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Donald McLean Jr.American folk pop singer and songwriter
Date of Birth: 02.10.1945
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Don McLean
- Early Career
- Breakthrough
- Career Ups and Downs
- Continued Success
- Recognition and Current Projects
Biography of Don McLean
Don McLean is an American folk-pop singer and songwriter. He is best known for his album "American Pie" released in 1971, which included popular songs such as "American Pie" and "Vincent".
Early Career
McLean began his musical career playing in folk clubs in New York City in the mid-1960s. During this time, he joined his friend Pete Seeger and together they traveled on a small fishing boat called "Clearwater" along the Hudson River, performing in support of environmental protests. It was during this period that McLean wrote many songs, most of which were included in his 1970 album "Tapestry" recorded at MediaArts studio. Although the album did not achieve success, Perry Como, a popular singer at the time, recognized the hit potential in McLean's composition "And I Love Her So" from the album and convinced United Artists to sign a contract with McLean.
Breakthrough
McLean's real popularity came when he recorded the album "American Pie" on May 26, 1971. The title song, a melancholic eight-minute folk-pop epic inspired by the tragic death of Buddy Holly, became a number one hit. Another composition from the album, "Vincent," also achieved tremendous success. After this, McLean became the man who inspired the writing of a song. This song was "Killing Me Softly With His Song," performed by Roberta Flack. However, his subsequent albums, "Don McLean" (1972) and "Playin' Favorites" (1974), did not come close to replicating the success of "American Pie." Naturally, record sales sharply declined.
Career Ups and Downs
After the albums "Homeless Brother" (1974) and "Solo" (1976), United Artists ended their contract with Don McLean. The following year, his new album "Prime Time" was released by Arista, but it was a grand failure, and for the next few years, McLean struggled to secure a new record deal. A sort of "revival" came in the 1980s with the album "Chain Lightning," which reached the top 30, and the cover version of Roy Orbison's "Crying" made it into the top 10. Two songs, "Castles in the Air" and "Since I Don't Have You," also reached the top 40. However, the 1981 album "Believers" failed to solidify his comeback, and after the album "Dominion" in 1983, McLean found himself once again without a record deal and support from record companies.
Continued Success
In 1987, the release of the country-style album "Love Tracks" brought three more hits to the world. In 1991, EMI re-released the single "American Pie" in the UK. In 1992, the albums "Favorites and Rarities" with previously unreleased songs and "Don McLean Classics," which presented new studio sound to old hits like "Vincent" and "American Pie," were released.
Don McLean continued to write new songs, and in 1995, he released the album "River of Love" under Curb Records. Later, he released albums like "You've Got to Share," "Don McLean Sings Marty Robbins," and "The Western Album" under his own label, Don McLean Music. In 2000, Madonna covered McLean's song "American Pie," and in 2003, George Michael performed his song "The Grave" from the same album. Both of these compositions achieved tremendous success worldwide.
Recognition and Current Projects
In 2001, Ion College in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland, awarded McLean an honorary doctorate. In February 2002, the song "American Pie" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2004, Don McLean himself was honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Currently, Don McLean is diligently working on recording his new album, "Addicted to Black," which is scheduled for release in the fall of 2009.
