I saw Don McLean qt the Palais Theatre in St Kilda Melbourne Australia circa '77-'78 just Don and an Acoustic guitar, I had no idea till that night the sheer beauty and purity of his voice.....it was breathtaking ......so am surprised to hear him say he never got respect....my hat is off to you Don.....Total Respect!!
One of my life's greatest experiences, was hearing Don sing "Vincent" Live on WNEW -FM, one Sunday Morning. I believe it was 1976. Accompanied, only by His Guitar, His Voice, the Song ... Glorious.
I"ve always loved this song 'American Pie' but had no idea of all that it meant. As a 76 year old boomer, this gives me perspective. I might be listening to this all day. The video of the song is fantastic. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My heart mourns for the values we have lost. America can be better than we are now.
This is the best interview ever ...I love Don McLean..and have done ever since I can remember..now 70 plus years later the song and it's message is absolutely brilliant...thank you
Its a wonderful thing that you can separate your age apart from taking the time to go out and learn the meaning behind the song. I feel most people don't find interest in looking up the real meaning behind songs. Thus a song never gets its well deserved respect.
I saw Don McLean perform a year or so ago in Los Angeles. I had no idea the scope of his material, he played a lot of old swampy blues, and his ability to get an entire audience of boomers like myself up out of our seats, stomping, singing, cheering him along. He was phenomenal. Great interview !
Never had the opportunity to see Don play Live, but I always felt his music deeply. At 62, still do when I hear the songs from back when…Don, Woody, Pete etc. Wish Don all the best. A gem of a man, beautiful human being.
Damn Steve.... you’re just way too kind!!! I’m not a professional interviewer... never intended to be one but in order to build the museum properly it had to have video interviews and I couldn’t afford a video staff so I just bought a good camera and started. I never intended for my voice to be heard so the Vault Series I wasn’t wearing a mic for those viewers who said they couldn’t hear me very well. It wasn’t until I started the Backstage show that I was wearing a mic and on camera too. Anyway thank you very much. I’m truly happy you’re watching and enjoying them. All the best, Joe
Couldn't agree more. Joe is so respectful and unassuming. Never pushy. Don is brilliant and interesting but clearly gets to things in his own way and own time. Joe listens like a patient friend who loves and respects you. His sincerity and heart earns trust and we benefit. From listening to Don it must be a Nashville thing as he said it's the only place he feels accepted. Thanks Joe for sharing what you do and opening up this world to us.
I seen Don McLean in 1971 at a concert hall in Toronto, opening for the James Gang. The Joe Walsh led power trio's gear was set up on stage and up front, center stage, was a lonely microphone and a stool. Well, this unassuming young man walked on stage with his harmonica and acoustic guitar strapped over his shoulder and sat down. You see back in those days folk acts would be brought on a tour as openers for rock acts sometimes. It wasn't long into his set when shouts of "ROCK N" ROLL' were being yelled from the balcony. He weathered the cat calls and continued with his set.. Then he tried to get us to sing alone to a new song that was just released on the radio that week. That didn't happen, we were there for power chords from one of the best bands around. We didn't know that 50 years later that sing along would become the infectious ditty that it did, is still going strong.
Hi Alienart.... many thanks... it’s been a true labor of love for me. These are the musicians who truly made the soundtrack of “my” life and millions of others and continues to affect millions who were not even born when they were in the top 40..... best, Joe
You’re knocking ‘em Dead Joe. Grew up not far from Don and now live not far from Pete Seeger’s old place. First song I learned on guitar...Vincent. Excellent interview Joe.
I caught his act at The Great Southeast Music Hall in Atlanta in about '73. Small venue and everybody sat on the floor. I had seen P,P&M and The Lettermen in concert before and no one else. I remember he broke a string and re-strung while talking, pulled it up into tune and never missed a beat. I was twenty-two doing four sets a night in Underground Atlanta at the time, drunk and stoned and sad all the time. He blew me away.
The Great Southeast Music Hall was an amazing place! I saw many music icons in that small venue, Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, Link Wray, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Earl Scruggs, Amazing Rhythm Aces, and more.
Don is a man who lives on his own terms. This realism comes through in his music and conversation. I would say he is a unusual genius. Self taught. I love his lyrics and the lifestyle he has. A wandering minstrel.
