Singer/songwriter reacts to Home Free ft. Don McLean - American Pie

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Original Video: • Home Free - American P...
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[@leftalone4264]

To an individual man, Home Free is just too good. Together, they are even better.

[@sspaay]

What we may have all begun to take for granted are the incredibly tight harmonies that are the foundation for their sound. They are just never off. You can watch their live videos. It's second nature by now.

[@loisgrohmann9091]

This is definitely the best thing Home Free has ever done. Kudos to Darren Rust for putting this together in such an awesome way. Everyone of the Home Free guys are featured with either a verse or awesome beatboxing by Adam. Thank you Brad Steele for reviewing this one. If this one doesn't get Home Free some much deserved recognition, I don't know what will.

[@gsf23]

Just love when they bring in the original artist to sing with them when the do their covers.

[@patriciab8876]

As I understand it, Don McLean asked them to sing with him! He knew that they understand how harmony works.

[@naominagler7290]

I loved loved loved their version of Elvira.

[@Vixxing21]

Yes! That is BOSS!

[@Vixxing21]

Bet it made his year happy!

[@jeffstumpf9129]

Yes, they’re doing a great and wonderful thing by working with the original artists, Mostly, they’re introducing great old music to new admirers. Special attention to Tim’s amazing range, and Don’s genius in his creation of this song, and his still strong vocals.

[@charlesheld3725]

Luved the restraint. Not every acapella song needs a ridiculously low note or vocal acrobatics. They let McLean be the focal point.

[@lisarenee2227]

And that is a fact! Thanks for saying that!

[@billiewright3577]

Shows their humility and reverence to Mr. McLean and his song.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

And, Home Free proves that. Tim Foust can hit those crazy low notes, but doesn't always do it. These guys are some of the most versatile I can think of.

[@sspaay]

They are pros. They know what sounds good, and don't need their egos stroked. My impression of Home Free has always been, "These guys are professionals".

[@1645308]

As well he should be lol...they have major respect and that's amazing

[@Cindyannef]

The guys all killed it on this, but the best part of all of this was hearing the raw emotions in Don's opening words, and the last few at the end. It took me right back there to 1971. And remembering losing the 3 musicals icons who lost their lives in that plane crash. Yes, I remember that like it was yesterday. It was a very sad time, for sure. Thank you, Brad!

[@tedharvick9010]

My fav part is that not a single one tried to outshine Don. And how much spit was on the floor in front of Adam after nearly 8 minutes straight of drumming. 🙃😉

[@cynthiaerhard2810]

Can any one say Looper?

[@sherimcdaniel3491]

@@cynthiaerhard2810 Ummmm, looper, loppppas, loollllup....nope.

[@sherimcdaniel3491]

I am guessing you’re male, so this might never have occurred to you. I, being female, have only one thought when hearing Adam do what he do so well. That thought is mild debauchery ...... it is “damn! That man must be an amazing...um, errrr, swoon....kisser. Yep! That’s it! Adam must be a ***** star kisser.

[@dogtrainerjen]

He nearly passed out twice during rehearsal. No looper on this one.

[@angelserenade]

@@cynthiaerhard2810 had you seen his live solo act? The man can beatbox straight for minutes! But yeah, they may have used looper in studio recording, but in live Adam still do the beatboxing.

[@sallysmith5090]

A WELL "seasoned fry" here.. I remember this song and omg they did this so well!! Thanks for reacting to it. This is the best... and having Don McLean sing in it too.. and he sounds sooo good??? Christmas and Birthday all wrapped into one.. such a great gift. Love Don wearing Roy Orbison/Buddy Holly glasses... and Adam's bow.. omg.. perfection.

[@brendagrothier967]

Chance, Austin, Rob and Tim got to shine individually. And of course Adam the beat boxer....amazing. As an almost 70 year old this is the music I listened to. I wore out my Don McLean LP.

[@rogeliodacquigananinag5846]

I'm 62, so we could rock this song with Don and HF!

[@larrywt656]

I just love the fact that Don's voice still sounds fantastic 50 years later. This song was an anthem of my youth!

[@amyparker5686]

There is something special about their harmony when Adam joins them in singing. The ending of this song and How Great Thou Are leave you speechless.

