HOME FREE "American Pie" ft. Don McLean // Audio Engineer & Musician Reacts

Gorgeous rendition of a classic song. Don looked and sounded great!!
What's up, everyone! I'm Jeremy, a professional audio engineer & musician; and in this video, you get my first time reaction to HOME FREE "American Pie" ft. Don McLean. I don't like to stop mid-song (you miss so much and it's a pet peeve when I watch reactors!), so stick around for the commentary to hear my thoughts on the song. Timestamps below:
0:00 Welcome! / Intro
0:53 Reaction / I don't stop mid-song ;-)
9:22 Commentary
// Check out ‪@HomeFreeGuys‬ "American Pie" ft. Don McLean" original video: • Home Free - American P...
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#musicreaction #homefree #americanpie
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// DISCLAIMERS:
🎧 This is a non-commercial video; a genuine reaction for entertainment.
All rights go to the official owners.
🎧 Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@ronaldsinagra8825]

Don still has the pipes!! These guys are just too talented. You spoke of Tim's range, but Chance opened as a soloist, went to background vocalist, and took over the bass during Tim's solo. I don't think there's a song that's been written that Home Free can't cover.

[@kevinboothe9991]

Don approached the guys to do a 50th anniversary edition of his classic song because he knew how well they understood harmonies. The song was recorded during the lockdown, they were all in different locations and Home Frees producer edited it all together. When Don received his hollyweird star he had the guys there with him and they sang part this the song at the unveiling. They said they had to put Rupp on oxygen afterwards. Fun reaction, thanks

[@musikbyjh]

Whoa - cool backstory, thank you!!

[@shirleyfisher8313]

The day the music died! Is when th Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crashl

[@pennygarrity386]

I love this version of this song. Don still sounds great and got in touch with the guys about doing this project for the 50th anniversary. They even attended the ceremony when he got his Star on the Walk of Fame and performed some of the song. Someone said Adam recorded his track in one take and when he finished he was so light headed they thought he was going to pass out. It amazes me how many people rave about PTX but celebrities are collabing with HF...Don Mclean, Lee Greenwood, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama and Kenny Rogers just to name a few. In answer to your question...when they decide on a song, they each sing it and then decide who is doing what.

[@carladewitt1947]

The boys decide who sings what part in each song. They start out in a circle and each will try different parts until they agree on what sounds best for the song. What I love about these guys (among many things) is that the music always comes first and egos are left at home. You can tell how much they enjoy each other's company, and that comes across in the music.

[@lynnramsay8821]

They won 3 Telly awards for this rendition. Poor Adam almost passed out a couple of times.

[@wadebowenfan6743]

Adam Rupp said he nearly passed out after this. I can believe it!! 😂😂😂 Great reaction!

[@dianadickerson749]

Believe they had oxygen on hand for poor Adam! The guys were with Don on the star on the sidewalk.

[@dagmar.6954]

Love this remake of this classic song. Can't believe it came out 50 years ago. Don McLean still has a good voice for his age. And love hearing all the guys take a turn in a verse. Poor Adam had to do such a long stretch of beatboxing but he nailed it. Think the song is about 8 min. long. Don McLean received his Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame recently & Home Free was invited to sing a portion of this song there. What an honor for them. "American Pie" pays tribute to the loss of 3 legends who died so young (Buddy Holly, Richie Valens & The Big Bopper). A lot of references in the song are made to many artists from the early days of music including Elvis, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Byrds & others.

[@tosweet68]

It's so funny when people say "for their age"

[@nancyholter5646]

They were really excited that there were enough verses for each one to have one. Some songs just sort of demand a specific voice, or someone had a certain voice in mind when the song was written, but often they just all record a lead and see who sounds 'right'. They said that on the Dive Bar Saints album, Rob did his 'test' tracks first and for most of the songs everyone agreed that Rob sounded so good they wouldn't even bother to record others - notice how many leads Rob has on that album. It must be hard to have so many talented voices in one group.

[@higglety230]

I've read that they were once asked in an interview who they thought was the best singer and 4 of them said "Rob" in unison.

[@lisaseverance6785]

This video won an award for it's visuals and justifiably so. Amazing what they were able to do during lock downs. This song had enough verses so they could divvy it up. Sometimes, they choose the singer based on what the song and arrangement needs. Sometimes, if one member feels really passionate about the song, they song lead. Most often though, they will all take a run at singing the lead and based on how it sounds, they choose who takes lead. There is one time when they set out to do that but it didn't quite work out. For the song "Catch Me If You Can" (which I highly recommend) Rob was the first to sing it. The rest of the guys heard it and said,"Nope. We aren't even going to try to do it. It's the best right there." 😊

[@denise_landry]

I'm glad I read your comment before I answered his question. 🤣

[@lisaseverance6785]

@@denise_landry between you and me, I think we can answer any question!😄

[@denise_landry]

@@lisaseverance6785 🤣

[@par500dragon7]

I LOVE Rob in that song!