Joe, This is literally a dream come true. For about a year now, I fantasized about a road trip that ended with me knocking on Don's door and talking music. We would talk like old friends and make plans on how to save music. We would plot how to get a new generation to love lyrics, words, ideas, and truth. This interview got me half way there. I guess its up to me where I go from here.
I saw Don from the front row of a revolving stage at Ontario Place in Toronto many moons ago...I was so impressed by his connection to the people, it was a wonderful experience. "if I fail I'll find a way out of it"...taking that away with me.
Probably one the most honest interviews yet! In 1971-72 I was stationed at Keesler AFB, 19 years old and the first time I was on my own away from home! There was a row of small bars just outside the west gate! There was one really small bar with a great looking bartender that was really laid back! The entertainment was a jukebox! And every night I probably played American Pie at least twice, it was one of those songs that made me long for my friends back home! Looking forward to the 2nd part of the interview! Thanks Joe!
Fascinating interview.Mclean's songs(especially during a live performance) seems to pull you in the middle of it from the story/meaning of those lyrics.He is gifted at getting your attention.Just proves all you need sometimes is just a guitar and a gifted singer/songwriter on stage that can make everyone there feel involve and sing along with him.Thanks Joe!...ken.
What a great interview with, the great Don McLean. You should congratulate yourself Joe, for him agreeing to this interview. My guess is he agree's to very few. It's just as interesting listening to him in person as it is listening to his songs. Really looking forward to part two! Thx. for sharing.
I was around 12 when I began playing music too. I started going to drum lessons in school when I was 12 and for my 13th birthday I got a drum kit. I’m now 17 and I now play drums, guitar, bass and piano. Music changed my life forever, I now want to be a music teacher when I leave school.
Ahhh Haaa! Here it is! Just what I've been looking for!! Great interview Joe. I can relate to his asthma issues. I nearly died 3 times from asthma attacks as a kid. He's blessed to have overcome it and create so much incredible music. We are all blessed by you and Don's contributions to the music world. I look forward to seeing the upcoming vids on Don. Thanks again Joe!
I saw Don and Judy Collins in Durham a few years ago. Still sounded great, with a rollicking version of American Pie. I liked his answer to'what does it mean?' "It means I never have to work again"(paraphrasing)
I have to say... life as we are living it would not be the same without Don McLean's contribution. He made it possible to step back and look more closely. Smell the roses you might say. This is my fav. interview so far BECAUSE even if he thinks he is slow.... he doesn't come off as such. lol He is on a different wave length as the rest of the artists.
Thank goodness - a Don McClean interview that talks about more than just American Pie. He wrote and recorded some wonderful work. Looking forward to watching Part Two... getting past American Pie. Well done, MHFM!
Drove with my parents to LA, CA in a new Chevy station wagon with American Pie playing on the 8 track. So great! Love the interview and keep ‘em comin’.
This is such an interesting interview. I am looking forward to the second part. For I don't know how many years, we rode to school on the school bus everyday listening to American Pie on the radio. It seemed to sum up a whole epoch of music and culture that our young minds couldn't fully understand but it gave us something to hold on to, and to look toward the future.
Outstanding interview! Its amazing how rare this is today. I appreciate the way you just let Don talk and elaborate without soundbite interruptions. Please keep it up Joe. These are treasures.
Awesome interview man!! I love this channel, whether you’re interviewing country giants or session players who’ve been on thousands of records! What with my senior year being taken away by this virus, it’s so nice to finish up my work and see a new video! Rock on man 🤟
Dad was a Pharmacist. He had his own store and had customers, where he knew 4 generations of their families. One thing, which he noticed, that in every case, where a child had asthma, at least one person in their household was a heavy smoker. It really stood out to him in the 1980's, because by then, there were many people who didn't smoke.
Me too. A Farrmer Jack's grocery store in Detroit at 3:30 a.m., when it was just beginning to break as a hit. This tune comes on for the first time I heard it and it absolutely stopped me in my tracks and I didn't move until it ended. Then i was in a fog trying to absorb it.
