By Helen Musa
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| Don McLean |
US music legend Don McLean will be in Canberra this weekend with his “ American Pie” 50th anniversary tour, supported by Aussie singer/songwriter, Andrew Farriss.
In part marking “The Day the Music Died” – February 3, 1959, when American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J P Richardson were killed in a plane crash — the eight-and-a-half-minute ballad, “American Pie,” has remained in the repertoire since its release in 1971.
Alongside songs by other icons such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Woody Guthrie and Aretha Franklin, McLean’s composition was also named “Song of the 20th Century”.
Over the years, the song has been covered by Madonna and Garth Brooks. Rapper Drake sampled McLean tunes and hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur also cited him as an influence. Handwritten lyrics to the song were auctioned off for more than $1.2 million in 2015, and the composition was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry two years later.
Of course, Don McLean will sing “American Pie”, but the 76-year-old composer has written and sung numerous other huge hits, with “Castles in the Air”, “And I Love You So”, “Cryin’” and “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)”, all of which will be heard on Sunday.
Earlier this year, McLean celebrated the 50th anniversary of “Vincent” by releasing an intimate performance that was recorded at the immersive “Van Gogh” exhibit.
Farriss and his band will support McLean with hits, including selections from his time with the legendary rock band, INXS.
“American Pie” 50th anniversary concert, Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 7pm, April 16.
First published at Canberra City News, April 13, 2023
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