Biography of Don McLean

A singer/songwriter of a fiercely independent character, McLean dominated radio and record sales for weeks in 1971-1972 with his epic-length Buddy Hollyesque hit "American Pie." He could have gotten years more prominence by following it up and milking the sound; instead he wrote from a personal point of view, and achieved a level of respect more often associated with folksingers a good decade older than he is for valuing the past and himself more than chart action. While never again hitting the same peaks as "American Pie," McLean continued recording and touring througout the 1990s. ~ Bruce Eder