@@rossanderson5243 double-check, and you'll find it was Lori Lieberman who wrote it, and first recorded it, but Roberta Flack is the artist who took it to the top of the charts
Terrific interview Joe! I like that Don tells it like it is from his point of view. Obviously, the song American Pie is a classic. The lyrics of that song are just incredible! However, it's the kind of song that you either love or hate. I really love that song but my wife hates it. It always amazes me how music has such a strong effect on people. Anyway, looking forward to your next video with Don....Be well & stay safe...... 👍👍😉😉
Great interview. I sing at community suppers for charity and every time I do a cover of Vincent, the audience gets a bit quieter as they begin to listen. I seem to get the most applause when singing that beautiful song. I make not a penny and consider each time time I do a cover I do as a tribute to the writer, the artist. Thanks Don and thank you Joe. I saw a Don MCLean concert on Public Tv out of NYC when I came home from the Air Force in December of 74. Don was playing in front of a college audience. Pete Seeger had a show in the 1960's on Public Tv, Rainbow Quest. I think Buffy Sainte-Marie may have been on the last episode of Rainbow Quest. Both Pete & Buffy were blacklisted. Joe, It would be awesome if you could interview Buffy Sainte-Marie. Buffy is loved around the world and received Canada's highest honors. I was assigned to an Air Force Base in England during '73 & 74'. I was so happy to hear Buffy Sainte-Marie's music being played on the BBC. I wonder if Don watched and remembers Pete's Rainbow Quest series. Thanks again guys.
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum I'd love to see video of that if it's in the vaults. I love the video of Randy doing tribute to Neil Young Canada Hall Of Fame induction 2017. It's on youtube.
This interview is interesting, because the interviewer let the Don Mclean talk. And didn't try to push him into talking firstly about his main/bread&butter songs. He just allowed it to develop!
Thanks Bill... coming soon... actually I’ll tell you first... the next video from Don will be a short clip from part two before up load the complete part two. Best... Joe
I'm still listening, but I'm hoping to hear about Don's banjo playing, I only know about it because of an interview I once did with Warren Hellman, who started the free Hardly Strictly festival in San Francisco. Warren told me he was taking banjo lessons from Roger Sprung . He wanted to hire a banjo player to play at his birthday party, and Roger suggested Don McLean, who was about 20. So, Warren hired him.
1971'/72 WAS A BIT OF A HUGE TIME FOR ME. HEARING AMERICAN PIE ROCKED MY WORLD JUST A LITTLE... OK A LOT! AND YOU ARE STILL PERFORMING! YESSS! WHAT AWESOME INTERVIEW.
I love what you are doing Joe!! This stuff is so great. I bought some guitars from you and whatever money you made is coming back to me through these videos! Thank you.
Great interview Don! I am a fan of yours! Your wise words had made an impact on my life!
4 года назад+26
Best one yet! Don in his folksy way just opens up and tells it like it was. How he "Had a chip on his shoulder." and other issues.in his life. I always like Joe that you allow the guest to lead the conversation and when it's appropriate you jump on to clarify or have the guest expand on that thought or important nugget of their history! Great post! Keep them coming!
New Years Eve party, 1969 - American Pie was new and a big hit. We played it over and over, trying to figure out all the references. Thanks for a great interview!
I remember American Pie (I was in 5th grade). But it was the album with "Oh My, What a Shame" and "The More You Pay (The More It's Worth)" on it. I feel like it shaped my teenage years. I listened to that album over and over and tried to write like Don McLean. I ended up getting a music degree and I became a music therapist. I liked Don's big hits (esp. Vincent), and I had all his records, but it was that one album, which was either untitled or just called "Don McLean." On the Amazon, The Pride Parade, If We Try . . . Those songs meant to much to me and influenced who I am today. This album was on United Artists but I am pretty sure it is out of print. The BEST album! I was also a huge Beatles and Beach Boys fan, so maybe that has something to do with why I connected so easily with his music. I am so grateful for Don McLean and his contributions to American music.