[@debbiecrawford7925]

That is so good. I am so glad we have Home Free to go to when we need just pure beautiful music. It is medicine for our minds and soul right now when we all need it so so bad Thank you for continuing with Home free.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Brad I agree...I can see this being the encore at live concerts, or the show stopper at the end !!! And you know the audience will be singing along, just as they do on a lot of songs, especially Castle on the Hill. I too agree that other than Don himself (what a set of pipes for someone 75) my favorite solos were Chance & Tim. Have a blessed day dude

[@bernadette3069]

They nailed this. Especially Chance!

[@miamidolphinsfan]

agree !

[@bernadette3069]

@@miamidolphinsfan wait til Muddy reacts to this especially since he is a huge Chance fan lol

[@miamidolphinsfan]

@@bernadette3069 oh yeah we talk over instagram phone call on Sunday night, he's SUPER EXCITED about it....but his work will probably not allow him to do a reaction to it until the Weekend....he's a really busy dude with his work.

[@bernadette3069]

@@miamidolphinsfan oh I know :) he will get to it when he can. Still waiting for him to react to Austin's i hate Alabama video lol. I know he is super busy. It's all good

[@miamidolphinsfan]

@@bernadette3069 oh he's gonna go off when he reacts to that one LOL....he'sa really good dude, and I had a blast chillin' with him for a few minutes.

[@Tribblepuppy]

Tim not only was outstanding with his bass voice in the basement in the background, but also his wonderful tenor voice. Adam Rupp absolutely killed this song. And having Don McLean in the song just made it much more special. Great reaction! ✌️😎

[@dmckim3174]

This is one of the best songs Home Free has ever done, they really hit it out of the park.

[@debra-annmcbride5329]

I can remember when the plane crash happened, and I remember when this song came out. As Tim Foust says, I am a seasoned Home Fry.

[@DennisKovacich]

I’ve been singing this song since I learned to play guitar in the mid ‘70s. But the plate crash was about 2½ years before I was born.

[@JeffLacina]

The crash occurred on February 3, 1959

[@DennisKovacich]

@@JeffLacina, I know that. The video was specifically released on the 62nd anniversary on purpose.

[@jamesoliver6625]

Grammy for this, including sound engineer.

[@reginaminton1135]

Thank you so much for your reaction to this classic song. The Guys did a wonderful job and Don McLean was so good. I remember when he first came out with this song. Absolutely amazing. Home Free nailed this song with respect to Don. Just beautiful. Thanks again. Have a great day!

[@glennvanzandt2394]

When home free sings with various artist, I love the honor and respect they show them. This was beyond amazing.

[@janhankins911]

I WAS alive when this song came out and remember it well. This is even better than the original. Home Free just add that extra "something" to it that puts it over the top. Of course, what else what else would you expect from Home Free?

[@trailrvs]

The original song came out when I was nine years old, and it was so powerful than that it still remains one of my favorites at almost 59. As a fan of Home Free, I can say they totally knocked this out of the park and I would not be surprised if this became a platinum hit for them and for Don McLean.

[@jimw5227]

Home free deserves award for this song, possibly song of the year. What a woderfull job with the original writer and singer.

[@carinalindberg7377]

I think this is one of the best things I've ever heard, if I'm honest. I loved it from the moment I first heard it and it still keeps growing. I've probably heard it close to a hundred times already and every single time I go through the awe, the chills, the dancing, the oohs, and then the tears. Every single time. So good. So, so good! Thanks for a great reaction!

[@rayc2993]

Great Reaction. We need more of the new generation honoring the older generation song writers a and performers. THIS IS GREAT.

[@luigitempini7789]

I Remember this Song when i was a baby....this rendition is out of this World!

[@TheCaveman46]

Where's the love for Don McClean? The man is 76 years old and yet you would never know it by the strength and power in his voice! Excellent collaboration as always where Home Free is involved. They shine individually and as a group yet still manage to keep the attention focused on the legends they are working with. So far it's been Alabama, Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood and now Mr. McClean. And every collab has been beyond awesome! I would love to see them hook up with Ronnie Milsap.

