome if you could interview Buffy Sainte-Marie. Buffy is loved around the world and received Canada's highest honors. I was assigned to an Air Force Base in England during '73 & 74'. I was so happy to hear Buffy Sainte-Marie's music being played on the BBC. I wonder if Don watched and remembers Pete's Rainbow Quest series. Thanks again guys.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

I’ve met Buffy... she performed on our 2014 induction ceremony and along with a Neil Young helped induct Randy Bachman.

[@frankperry1111]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum I'd love to see video of that if it's in the vaults. I love the video of Randy doing tribute to Neil Young Canada Hall Of Fame induction 2017. It's on youtube.

[@gregorychilcote4636]

Watching this interview and Mr McLeans KZbin channel prompt me to meet him and befriend him. He comes across as my kind of guy. Plus I play guitar and am working on the piano.

[@alphabeets]

Joe, another great interview. Can’t wait for part two!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks alpha.... joe

[@franceshadden4062]

Liked him beginning, today, just a real person that took him along way, voice so real, helps you see life thru his music, so “real”.

[@yinyangja]

American Pie showed how much of a scholar of the 60's he was. Likewise with Vincent how he appreciated Van Gogh.

[@timkbt]

I grew up in Highland Falls across the river from where he lived in Cold Spring and later in Garrison NY. I think he moved up to be near Pete Seeger around ‘69. I remember when American Pie was a hit back in ‘71. We had always hoped that one day both he and Pete would show up somewhere in Beacon where Pete lived and do a small show. There was no internet back then so the only way you would get any news would be from one of the kids that lived in Cold Spring or Beacon. Growing up in that part of the Hudson was amazing. Don McLean, Pete Seeger, The Band, Orleans. Billy Joel lived and wrote all the songs on his Turnstiles album in my home town back in ‘76. That’s where the song titled “Summer Highland Falls” comes from.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing timkbt ...... joe

[@timkbt]

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum thanks Joe....I really enjoyed the interview. From what I’ve been told he wrote American Pie over a period of time but the chorus was definitely written in Cold Spring. There’s a version that Pete Seeger sang on a radio broadcast shortly after Pete heard it that I think you will enjoy. Just search on KZbin for Pete Seeger American Pie and it will show up.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Tim... joe

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Lucky You

[@jimbaker4931]

Wow great interview Joe! Don is such an interesting guy.I’m looking forward to part two.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

It’s a good one Jim... thanks for watching... joe

[@Claytone-Records]

Well I don’t care if the sun don’t shine and I don’t care if nothing is mine. Insightful as ever, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Clayton... best... joe

[@billdauphine951]

His two hits are really undeniably good.....❤...

[@JohnnyNowhere]

It's reassuring to know that others see movies when they write. Groovy.

[@billdauphine951]

Interesting...

[@echoman556]

We need another Don McLean! We don't have real talent anymore. If you have a million songs in your head, maybe you could help me write a song about my Navy Brother, Al. He died from this virus. He was the greatest guy. Everyone really loved him!

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

Thanks heaps for the opportunity of seeing and hearing iconic artists who created the soundtrack to many people's lives. Love your interview style.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Voula…Joe

Best one yet! Don in his folksy way just opens up and tells it like it was. How he "Had a chip on his shoulder." and other issues.in his life. I always like Joe that you allow the guest to lead the conversation and when it's appropriate you jump on to clarify or have the guest expand on that thought or important nugget of their history! Great post! Keep them coming!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Jose... part two is better... joe

[@Powertuber1000]

McLean sounds like he's a hardcore leftist.

[@williamneillgross3926]

@@Powertuber1000 nothing wrong with that.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Agreed

[@Powertuber1000]

@@williamneillgross3926 Nothing wrong with that if you're a Marxist.

[@MarioAnastasiMusic]

Absolutely brilliant interview. Love this channel. Grew up with Don McLean songs. Vincent & American pie

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Mario.. joe

[@MarioAnastasiMusic]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum My pleasure. Brilliant. I even covered Don McLean's song Vincent for my new album. Mario

[@sapelesteve]

Terrific interview Joe! I like that Don tells it like it is from his point of view. Obviously, the song American Pie is a classic. The lyrics of that song are just incredible! However, it's the kind of song that you either love or hate. I really love that song but my wife hates it. It always amazes me how music has such a strong effect on people. Anyway, looking forward to your next video with Don....Be well & stay safe...... 👍👍😉😉

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Steve... glad you enjoyed it... part two I think is the best part of the interview... best, Joe

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Sapele Steve - Really. It never occurred to me anyone could hate American Pie! 😑

[@kristijansinko351]

Great interview Don! I am a fan of yours! Your wise words had made an impact on my life!

