Donald McLean III (born October 2, 1945) is an American singer‑songwriter and guitarist. Known as the “American Troubadour” or “King of the Trail”, he is best known for his 1971 hit “American Pie”, an eight‑and‑a‑half‑minute folk‑rock song that has been referred to as a cultural touchstone. His other hit singles include “Vincent”, “Dreidel”, “Castles in the Air” and “Wonderful Baby”, as well as renditions of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” and the Skyliners’ “Since I Don’t Have You”. McLean’s song “And I Love You So” has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell and others. In 2000, Madonna had a hit with her rendition of “American Pie”. In 2004, McLean was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In January 2018, BMI certified that “American Pie” had reached five million airplays and “Vincent” three million. Though most of McLean’s music is in the folk‑rock genre, he has also explored easy listening, country and other styles. McLean’s grandfather and father, both also named Donald McLean, were of Scottish origin. His mother, Elizabeth Bucci, was of Italian descent; her parents came from the Abruzzo region in central Italy. McLean grew up in New Rochelle, New York, where he delivered newspapers as a boy. Some of his early musical influences included Frank Sinatra and Buddy Holly. As a teenager, McLean became interested in folk music, particularly the Weavers’ 1955 recording The Weavers at Carnegie Hall. He often missed long periods of school because of childhood asthma, and although his studies suffered, his love of music was allowed to flourish.
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American Pie
Vincent
Waters of Babylon
The Pride Parade
And I Love You So
Since I Don’t Have You
Winterwood
Oh My What A Shame
If We Try
Chain Lightning
Crossroads
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