[@terrichristenson432]

Yes, I have to agree, this rivals "How Great Thou Art" as one of the best. This was just chill raising good, just no more words great !!! I truly hope the guys finally get some much deserved recognition for this supurb song.

[@GormSim]

Nobody: Tim Foust: Fine! I’ll sing tenor.

[@sheilaschnorr3087]

Absolutely fantastic. And major kudos to Home Free producer Darren Rust who knocked it out of the park yet again!

[@billsanderson1442]

Am I the only one who adds the Amen to Home Free's vocalise extro?

[@pamelamccollum5216]

No, I do as well! The whole song is very spiritual!!!

[@Mikki44]

Whew! Listen to Chance go!!!! Love the whole thing!!!

[@danuttall]

Did you catch that in the last chorus, Adam Rupp was actually singing backing vocals along with the rest of the group and not doing vocal percussion at that point?

[@lelabear6920]

Sigh...I had the pleasure of seeing Don McLean when I was a junior in high school...this song had just come out and we had no idea what kind of master talent we were going to see that night. Thanks for reminding me of that special moment.

[@johnbutler7321]

Amazing that Don McLean sounds as transcendent as ever. The tone and texture, the atmosphere--these guys make it look easy!

[@jackiestone3468]

I am with you, Brad, Great arrangement!! Harmonies and beatboxing were awesome. Loved how Don got to sing this song with Home Free. Great reaction 🎉 I love Home Free😊

[@ramonarichardson7904]

It is often said that Adam Rupp (beatboxer) is the glue that holds this group together. He also sings INCREDIBLY well. If a beatboxer can do what he is able to do with this voice and body, he truly is a musical phenomena - and INDEED he is! I give HUGE KOODOS to Adam Rupp. Hopefully, sometime in the very near future they will feature Adam Rupp singing by himself. 😊❤ (side note: Adam Rupp does much with arrangements on their songs).

[@stephanginther9051]

Darn near 3 generations grew up listening to this song now. A 50th anniversary is nothing to sniff at. Don McClain actually reached out to Home Free to help him re release this song for its 50th because, quote, "They understand harmonies."

[@lindajohnson6368]

This song reminds me of my family when my two parents, me and my five siblings were homeless living in our station wagon. This song played on the radio everyday.... My horrible father had the radio on 24/7.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

As a baritone, who can push to a subharmonic A1 and up to C4, I am beyond jealous of Tim Foust. The dude is a beast.

[@conniestone2806]

So happy to see you today reacting, knew you would love it!!! Darren Rust the master producer did the most incredible job on this, the editing, the background they put together. What a team! Ten the guys kill every solo and Don McClean said he wanted to do this re-release with HF because "they understand harmonies like the Jordanaires." Wow! What a complement. Don is 75 and he didn't feel his voice could do much anymore. He asked Darren to make his parts sound good and Darren promised he'd bring out the best. Uh, yeah, so he did!!! Darren wanted it to end with Don singing it as they did it. Incredible. I have cried over this, especially the first listen. Don wrote this when we baby boomers were suffering through Vietnam, my fiance was there 14.5 months. Praise God he made it home unlike the other 50,000 young people. Riots, anger, protests, on-campus clashes with students and National Guards like Kent State killings. It was awful times and it has truly brought back some not so good memories past two days. But this song has no other peer, it's the greatest new release of this day. Take care and thanks Brad!

[@annemayseyfried8907]

●😢😢🔥🔥It's Don's 50th anni- versary of his awesome song re: the day (3) 1950's rock n roll le- gends died in a plane crash>Buddy Holly(Every Day-get a little strong- er), Richie Valens (La Bamba)+"Big Bopper (Chantilly Lace- & a pretty face) ●Don's awesome storyteller voice + lyrics + Home Free's amazing soulful solo voices, rich harmo- nies, Tim's rolling deep super- bass +Adam riding the beat!🔥🔥 ON REPEAT, DANCIN'

[@WesleyLWood]

At 75 don sounds flawless 50 years later. It is rare that a singers voice is a perfect match to the original song WOW

[@annkoch1333]

Awesome editing! It was recorded during the Covid lock-down. Each singer was someplace else when it was recorded. All of the new songs, where they are in separate "boxes" and not in the same recording studio. Even the video shots where done alone.