It's interesting that Don can't specifically articulate how he constructed certain songs, other than, lyrically, he began assembling certain impressions, memories and feelings - and yet, he is very gifted at creating word pictures that draw upon common experiences and widely known events - so well done that the listener is constantly filling in personal visions that meld both Don's lyrics with their own personal thoughts and private mind-movies. LESS detail and artful sketches allow the listener to fill in the meanings and visuals for themselves. And that is what all great songwriters know and tap into. They can't explain it, not like in a mathematical equation, but more like a painter telling what paints he was using, the music he was listening to while creating, and what was going on in the news when he created some masterpiece - the difference obviously being, a painter's vision is static and specific, while a recording artist uses voices, instruments and lyrics. Great art always supersedes the artist - and that is so true of American Pie, as Don was the creator and we all took it somewhere unique and different in our own individual minds. And Pie has now been so long iconic, that now we're each constantly processing it in different ways as we get older. Amazing!
Thanks, Joe! I've only seen a few of your interviews of artists. But what I really notice is you ask great questions, particularly ones you know the audience is likely most curious about (and some they might not know to ask), and then keep yourself in a minimalist mode and let the interviewee express themselves without constant interruption (as many interviewers unfortunately do). I can also tell you've done your homework and well know an artist's history and work. Keep up the great work!
I'll never forget when American Pie would come on in my mom's car when I was a kid and it always mesmerized me... Vincent was also always a rare and intense treat - great video and thanks for the upload 🔥 ps- appreciate that you haven't stuffed this vid full of obnoxious advertisements
Hi Robert....Thanks for watching..... glad you enjoyed it. I’m also glad there’s not lots of ads.... We have nothing to do with that part.... As far as I know RUclips adds the commercials other than the MHOF ones..... Best, Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Hi Joe . Thank you for great interviews!! I remember Lennon saying " The 70's was a drag" regarding his new music Double Fantasy in 1980. I think, "The Jester" was Don MacLean, instead of Dylan, who is NOT a jester. Thank you from Canada
By the waters of Babylon really touched me. It seemed to have been written to protest the Iraq war. It wasn't since it was written before the war but I opposed the war and it comforted me more than once.
love you Don McLean . So many good songs , much more than American Pie . I loved Prime Time . If you got something to say SAY IT . I had all the Don McLean albums . Vincent makes me cry to this day . Thanks for the great interview , they could not listen their not listening still , perhaps they never will . I could go on , but the music tells the story
Andrew, my dad, Joe, passed September 28th- I know he would have appreciated your kind comment and support for the channel. Thanks for watching, hope you can visit the museum sometime too. Best, Britt
Hi Joe , I'm sorry to hear about your fathers passing . I had spoken with him on here a few times and he was always very friendly and personable . i really like his interviews of music greats too. i hope to come see the museum sometime . thank you .. take care , Andrew@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
I grew up in Highland Falls across the river from where he lived in Cold Spring and later in Garrison NY. I think he moved up to be near Pete Seeger around ‘69. I remember when American Pie was a hit back in ‘71. We had always hoped that one day both he and Pete would show up somewhere in Beacon where Pete lived and do a small show. There was no internet back then so the only way you would get any news would be from one of the kids that lived in Cold Spring or Beacon. Growing up in that part of the Hudson was amazing. Don McLean, Pete Seeger, The Band, Orleans. Billy Joel lived and wrote all the songs on his Turnstiles album in my home town back in ‘76. That’s where the song titled “Summer Highland Falls” comes from.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum thanks Joe....I really enjoyed the interview. From what I’ve been told he wrote American Pie over a period of time but the chorus was definitely written in Cold Spring. There’s a version that Pete Seeger sang on a radio broadcast shortly after Pete heard it that I think you will enjoy. Just search on RUclips for Pete Seeger American Pie and it will show up.
I listened to his album over and over again during college (graduated 1980) , and I felt what his point was then, but didn't know that was what he was actually trying to communicate until listening to this interview. This guy is on another dimension; quite different than a lot of other musicians in the way he approaches things. Kind of like the difference between a gesture artist like Matisse and a Renaissance oil painter using layering of translucent colors. Both are really good, but definitely different.
Watching this interview and Mr McLeans RUclips channel prompt me to meet him and befriend him. He comes across as my kind of guy. Plus I play guitar and am working on the piano.
I saw Don McLean qt the Palais Theatre in St Kilda Melbourne Australia circa '77-'78 just Don and an Acoustic guitar, I had no idea till that night the sheer beauty and purity of his voice.....it was breathtaking ......so am surprised to hear him say he never got respect....my hat is off to you Don.....Total Respect!!