[@sharonmortimer3843]

It was so hard to believe that Don wanted them to do this with him for the 50th Anniversary. Don actually had them come out when he got his star on The Walk of Fame. Most of the time the pick the parts by who sound the best for the song. Adam Rupp almost passed out while doing this song, he beatboxed for over 8 minutes. Enjoyed watching your reaction to this song. This is by far my favorite collaboration they have done. It's really gets me in the feels, really bring back some memories.

[@annehffry3284]

Classic cover of a classic song! They did such a great job with this one. Proud Homefry right here!

[@TheGrannyNut]

Another "lockdown" special, as I remember. Bless the boys, they kept a lot of folks sane. (ish) 😂

[@JoanN63]

What an honor it must be to be able to sing with Don McLean(he asked Home Free) and the result is so great. With a Home Free twist but still respecting the original. The harmony is amazing again. One by one they sound great, but what a awesome voice Don McLean still has. And then Adam, what more can I say about him. He is incredible. My childhood memory of this song is that I always had to sing along. And now I do that again.

[@lucyFV]

Love, love, love, Home Free and Don McClean! How great he sounds at 75! A perfect way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his song!! I was in high school! 😊

[@rllangevin3841]

Another amazing collaboration where they let the original artist, Don McLean (!!) shine. Amazing to think this was all done separately during Covid lockdowns! Home Free never disappoints!

[@kevinboothe9991]

To answer your question about how do they figure out who sings what, they all decide who fits best. If they can't decide, they'll each record a version separately and play them back and decide from there. A good example is their cover of Catch Me If You Can, they couldnt decide until they heard Rob's version and it was unanimous that Rob sang the lead and he nailed it, check that one out and listen from Tim's awesome vocal slide that he does, its pretty cool in my opinion.

[@lindanearing4710]

They just fill my heart and make me smile with all their beautiful music. If for some reason, I couldn't have Home Free and their music in my life, it would be devastating. They all sing a sort of demo for the different songs and then decide amongst all of them who's voice fits the song best. With Blue Ain't Your Color, they initially figured on Austin. Rob happened to record his "demo" first and the others didn't even bother doing a demo, because they were all like, "Nope, this song is for Rob", and the choice was perfect. Your reactions are always so joyous and insightful!.

[@marshac7738]

Such a creative way to continue to put out videos--in spite of quarantine! 🥰 And goodness--one wonders how the amazing Adam Rupp was able to beatbox through such a long song without passing out!! 🤯

[@pennygarrity386]

BTW I can't wait until you start doing Christmas reactions. Start off with Adam's arrangement of Do You Hear What I Hear and don't forget Children Go Where I send You with Kenny Rogers.

[@nancyholter5646]

well, he might want to work UP to "Do You Hear", maybe start with "Angels we have Heard" and "Oh Holy Night" first. DYHWIH is quite a first step.

[@pennygarrity386]

@@nancyholter5646 True and he'll actually get to hear Adam singing.

[@Indigo_moon]

Ditto!

[@donnamoskowitz4978]

@@nancyholter5646 Don't forget Mary Did You Know!

[@musikbyjh]

Great suggestions, thanks everyone!! I'm happy to report we have one amazing coffee donator who requested a couple "Christmas in July" songs that will be on an upcoming Home Fryday! I'll add these too. 😁✌🏽

[@cmitchell7347]

Was in college when this first came out. Took great pride in knowing all the lyrics...it was bit of an 'anthem' for the times. This many decades later, am able to recall the full song thanks to Home Free...and their collab with Don McLean. Always enjoy when reactors sing along. How the guys choose 'who sings what' is explained in other comments. Had they switched up the order of voices, who's to say how much of a difference it would make. Another amazing example of how talented these guys are given this was done during lockdown...and to the mad skills of the video's editor.

[@bella-xp7qd]

Don was just awarded a star on the walk of Fame. He asked HF to be there to honor him. The award-winning acapella group Home Free, participated in the celebration with a special performance of “American Pie,” all while fans along Hollywood Boulevard couldn’t resist singing along and having a good time. The five-member group recorded the song with McLean in 2020 and subsequently released a music video that won three Telly Awards in 2021.

[@karinfichtner7479]

Can I just mention how great Don still sounds.....at 75 yrs old?