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

There was a behind the scenes on this a bit ago. They were all together but Don was not there. Chance sounds the closest to Don.

[@robertdocholliday66sadler]

sure Don wasnt there? , it sounded like he was in the recording studio , Darren said it was one Don used before , My thoughts were that they just didnt show him to save it for actual video

[@cheeseface1234able]

When I watched the behind the scenes, I got the impression that Don WAS there, just off camera. Listen to the audio at 2:56 where "a voice" is saying "he is singing my old version" kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH_Wc52obZuYeqc

[@robertdocholliday66sadler]

@@cheeseface1234able Agree 100%

[@patriciab8876]

@@robertdocholliday66sadler Because of health issues, age & covid considerations, Don performed remotely & was online during the time shown in the making of.

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

@@cheeseface1234able I am pretty sure they are looking at a screen and I see no reason to save Don's appearance until the video. They did not do that with the Oak Ridge Boys. If you can have a couple of them in the studio together for behind the scenes why not have everyone there for the video shoot? A remote recording with the collage boxes to put them all together from different locations which they and other bands have done since the quarantine started seems the most reasonable answer.

[@flyinlowmjj]

I was in tears when Don sang the solo at the end, he sounds as good or better than he ever was. What can you say about Home Free, these guys are just amazing! This and the collaboration with Kenny Rogers are my favorites. If you get the chance to see them live, do it. Saw them a few years ago, they are so personable and relatable, they're funny and just amazing vocalists!

[@bethcoussou]

You are so right! This is definitely one of their best ever! I’m hoping it will go viral. Hopefully with all of you reactors with your massive sub numbers will help, too! They certainly deserve some credit! Don still has his voice and took his freedoms with this as Lee did with “God Bless the U.S.A.! Thinking of all of the legendary singers they’ve collaborated with over the last year sire seems like they would get more attention from the Country Music world. This was supposed to have had airplay on the radio yesterday, but I didn’t hear it. Anyway, so happy you reacted to it! You being a musician and giving them all big kudos was awesome! That’s one of the reasons I love your channel, and being a “Bradical”! Take care and see you on here soon!

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

Masterpiece of an arrangement.

[@dtrix10kc]

I remember when this song came out in 1971. American Pie has always been one of my favorite songs EVER because it's part of my youth. I was 18 years old then. Listening to Don after all these years with that awesome voice that he's never lost was a pleasure and I have tears in my eyes sitting here with a huge smile on my face. To Home Free and Don for celebrating this iconic song thank you so much for bringing back all of my memories of that time so long ago.

[@TracyH13]

If I could like this more than once I would! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@andrewatz3099]

They do this so well. Awesome

[@jennywren7822]

'Can't Help Falling In Love Tim Foust, from Home Free, its absolutely amazing. You won't be disappointed....

[@joanwharff6483]

AWESOME is the only word for this 💥💖‼️. Oh, the Memories ..... sends shivers up my spine 💖💥‼️. Thank You Brad for the Great reaction 💖🙃‼️

[@countryem12]

OHHHHHHH MYYYYYYY. THEY DID SOOOOOOO GOOD. I CANNOT AND WILL NOT GET OVER IT. OHHHH MYYYY. !!!

[@robynreiser]

I'm so happy you reacted to this!

[@douglassmith4969]

Excellent reaction to a fantastic arrangement. Each and every one of them was incredible, including Adam who beatboxed for 8+ minutes. I just love it when these a cappella groups feature original artists on their iconic songs. "American Pie" with Home Free featuring Don Mclean = "Mary, Did You Know" with Voctave and Mark Lowry. I really hope they continue to do these collaborations.

[@joanwharff6483]

Hey Brad !!! HOME FREE released a NEW ONE today......”WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN” !!! It’s AWESOME !!! Austin does the Lead....& he KILLS IT 🙃‼️💖‼️🙃 Chills ... WOW 🙃💖‼️

[@anne-mariegoyette4240]

Just SO beautiful .. I was 22 when this came out .. and thid version is THE most beautiful ... and I agree - the most beautiful Home Free song !!