One of my life's greatest experiences, was hearing Don sing "Vincent" Live on WNEW -FM, one Sunday Morning. I believe it was 1976. Accompanied, only by His Guitar, His Voice, the Song ... Glorious.
I"ve always loved this song 'American Pie' but had no idea of all that it meant. As a 76 year old boomer, this gives me perspective. I might be listening to this all day. The video of the song is fantastic. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My heart mourns for the values we have lost. America can be better than we are now.
Thank God for Don Maclean.l love his songs.thanks.you stay healthy!can't wait to see him in denver..
This is the best interview ever ...I love Don McLean..and have done ever since I can remember..now 70 plus years later the song and it's message is absolutely brilliant...thank you
Its a wonderful thing that you can separate your age apart from taking the time to go out and learn the meaning behind the song. I feel most people don't find interest in looking up the real meaning behind songs. Thus a song never gets its well deserved respect.
Uncle Adolf was right.
Just wondering what planet you've been on, not knowing what this song was about
I saw Don McLean perform a year or so ago in Los Angeles. I had no idea the scope of his material, he played a lot of old swampy blues, and his ability to get an entire audience of boomers like myself up out of our seats, stomping, singing, cheering him along. He was phenomenal.
Great interview !
Thanks Richard..... joe
Never had the opportunity to see Don play Live, but I always felt his music deeply. At 62, still do when I hear the songs from back when…Don, Woody, Pete etc. Wish Don all the best. A gem of a man, beautiful human being.
I really like the fact that the interviewer doesn't "filibuster" when asking questions, unlike so many talk show hosts.
Thanks Cal......joe
A fan and follower of Joe. He in my view is master interviewer. Respectful, patient, low key, pertinent questions, letting the star open up. Perfect
Damn Steve.... you’re just way too kind!!! I’m not a professional interviewer... never intended to be one but in order to build the museum properly it had to have video interviews and I couldn’t afford a video staff so I just bought a good camera and started. I never intended for my voice to be heard so the Vault Series I wasn’t wearing a mic for those viewers who said they couldn’t hear me very well. It wasn’t until I started the Backstage show that I was wearing a mic and on camera too. Anyway thank you very much. I’m truly happy you’re watching and enjoying them. All the best, Joe
I agree Joe is the best
Couldn't agree more. Joe is so respectful and unassuming. Never pushy. Don is brilliant and interesting but clearly gets to things in his own way and own time. Joe listens like a patient friend who loves and respects you. His sincerity and heart earns trust and we benefit. From listening to Don it must be a Nashville thing as he said it's the only place he feels accepted. Thanks Joe for sharing what you do and opening up this world to us.
I seen Don McLean in 1971 at a concert hall in Toronto, opening for the James Gang. The Joe Walsh led power trio's gear was set up on stage and up front, center stage, was a lonely microphone and a stool. Well, this unassuming young man walked on stage with his harmonica and acoustic guitar strapped over his shoulder and sat down. You see back in those days folk acts would be brought on a tour as openers for rock acts sometimes. It wasn't long into his set when shouts of "ROCK N" ROLL' were being yelled from the balcony. He weathered the cat calls and continued with his set.. Then he tried to get us to sing alone to a new song that was just released on the radio that week. That didn't happen, we were there for power chords from one of the best bands around. We didn't know that 50 years later that sing along would become the infectious ditty that it did, is still going strong.
He was always a great folkie to me. He never tried to go mainstream but just wrote somebfolk songs that turned into hits. Loved that.
This man is a national treasure. Truly. There won’t be another. Thank you for this!
Thanks for watching Zeek....Joe
I guess that's your success. Its spontaneous just u and the person. That comes over and its good u r a fan like us. U have a rare gift. Just special
This channel is doing a great and vital service to music history, delving so much deeper than the sound bytes of mainstream media.
Hi Alienart.... many thanks... it’s been a true labor of love for me. These are the musicians who truly made the soundtrack of “my” life and millions of others and continues to affect millions who were not even born when they were in the top 40..... best, Joe
ABSOLUTELY
Amen, thank you Joe !
Nicely put... my thanks to Joe and to all those great artists but especially to Joe for his interviewing style and for his Labour of love
Musicians like to talk.