[@roniboyd613]

Just returned from watching our parade-both greatgrandaughters had a blast at their first parade and even got to talk to a fireman😊 This is such a special song, so glad you chose this one! Thank you Kim❤

[@denise_landry]

Thanks Jeremy! 🖤🍟

[@brendasorenson6186]

Oh Jeremy, you've messed up my morning with all the HF reactions! Just kidding! Thanks! One tidbit: McLean not only had HF at his Star ceremony, he also invited Weird Al Yankovic. (Bye Bye This Anakin Guy parady)

[@miamidolphinsfan]

what a way to pay tribute to and celebrate an icon and a generational song

[@cherokeemammyof4boyz]

Fun yet somber fact This video was released the day after the 62 anniversary of the crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens

[@musikbyjh]

Oh wow, I love those kinds of knowledge tidbits!! Thank you!! ✌🏽

[@rodconner9079]

50 yrs!!! *50 YEARS* --- That's just CRAZY!!! Ya know -- Don never re-cut this from the original .... Till this time with HF!!!! FACT! Is that sayin' somethin' or what, huh!?! And damn it's so good Be Safe

[@Indigo_moon]

I heard that the video clips are Don's from his childhood. And also that it was his idea to do the window pane format and the video footage. Also, did you know that this song is about the plane crash & death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper? "the three men I admire most... the father, the son and the holy ghost". Now you need to listen to the song again. It has a whole different meaning & weight to the song knowing that. Thanks for another great reaction to HF.

[@charleneclaassen]

Thank you for the HF treat today. Loved all your reactions. Happy 4th to all of you in the USA. 🎉😊

[@richb313]

Don contacted Home Free todo a version with him for the 50th Anniversary of this song there was even a special about it.

[@carolburnett190]

I think I heard Tim say that each of them would record the lead and then took a vote on who it would be. He also made a joke about never listening to Rob’s version first because then Rob would always sing lead. Thanks, Jeremy!

[@marciaramirez3791]

Recorded during pandemic, each one recorded separately. amazing editing.

[@beckiramsey9561]

I really love this song and I think it is so great that Don had asked them to sing with him for the 50th anniversary, so amazing! ❤ It sounds sooo wonderful!🔥🔥🔥 Glad you were asked to react to it!👏👏👏

[@changlyn100]

I'm sure it was a Shure. I like how Adam took a bow when his part was done. Great reaction!

[@sherylhenley1931]

Wasn't clever to use a memory box style to show the memories in this song? Wow! Those are Don's videos. I love how well they all blended and yet show so much respect for Don. He doesn't get lost in the video. Wonderful collaboration.

[@teresacartwright5406]

Don McLean still sounds terrific - I think the age in his voice only adds to the poignancy of the song. I actually like this acapella rendition a little more than his original. Listening to it I forget that there are no instruments - Adam truly is a freak of nature! The singing & harmonies are perfect. This song is simply a masterpiece - covering everything from the tragic plane crash to Altamont, Janis Joplin, Kent State and so much more.

[@cynthiamiller483]

Such a great song! It’s always a good time to listen to this collaboration. I was outside, but the thermometer was showing 98* and my phone was hot! I’m inside now and comfortable. I’ll wait until 5:00 or 6:00 before I swim. Thanks again for this Home Free-dom day!

[@reneroberson2784]

You just run out of words to say because I think I've used every word in the vocabulary to describe these beautiful gentleman... And they just keep pulling out the surprises that is what Home Free does.. I absolutely love these five beautiful souls...🏡🆓🏡🍟

[@beadwright]

Wasnt that wonderful? This video was so cleverly edited. It won a Telly Award for this video.

[@eriklind8489]

Wonderful reaction...this i one of my favorite songs, and HomeFree made it that much better, but still honored it.

[@gardenlove6356]

Really enjoying your Home Free day!!!!! Thanks.

[@darlaharrelson6487]

Home Free is humble and caring and very capable. They let Mr. Don shine and didn’t try to drown him out. Much respect for them. If you ain’t got no respect then you got nothing.

[@tamipatterson26]

Thats one reason I love this group.

[@rebeccarose7405]

Happy 4th, my friend. Can’t go wrong with Home Free and Don McLean! ❤️

[@patriciavernon9795]

Absolutely phenomenal! Enough said! 😀❤️

[@KeatingChick]

What was that... sounded like a croaking toad to me. ha! So many memories from listening to this classic song. I know you love Tim and can't remember if you've reacted to him and Peter Hollens doing Misty Mountains... how low can you go.....

[@dagmar.6954]

He did it a few months ago.

[@KeatingChick]

@@dagmar.6954 Thanks.

