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Don McLean

Legendary recording artist Don McLean - best known for 'American Pie' - chooses the Tracks of My Years.

Now 50 years old, 'American Pie' was both a remarkable and unusual hit: more than eight minutes long, it reflected the experiences of the American generation which lived through the painful transition from the innocent 50s to the turbulent 70s. Combining a rousing chorus with cryptic, poetic verses, the song transfixed an entire culture and, along with its follow-up single Vincent, made Don an international star.

Don was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004. and 'American Pie' has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2001 it was named the fifth most historically significant song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts. It was performed by Garth Brooks at Barack Obama's pre-inauguration concert and Madonna's cover version topped charts in 2000.

More recently, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2 Folk Awards honoured Don McLean with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his great contribution to songwriting. This autumn, Don will kick off the UK leg of his 50th Anniversary American Pie Tour

57 minutes

Last on

Sun 19 Jun 2022 05:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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Neneh Cherry

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Beth Nielsen Chapman

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Music Played

  • Don McLean

    American Pie

    • Greatest Hits.
    • EMI.

  • Elvis Presley

    When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again

    • My Wish Came True.
    • Supreme Media.
    • 13.

  • Buddy Holly

    Peggy Sue

    • Rediscover The 50's-Rock With The Cav.
    • Old Gold.

  • Ritchie Valens

    Donna

    • (CD Single).
    • Old Gold.

  • The Weavers

    Woke Up This Morning

    • Reunion At Carnegie Hall.
    • Vanguard Records.
    • 3.

  • The Rolling Stones

    (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

    • The Rolling Stones - Remastered.
    • Abkco.

  • The Beatles

    I Feel Fine

    • The Beatles - 1.
    • Apple.
    • 007.

  • The Beach Boys

    Good Vibrations

    • Smiley Smile (Stereo Version).
    • EMI.

  • Frank Sinatra

    Nice 'n' Easy

    • The Frank Sinatra Collection.
    • EMI.

  • Muddy Waters

    Mannish Boy

    • 100% Blues & Soul (Various Artists).
    • Telstar.
    • 3.

  • Don McLean

    Crying

    • Acuff-Rose Opryland Music: 50th Anniv.
    • Acuff-Rose Opryland.

  • Beth Nielsen Chapman

    I Find Your Love

    • (CD Single).
    • Sanctuary.

Broadcast

  • Sun 19 Jun 2022 05:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2