The great ‘American Pie debate’ continues today on the Internet. Don has always refused to sanction any of the many interpretations, so adding to its mystery. Every line of the song was analyzed time and time again to find the real meaning. Very quickly, the attention from media and public alike catapulted the single to #1 in the USA and Don to instant international superstardom. “‘American Pie'” was issued as a double A-side single in November 1971 and charted within a month. Like Dylan, McLean throughout his career has remained reticent to talk about what his songs “really mean.” “ American Pie” may be the most analyzed pop song in history. By mid-January of ’72, it had reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. In 2022, Don McLean, 76, celebrated American Pie's 50th birthday with a world tour.ĭon McLean’s classic “American Pie” was released in November of 1971.
