Don McLean: How He Wrote American Pie, Vincent and His Friendship with Pete Seeger. Part One
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- čas přidán 18. 09. 2020
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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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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 !
Thanks Richard..... joe
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!!
I really like the fact that the interviewer doesn't "filibuster" when asking questions, unlike so many talk show hosts.
Thanks Cal......joe
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.
Thank God for Don Maclean.l love his songs.thanks.you stay healthy!can't wait to see him in denver..
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
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.
Uncle Adolf was right.
Just wondering what planet you've been on, not knowing what this song was about
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.
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
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
I agree Joe is the best
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.
It’s amazing how many of the greats credit Elvis as their inspiration. He is the King Of Rock And Roll for good reason.
Hi NYC... that’s very true... joe
Elvis also inspired Dylan, people of all ages, all over the world loved him, still do.
as a black american this dude shook me open to all music AP stops my soul in freeze frame
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.
Roberta Flack wrote ‘Killing me softly with his song’ about Don.
The song is about him, but not written by Flack.
@@barbmirell2150 Yes you are right.
@@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
"American Pie" will be observing its 50th anniversary in 2021-That's the sign of a true classic.
This man is a national treasure. Truly. There won’t be another. Thank you for this!
Thanks for watching Zeek....Joe
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.
Vincent. A timeless song I hope he covers in the next part.
Thanks for watching TooL.... joe
I like how Don tells it. Very relatable and sincere.
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.
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.
This channel is doing a great and vital service to music history, delving so much deeper than the sound bytes of mainstream media.
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
ABSOLUTELY
Amen, thank you Joe !
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
Musicians like to talk.
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.
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.
I also saw Don at the Great Southeast!
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.
Glad you’re enjoying them Whipp.... thanks... joe
First ever interview I’ve heard from Don M, the man has a good look on reality. I like his attitude
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
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.
Rick... I’m very happy you’re enjoying the interviews... thanks for watching.. Joe
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
Hi Jerome... maybe not the music business isn’t as fun but good music is always fun....Joe
Thanks for watching Jerome....Joe
@@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
I love hearing his wisdom throughout the years.
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.
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.
I don't know much about him besides "American Pie" but this guy is fascinating. Great interview!
Thanks A... Joe
Listen to Don Mclean Greatest Hits , you will not be disappointed ☮️
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.
Thanks for sharing Sparky... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks Joe!
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)
Thanks for watching RTOD...Joe
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!
Thanks Kathy... best... joe
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.
Thanks for watching Linda.....Joe
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.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Drew ... good luck with your dream... best... Joe
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 🤟
Glad you’re enjoying them Steely.... joe
I love Joe's interviews also Sharing history & personal lives just a great rarity
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.
Love Don's phrasing......the best.
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.
Thanks Pam.... best, Joe
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.
I agree my friend , but I Love the version from Believers in 1981
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!
Another great interview! Love these. Looking forward to the next part.
This channel has so much to enjoy. Thankyou
Thanks for watching don..... joe
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!
Thanks Spoonido.... joe
awesome interview. thank you again ....can't wait for part two
Thanks Raven.... joe
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.
Another great interview! The things we learn from all the back stories.
Thanks 461... joe
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
AGREE
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)"
Thanks for watching Ed.... Yes... that kinda song will set you up for life. Best, Joe
I feel soooo blessed to be led to this interview!!! Always looking for truth and positive vibes!!!
Joe, another great interview. Can’t wait for part two!
Thanks alpha.... joe
Really looking forward to part 2
What a terrific interview.
Thanks Stephen... thanks... I think part two is better... joe
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.
Thank you Ken.... joe
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!
It’s really good Larry... joe
Love this interview. I could listen to him all day. Great story teller.
Thanks for watching Debbie.... Best, Joe
Look forward to part II. Thanks, - both you for providing and Don for sharing.
Thanks Michael... joe
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.
Thanks for watching 5754.... part two is better... Joe
Great interview Don! I am a fan of yours! Your wise words had made an impact on my life!
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
Thank you Steve... joe
yes, unlike far too many interviewers who talk damn too much, you allowed Don to speak.
Thank you very much Bob... Joe
Well, you said it was coming - and here it is. Great interview, Joe. Looking forward to P2.
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
Great interview Joe. Thanks very much. I smiled a lot watching/listening to this.
