Don McLean-Episode 158


Today, ‘American Pie’ songwriter and music legend Don McLean sits down with Matt Bailey.

In a revealing career retrospective, McLean opens up to Matt about his early interest in music and more. He discusses why ‘The Day The Music Died’ affected him so much, that McLean decided to write his magnum opus, “American Pie”.

Matt also asks McLean for the story behind how the song ended up becoming a radio single in its entire over-8 minute length, rather than as a 3 and a half minute edit. the reason is an interesting intersection between music technology in 1972 and listener demand for the record.

Speaking of records, McLean also gives his candid option on vinyl records, and why he much prefers them over CDs or digital music. Plus, find out what inspires him to write music.

This is an eye-opening conversation with a true American musical genius.