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American Pie
Don McLean
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- Album
- American Pie
- Released
- 1971
- Genres
- Pop
- Length
- 8:37
- Tempo
- 138 BPM
- Label
- Capitol Records
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About this song
Don McLean released the song in 1971 on the album American Pie. It is full of pop-culture references and has been widely regarded as groundbreaking. In 2015, the original manuscript and notes were sold at auction for $1.2 million, which is when McLean first revealed the intended meaning of his lyrics.
What it's about
The song traces the evolution of rock and roll through the 1960s, beginning with the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. It also touches on major events of the decade, including the moon landings, Dylan's rise and crash, the dominance of The Beatles and the death of Janis Joplin.
Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 4 other songs, like “Super Ultra Megaballad X by Cacola”.
- Covered 15 times, including “American Pie by (hed) p.e.”.
- Written by Don McLean.
- Produced by Ed Freeman.
- Recorded at Record Plant.