It’s been 50 years since the release of Don McLean’s classic song “American Pie,” and the musician is finally ready to reveal the secrets behind the iconic tune. In a new interview, McLean opens up about the inspirations for the song and what it was like to watch it become a massive hit.
“American Pie” was born out of frustration with the state of the music industry in the early 1970s. McLean was disappointed with what he saw as a decline in quality and substance, and he initiated to compose a song that would capture the essence of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. The result was a nearly eight-minute opus that told the story of “the day the music died.”
While the meaning of the lyrics has been debated for decades, McLean says that they are actually quite straightforward. The first verse chronicles the rise of rock ‘n’ roll, while the second verse tells the story of Buddy Holly’s death. The third verse is about McCarthyism and the 1950s culture wars, and the fourth verse is about anarchy and chaos. The final verse is about hope and how rock ‘n’ roll will never die.
“American Pie” was an instant hit when it was released in 1972. It has been covered multiple times by famous personalities, including Madonna, who had a No. 1 hit with her version in 2000.
McLean says that he is proud of the impact “American Pie” has had on popular culture, but the song is not about him or his life. “It’s about America,” he says. “It’s about our history, and it’s about what we were going through at the time.”
What is The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) all about?
The day the music died is a deeply personal and poignant film that tells the story of the plane crash in which Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper died. Though their careers were cut short far too soon, their impact on the world of music is immeasurable.
The film portrays the events, as well as the aftermath, through the eyes of those people who knew them best. This includes intimate interviews with family members, close friends, and fellow musicians who share their memories and insights about Buddy, Richie, and the Big Bopper. The result is a moving and intimate portrait of three musical legends whose influence continues to be felt nearly 60 years after their untimely deaths.
The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) explores the behind-the-scenes story of Don McLean’s classic song. The title is a reference to the plane crash that killed three of America’s most promising young musicians: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (aka The Big Bopper). This tragedy had a profound impact on McLean, and he channeled his grief into his art.
The result was a song that has become one of the most iconic and enduring musical touchstones of the 20th century. In the film, McLean opens up about the hidden meanings within the lyrics and how the events of that day continue to resonate with him 50 years later. American Pie is more than just a great song; it’s a powerful reminder of how music can bring us together in times of darkness and loss.
Where to stream The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022)?
Paramount Plus will release the show on 19 July 2022. The network is not currently available in all countries, so visit their website to check if it’s available in your region.
Is The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) on Netflix?
No, The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) is not currently available on Netflix. However, you can check out other documentaries here like Crazy: A Father’s Love (2015).
Is The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) on Hulu?
No, The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) is not currently available on Hulu. However, you can check out other music shows like The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016) and George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011).
Is The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) on Amazon Prime?
The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) is not available to stream on Amazon Prime. You can also find other documentaries like The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016) and George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011).
How to watch The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) for free?
We do not currently know of any way to watch The Day The Music Died: American Pie (2022) for free.