[@michaelhaynes6244]

Great reaction! I love watching you react, your facial expressions are so honest and joyful. This came out when I was 12 years old. It's timeless. Thank you for your reactions. God Bless ✌️♥️🙏

[@billsturm9225]

They managed to record the song itself in the studio together but by the time they were ready to do the video, the country was in lockdown for (well, you know what) so they did everything for the video remotely. They got a Gold and 2 Silver Telly awards for this video. On a side note, this was Don McLean's first and only collaboration with anyone and in his words, "it was MAGIC working with these boys". As for how they decide what songs they do and who sings what. Thats a bit involved but the short version is, there is a never ending list of songs that each of them adds to. At the time they add, they can suggest who gets the lead (even if it's them) then as each song is reached, they decide collectively who should sing what. Some songs dont get tried, some songs are attempted but become a no or not right now and of course, some go on to be the next hit

[@candleburner2006]

This song is just so timeless!! Adam is - in my opinion anyway - the true star of this video. Not sure any other beatboxer could pull off doing this song even close to Adam's amazing talent.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Wonderful reaction! Each member has strengths and weaknesses that help determine who will cover which parts.

[@martinhafner2201]

The little movie vignettes are historical film/tv clips from the eras of the song's content (late 50's through 60's) and release (1972-ish). There were a lot significant events during that time - plane crash of Buddy Holly, Rick Valens and the Big Bopper, other rock stars' (drug) deaths, Woodstock, moon landing, weatherman bombings and so many other cultural changes.

[@melissakay6143]

Yep Jeremy, Adam goes off in here! I am an old-timer and worked for weeks to learn all the words from the radio 📻 . Lol No google to look it up! Glad to see it brought to a new generation that may not have heard it. It rocks!

[@babyfry4775]

Don sounded great for 75! I thought the video was clever too. This was during Covid so I thought the boxes were cool. Kinda like the shadow boxes you keep your memories in. They all got to sing and kudos to Adam for beatboxing forever!

[@margaretervin8895]

They each attempt it and the one who does the best at the song takes the lead. It is a joint call.

[@stanrock2225]

Beat boxing was unreal. Wow

[@sandyblack2687]

Love ALL of the HF requests. Please keep them coming!!

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

I always loved the look of the DX-77. (A ribbon mic, less directional than a cardioid. You would see them a lot in '50s TV. Yeah, I'm that old.) I don't know what I'd use one for, but I love the look.

[@cindywynn5161]

Never cared for this song, but this is phenomenal. Chance you rocked it! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@toddhutchins2492]

They actually won 3 awards for the video.

[@Maggsreacts82]

😢 this song reminds me so much of my dad he used to play it to me and my brother when we were little❤

[@fd009597]

They Sang this song for Don while he Received his Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

[@hollyj5683]

This was my song back in the day. I still know all the words! Sang along while making an apple pie! I’m not even kidding! Great seeing DM again! Great reaction!

[@musikbyjh]

Thank you Mom! Hell yeah, I’m glad you were singing along. It was a great rendition! And…so jealous that we don’t get all that tasty cooking since we’re so far away!! 🥧

[@hollyj5683]

@@musikbyjh we’re working on that!

[@keithjohnson8330]

The thing I respect is Tim Foust can can go deeper then, well damn deep. He doesn't go too deep. I feel he keeps within pleasant range. As far as harmonies. Can't beat Home Free. They always tell a story

[@corawilhelm4968]

You can buy the poster for this with all they guys & Don McLean 's signatures on it.

[@joanwharff6483]

This was done during Covid…they were all at their own homes…..only Austin & Tim were in Nashville (they both live there)….too Kool❣️🙃🫶🏼‼️🎶🎵

[@catherinekane489]

This should have always been a capella. It was perfect.

[@Missilynn]

Tim is a Texas boy ! Love him too

[@daviddavison6391]

You need to watch the behind the vault on this song.

[@georgefisher1995]

Perhaps Covid separation, with amazing blending.

[@marybradley4237]

Beautiful, Thanks

[@anitawright7169]

This is so very awesome! Don McLean still got it. I can't even begin to tell you how very awesome this song is to me! Love your reaction!

[@donnastupka7507]

🇺🇸🥧HOMEFREE 🥧🇺🇸

[@Velocistone]

me when reaction videos dont pause the video 😍

[@tamipatterson26]

They let whoever sounds best sing the lead

[@caracamano71]

👍

[@Gurl_warrioR4God]

✌🏻😎👍

[@enidsegal9183]

Will you please please please stop with the “Tim Foust” obsession. I used to love your channel to hear reactions to Home Free until you became obsessed with “Tim Foust”. Now it’s become really annoying and ruins the music you’re playing. It’s not funny, cute, or necessary anymore. Your point has been made. Please will you stop gushing and mimicking over “Tim Foust”. Thank you.

[@musikbyjh]

Sorry you feel that way.