[@musicfanatic6558]

This is my favorite song of all time and Home Free performing it with Don Mclean is PERFECT!!! When they reached the end I was in total flowing tears. To use a phrase: "My cup runneth over"... This is a masterpiece!! Well done Home Free!! I agree with you Brad; I think this is the best Home Free video ever. They stand in that elite Stratosphere of A Capella with Pentatonix.

[@carinalindberg7377]

Yay, was waiting for your reaction to this!

[@siegfriedherrmann6212]

i agree with you brother! Great reaction!

[@cheeseface1234able]

I have listened to this version over 10 times, and each time I have gotten chills during the last verse.

[@dolasfudge705]

Yeah, Brad! Every time they come out with a new one, original, or cover, I say to myself "This is their best one ever!". I agree on every point you brought out, especially Tim singing tenor as easy as he sings the ridiculously low bass notes just makes me envious as he**! LOL Thanks for another great reaction video, and I'm glad that I was a part of this 50k+ experience long before you even realized this was possible. Many of us Home Fries pretty much predicted this for you and your inclusion of other acapella groups as well as your own gospel vocals pretty much nailed it.

[@sharonmortimer3843]

This is my favorite collaboration they have done. They sound so good with Don McLean. Thank you for your reaction.

[@lisarenee2227]

Such a great reaction Brad! Thank you! This really was epic for all 6 of them as they each had a shining moment. Fun fact. When I heard this as a kid, I didn’t know what rye was, so I sang “whiskey and wine” even though I knew it wasn’t what he was singing. 😄

[@lucyFV]

Can’t believe he was 75 when they did this- he sounds great

[@mikeruch2078]

I remember dancing to that song back in the early 70’s! Great song! Don McClean still sounds great!

[@averagejoe845]

The history of the U.S. in the 1960s from the perspective of pop culture. One of the best songs ever!

[@marybarry2847]

This song gave me chills!! They all have amazing voices! But, Tim's voice is one of my most favorite voices of all time. ❤

[@lavonnegoodman4749]

I saw Don do this live in ‘72 at Iowa State.

[@jenniferfox1827]

That was such an awesome rendition!!! Home Free is getting a lot of recognition for this song and I can't get enough!!!

[@kaseywinter3286]

Did you notice the anatomy of the mouth and diagram of teeth while Tim was singing? He studied pre-dentistry before Home Free! Hahaha!

[@eyesalooking]

I didn't make the connection. Great eye.

[@lindaandrews127]

I never heard that, but just imagine. If he had become a dentist, he'd have female patients lined up around the block. lol

[@irisschell5557]

Just wait just wait just wait till you react to When a Man Loves a Woman... I'm crying I am totally exhausted Austin goes crazy

[@karenperson6090]

Yes!

[@lexigeving]

Man you were on top of this one!!!! I was hoping you would!

[@patriciawoyczik1657]

Thanks for this one Brad...great reaction! What can be said other then this is just pure perfection from beginning to end!

[@rogerwest603]

Hey Brad it's not just Tim putting down those Low Notes! It's Both Chance and Tim! 😜👍😎 You can see Chance doing it too in the Video!

[@vinnieblair8576]

Thank you for a thoughtful review. Love your appreciation of this excellent version of an iconic song and HF's homage to a talented, one-of-a-kind-songwriter. I'm sure this song will last another 50 years because the lyrics are so historical, yet whimsical and riveting.

[@BSGNative]

Loved your reaction & comments. I've listened to this at least a dozen times & just can't seem to get enough. It's so good!

[@donnilloyd1355]

Great rendition, AND with the original artist. Love it.

[@steveschaap1514]

You have some of the best reactions on YouYube! Keep up the good work!