[@chipurBillWhite]

Well, you said it was coming - and here it is. Great interview, Joe. Looking forward to P2.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Bill... coming soon... actually I’ll tell you first... the next video from Don will be a short clip from part two before up load the complete part two. Best... Joe

[@greenatom]

Another great interview! Love these. Looking forward to the next part.

[@jefftinney3131]

AP is one of the best songs ever written. Only Nashville accepted Don. It only accepts the very best.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Jeff... Joe

[@donnieskaggs9548]

I love what you are doing Joe!! This stuff is so great. I bought some guitars from you and whatever money you made is coming back to me through these videos! Thank you.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Donnie.... thanks for supporting my guitar shops as well as these interviews... Sincerely, Joe

[@RavenMadd9]

awesome interview. thank you again ....can't wait for part two

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Raven.... joe

[@thegodfatherofthesec1748]

Unreal ! Story . Great interview! This iconic man is still hear! Who was their when Rock and Roll hit !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Wayland... joe

[@fastfreddie5754]

I so much enjoy these videos! People seem so relaxed and there seems to be so much honesty expressed.My goal is to hear them all.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching 5754.... part two is better... Joe

[@NVRAMboi]

Great interview Joe. Thanks very much. I smiled a lot watching/listening to this.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching NVRAM...Joe

[@nikkienikkie4310]

Joe - you have my dream job! Great interview, as always.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Nikkie.... yes.... I’ve enjoyed doing them... best, Joe

[@patrickostrom2762]

Roots of America ! A by gone era! Today's kids don't/won't understand ! Ours times of today , computers/ software and basic human factors lost by hype ! The question I would like to ask Don how's the America Pie from then to today's world making a visual of lyrics statement with music from the folk lore roots! No way I want a hip hop Dylan revised-lol! Thank J.C. for getting Don's background /roots in perspective !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Patrick... thanks for watching... the rest of the interview will be put up in a few days.... joe

[@theeaskey]

What an honest and truthful interview,,thank you,

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Martin... joe

[@theeaskey]

As a singer songwriter myself,i truly appreciate your great interviews, especially in those phony over the top social times we are living in. Peace

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Martin.... hey... I hate phony too.... best, Joe

[@outtathyme5679]

Another great, insightful interview

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you 567.... joe

[@hazzachannel1]

1971'/72 WAS A BIT OF A HUGE TIME FOR ME. HEARING AMERICAN PIE ROCKED MY WORLD JUST A LITTLE... OK A LOT! AND YOU ARE STILL PERFORMING! YESSS! WHAT AWESOME INTERVIEW.

[@lloydrobeau5126]

Thank You Joe for these videos, Please keep them coming !! I hope I can meet you some day !! Great stuff man AWESOME !!!❤!!!😊

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching them too Lloyd... I’d like to meet you too... you’re very kind... see you at the MHO&M .... best, Joe

[@vicparis3524]

Great intro Joe and of course great interview!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Vic... joe

[@davidcurtis7547]

love you Don McLean . So many good songs , much more than American Pie . I loved Prime Time . If you got something to say SAY IT . I had all the Don McLean albums . Vincent makes me cry to this day . Thanks for the great interview , they could not listen their not listening still , perhaps they never will . I could go on , but the music tells the story

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Great interview of great artist/American iconic song

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Nelly.... Joe

[@middleearth8809]

Brilliant interview, thanks so much.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks ME....Best...Joe

[@arnebroxleirnes418]

I was born in '55 so I don't really remember Elvis, and certainly not Buddy Holly. An hour ago, for me, Don McLean was the "American Pie"-guy, period. Now all of a sudden he is a three dimensional person, with stuff to say. I didn't get it when I was young(er) so now I need to go back and check him out. Thanks again Joe, for another good interview!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Arne... Joe

[@ConnieJooste]

Born in 55 and you didn't know Elvis. Did you live under the ice in Antarctica ❓ 😂 😂

[@arnebroxleirnes418]

@@ConnieJooste OK... What I mean is that I did not experience Elvis (or Buddy) at the time when they were THE BIG THING. Of course I know OF them, and have listened to, and loved much of their music as I finally got it. Sure, I grew up with "In The Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds", but that style has nothing to do with what made Elvis Presley great as far as I'm concerned. This is my musical taste, and debating such things are futile. And Connie, you are not far off with your Antartica remark - only the Arctic would be more appropriate since I grew up in the north of Sweden, not far from the Arctic Circle. Love and kisses

[@519djw6]

*The book whose name he can't remember is titled "Dear Theo," and I highly recommend it.*

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

Very much enjoying this!

[@popmccoy3454]

What an entertaining fella, never held back mate totally engrossed. Thank you 👍🎸😀

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ron..... Joe

[@bruce8429]

Homeless Brother seems to have been written for today's world. Thanks for posting this.

[@markzimmerman4402]

I am a big fan of your videos and cannot wait to come down and visit your museum.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Mark.... hope to see you at the museum in the near future.... best, Joe