Thanks for watching NVRAM...Joe
A very thoughtfully conducted interview. Looking forward to Pt. 2.. Thanks, Joe!!
Thank you too Abe.. joe
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’.
Thanks Digital.... joe
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.
Thanks for sharing your memories John…..Joe
Absolutely brilliant interview. Love this channel. Grew up with Don McLean songs. Vincent & American pie
Thanks Mario.. joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum My pleasure. Brilliant. I even covered Don McLean's song Vincent for my new album. Mario
Wow great interview Joe! Don is such an interesting guy.I’m looking forward to part two.
It’s a good one Jim... thanks for watching... joe
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!
Thanks for watching Michael.... Joe
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.
Thanks Richard... joe
No doubt 🔥
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.
Thanks for watching SLM...Joe
Another great, insightful interview
Thank you 567.... joe
Unreal ! Story . Great interview! This iconic man is still hear! Who was their when Rock and Roll hit !
Thanks for watching Wayland... joe
Thanks heaps for the opportunity of seeing and hearing iconic artists who created the soundtrack to many people's lives.
Love your interview style.
Thank you Voula…Joe
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...... 👍👍😉😉
Hi Steve... glad you enjoyed it... part two I think is the best part of the interview... best, Joe
Sapele Steve - Really. It never occurred to me anyone could hate American Pie! 😑
Great intro Joe and of course great interview!
Thanks Vic... joe
Brilliant interview, thanks so much.
Thanks ME....Best...Joe
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.
Donnie.... thanks for supporting my guitar shops as well as these interviews... Sincerely, Joe
Very much enjoying this!
I met Don as a busker on 16th st mall in Denver in 2009 ... didn't really believe him at first... cool guy
Wow. Fantastic
American Pie showed how much of a scholar of the 60's he was. Likewise with Vincent how he appreciated Van Gogh.
What an honest and truthful interview,,thank you,
Thanks Martin... joe
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
Thanks Martin.... hey... I hate phony too.... best, Joe
Great interview of great artist/American iconic song
Thanks Nelly.... Joe
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.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Gaston.... joe
I saw Don this year with my son & granddaughter it was epic such a legend
Watching this interview and Mr McLeans CZcams 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.
Thank You Joe for these videos, Please keep them coming !! I hope I can meet you some day !! Great stuff man AWESOME !!!❤!!!😊
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
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.
It's reassuring to know that others see movies when they write. Groovy.
Interesting...
This is amazing
Thanks Joe... joe
A paper boy indeed. me too I told Don this and we spoke about our newspaper experiences.. twice once in 1985 and then 2014. great guy smart as efin ever too.
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!
Thank you Jose... part two is better... joe
McLean sounds like he's a hardcore leftist.
@@Powertuber1000 nothing wrong with that.
Agreed
@@williamneillgross3926 Nothing wrong with that if you're a Marxist.
Joe - you have my dream job! Great interview, as always.
Thanks for watching Nikkie.... yes.... I’ve enjoyed doing them... best, Joe
Thank you for all of your wonderful memories god bless
What an entertaining fella, never held back mate totally engrossed. Thank you 👍🎸😀
Thanks for watching Ron..... Joe
Lovely interview!
Thanks 311...... Joe
I am a big fan of your videos and cannot wait to come down and visit your museum.
Thanks for watching Mark.... hope to see you at the museum in the near future.... best, Joe
An excellent interview, thank you.
Thanks Peter... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Joe, your site is brilliant, the interviews are masterpieces and will be enjoyed by music fans for years to come. It was such a beautiful experience looking at it, thank you for uploading it. keep uploading new ones, regards, Peter.
Thanks Peter........... Joe
Outstanding...Very interesting stuff... Cheers Bob
Thanks again for watching Bob...best, Joe
New Years Eve party, 1969 - American Pie was new and a big hit. We played it over and over, trying to figure out all the references.
Thanks for a great interview!
Thank you too Mike... Joe
You're a couple of years off; it must have been New Year's Eve 1971.
You may be right, memory is not precise after 50 years. But I still remember some friends who were there.
Castles in the air.....my favorite Don Mclean song ....great song writer
Well I don’t care if the sun don’t shine and I don’t care if nothing is mine. Insightful as ever, Joe.
Thanks Clayton... best... joe
Thank you so much 💓
Thanks for watching Jude…Joe
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”.
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.