First ever interview I’ve heard from Don M, the man has a good look on reality. I like his attitude
You’re knocking ‘em Dead Joe. Grew up not far from Don and now live not far from Pete Seeger’s old place. First song I learned on guitar...Vincent. Excellent interview Joe.
Glad you’re enjoying them Whipp.... thanks... joe
I like how Don tells it. Very relatable and sincere.
I caught his act at The Great Southeast Music Hall in Atlanta in about '73. Small venue and everybody sat on the floor. I had seen P,P&M and The Lettermen in concert before and no one else. I remember he broke a string and re-strung while talking, pulled it up into tune and never missed a beat. I was twenty-two doing four sets a night in Underground Atlanta at the time, drunk and stoned and sad all the time. He blew me away.
The Great Southeast Music Hall was an amazing place! I saw many music icons in that small venue, Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia, Link Wray, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Earl Scruggs, Amazing Rhythm Aces, and more.
I also saw Don at the Great Southeast!
Vincent. A timeless song I hope he covers in the next part.
Thanks for watching TooL.... joe
Love Don's phrasing......the best.
Don is a man who lives on his own terms. This realism comes through in his music and conversation. I would say he is a unusual genius. Self taught. I love his lyrics and the lifestyle he has. A wandering minstrel.
Joe, This is literally a dream come true. For about a year now, I fantasized about a road trip that ended with me knocking on Don's door and talking music. We would talk like old friends and make plans on how to save music. We would plot how to get a new generation to love lyrics, words, ideas, and truth. This interview got me half way there. I guess its up to me where I go from here.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Drew ... good luck with your dream... best... Joe
It’s amazing how many of the greats credit Elvis as their inspiration. He is the King Of Rock And Roll for good reason.
Hi NYC... that’s very true... joe
Elvis also inspired Dylan, people of all ages, all over the world loved him, still do.
I saw Don from the front row of a revolving stage at Ontario Place in Toronto many moons ago...I was so impressed by his connection to the people, it was a wonderful experience. "if I fail I'll find a way out of it"...taking that away with me.
"American Pie" will be observing its 50th anniversary in 2021-That's the sign of a true classic.
Don McClean's "American Pie" is a national anthem of culture. From Buddy Holly all the way to the future. Thanks for this gem of an interview!
Probably one the most honest interviews yet! In 1971-72 I was stationed at Keesler AFB, 19 years old and the first time I was on my own away from home! There was a row of small bars just outside the west gate! There was one really small bar with a great looking bartender that was really laid back! The entertainment was a jukebox! And every night I probably played American Pie at least twice, it was one of those songs that made me long for my friends back home! Looking forward to the 2nd part of the interview! Thanks Joe!
It’s really good Larry... joe
I love hearing his wisdom throughout the years.
I don't know much about him besides "American Pie" but this guy is fascinating. Great interview!
Thanks A... Joe
Listen to Don Mclean Greatest Hits , you will not be disappointed ☮️
Fascinating interview.Mclean's songs(especially during a live performance) seems to pull you in the middle of it from the story/meaning of those lyrics.He is gifted at getting your attention.Just proves all you need sometimes is just a guitar and a gifted singer/songwriter on stage that can make everyone there feel involve and sing along with him.Thanks Joe!...ken.
Thank you Ken.... joe
What a great interview with, the great Don McLean. You should congratulate yourself Joe, for him agreeing to this interview. My guess is he agree's to very few. It's just as interesting listening to him in person as it is listening to his songs. Really looking forward to part two! Thx. for sharing.
Thanks Pam.... best, Joe
I was around 12 when I began playing music too. I started going to drum lessons in school when I was 12 and for my 13th birthday I got a drum kit. I’m now 17 and I now play drums, guitar, bass and piano. Music changed my life forever, I now want to be a music teacher when I leave school.
Ahhh Haaa! Here it is! Just what I've been looking for!!
Great interview Joe. I can relate to his asthma issues.
I nearly died 3 times from asthma attacks as a kid. He's
blessed to have overcome it and create so much incredible
music. We are all blessed by you and Don's contributions to
the music world. I look forward to seeing the upcoming vids
on Don. Thanks again Joe!
Thanks Kathy... best... joe
I saw Don and Judy Collins in Durham a few years ago. Still sounded great, with a rollicking version of American Pie.