[@CarlaDelk]

Reaction, song, Don and Homefree.....PERFECTION!❤

[@chrismorin1318]

A little bit of info that I read and didn't know was that in 50 years, Don McLean had performed this song countless times. But this was only the 2nd time he's ever recorded it! I sure wish that we'd hear this on mainstream radio! And yes, Tim is ridiculous! I think he's gotten so much stronger in his higher range since the pandemic hit. I think it's really given the guys time to grow within themselves and within the group. The sky is the limit for these guys! ❤

[@judydempsey3957]

Brad...this has been all over UTube ...I’ve have listened to this all day. I was in my 20’s when I listened to this for the first time. I sill remember all the words as well. Don sounded just great.I’m so happy he did this with Home free...I haven’t really listed to a lot of Home Free. I do listen to PTX . I just downloaded to my phone...I think I need to give Home Free another try. Great job Brad as always. Congratulations on 50,000 subscribes..Judy D

[@bartonbagnes4605]

Amazing bass. And awesome visuals.

[@irisschell5557]

I agree with every reaction & everything you said !!!! Now after the 20th time listening ..it is better than the 1st time !! Thx thx thx thx!!

[@charlesheld3725]

When I was overseas, it seemed every bar that catered to drunk squids played American Pie.

[@Lobo53]

I remember when this came out, I was a very young Marine waiting for possible orders to Vietnam, oh so long ago. Brings back memories. Home Free just killed it.

[@richcunningham5467]

Yo Brad - Congrats on 50K - You deserve it my Bud!!! 🎆 I wholeheartedly concur - this is, imho, the overwhelmingly the top song the boys have covered...10000% perfection. The arrangement stayed true to the original, each HF guy shone like a shinning star on their verse, Adams percussion was the best I've ever heard, they genuinely paid tons of respect to Don McLean, and Don's preciously aged vocal was pure honey for the ears and the ending actually brought tears of joy to this old rock and roller. Darren Rust deserves a Grammy for the arrangement as well as the guys for the performance. It was 8+ minutes of musical magic for the soul. Thanks for your reaction - I always am impressed with your professionalism yet personal approach to the music - and you're a pretty funny guy also. God Bless Brother!! RichieC (Hotlanta) 😃

[@naominagler7290]

Omg this song made me CRY!! This was mine and my sister Amanda's favorite song to sing together and she was murdered 2 years ago February 2nd. Watching you react to this was amazing. No one better to react, and no one better to "remix" it than homefree.

[@oneknight55]

Can we talk about Adam Rupp's beatboxing. Holy crap. Nicely done Sir. The whole video is epic.

[@stephanginther9051]

9:30 Yes it does. I have a pretty wide range. Not Tim Faust wide but pretty wide. I am _not at all_ comfortable with my upper register. There are quite a few notes that are within my range but I lack the training/practice to hit them and not sound like a dying cat. It is amazing how he hits them with such ease. I wonder just how much practice that took because as a low voiced person (low end of baritone, not quite bass) I can attest to how *hard* it is to reach the far end of your range. The places closer to your natural talking voice are much easier. He must have practiced 'til his throat hurt so many times to get where he is. Respect is deserved.

[@jackmandu]

Tim has said he actually was a tenor for a long time and he worked to maintain his upper range. He’s also said that keeping and even extending his upper range has helped him extend his lower range.

[@ericgershon3492]

Love the intro! Been here since like 5k, crazy how far you've come!

[@unluckydiablo9502]

Happy anniversary!

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Let's just admire, a nearly 80-year-old man still has this kind of voice! Was it like his voice in the 1970's? Of course not, but he adjusted and still did incredible!

[@richardbrodbeckbeginninggu7330]

Love this song. Love this version. And you have your comment volume down perfect. Some reactors when they talk come in so loud it is a shock and others come in so quiet you have to turn up the volume. You are dialed in! Keep on keeping on!

[@bernadette3069]

Wait till you see the new video for When a man loves a woman OMG!!

[@cindyr.522]

they released the video yesterday....on the 62nd anniversary of the plane crash that killed 'the music' ...3 great acts. I love both versions and have listened to this several times already and have it stuck in my head lol ....I also love their song with Kenny Rogers before he passed away. I love to see the original artists with them, it's so fun to see! :D

[@bradalpert6995]

Home Free will make this song a classic 50 years from now. Absolutely phenomenal!

[@jackmandu]

Had this on 45 as a kid and hated having to flip it half-way through.

[@marlahudgins7038]

HOMWE FREEand DON MCLEAN, QWOW!!!! i.It waas absolutely BREATH TAKING