I liked his answer to'what does it mean?'
"It means I never have to work again"(paraphrasing)
Thanks for watching RTOD...Joe
I have to say... life as we are living it would not be the same without Don McLean's contribution. He made it possible to step back and look more closely. Smell the roses you might say.
This is my fav. interview so far BECAUSE even if he thinks he is slow.... he doesn't come off as such. lol He is on a different wave length as the rest of the artists.
Thanks for watching Linda.....Joe
Thank goodness - a Don McClean interview that talks about more than just American Pie. He wrote and recorded some wonderful work. Looking forward to watching Part Two... getting past American Pie. Well done, MHFM!
Thanks Spoonido.... joe
Drove with my parents to LA, CA in a new Chevy station wagon with American Pie playing on the 8 track. So great! Love the interview and keep ‘em comin’.
Thanks Digital.... joe
This is such an interesting interview. I am looking forward to the second part. For I don't know how many years, we rode to school on the school bus everyday listening to American Pie on the radio. It seemed to sum up a whole epoch of music and culture that our young minds couldn't fully understand but it gave us something to hold on to, and to look toward the future.
Thanks for sharing your memories John…..Joe
Joe Chambers has a gift for interviewing. Unassuming. He's talking to a friend - a chat, but it's never boring. Good info for any music lover.
Rick... I’m very happy you’re enjoying the interviews... thanks for watching.. Joe
Outstanding interview! Its amazing how rare this is today. I appreciate the way you just let Don talk and elaborate without soundbite interruptions. Please keep it up Joe. These are treasures.
Thanks Richard... joe
No doubt 🔥
What a masterful interview Joe. You guided it perfectly to get this eloquent talent to open upon. Just a model vid. As always I'm awestruck. Huge thnx
Thank you Steve... joe
yes, unlike far too many interviewers who talk damn too much, you allowed Don to speak.
Thank you very much Bob... Joe
Awesome interview man!! I love this channel, whether you’re interviewing country giants or session players who’ve been on thousands of records! What with my senior year being taken away by this virus, it’s so nice to finish up my work and see a new video! Rock on man 🤟
Glad you’re enjoying them Steely.... joe
I love Joe's interviews also Sharing history & personal lives just a great rarity
Another great interview! The things we learn from all the back stories.
Thanks 461... joe
Thanks so much, as a songwriter I feel so blessed to be working in a time when all this great stuff is just a click away
AGREE
Absolutely brilliant interview. Love this channel. Grew up with Don McLean songs. Vincent & American pie
Thanks Mario.. joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum My pleasure. Brilliant. I even covered Don McLean's song Vincent for my new album. Mario
Dad was a Pharmacist. He had his own store and had customers, where he knew 4 generations of their families. One thing, which he noticed, that in every case, where a child had asthma, at least one person in their household was a heavy smoker. It really stood out to him in the 1980's, because by then, there were many people who didn't smoke.
Thanks for sharing Sparky... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks Joe!
Love this interview. I could listen to him all day. Great story teller.
Thanks for watching Debbie.... Best, Joe
I feel soooo blessed to be led to this interview!!! Always looking for truth and positive vibes!!!
Thank you for this. It is so great. Love Don MacLean. I had every one of his 45s back in the 60s and 70s. Congratulations on 50 years.
Thanks for watching SLM...Joe
as a black american this dude shook me open to all music AP stops my soul in freeze frame
Me too. A Farrmer Jack's grocery store in Detroit at 3:30 a.m., when it was just beginning to break as a hit. This tune comes on for the first time I heard it and it absolutely stopped me in my tracks and I didn't move until it ended. Then i was in a fog trying to absorb it.
Roberta Flack wrote ‘Killing me softly with his song’ about Don.
The song is about him, but not written by Flack.
@@barbmirell2150 Yes you are right.
@@rossanderson5243 double-check, and you'll find it was Lori Lieberman who wrote it, and first recorded it, but Roberta Flack is the artist who took it to the top of the charts
Terrific interview Joe! I like that Don tells it like it is from his point of view. Obviously, the song American Pie is a classic. The lyrics of that song are just incredible! However, it's the kind of song that you either love or hate. I really love that song but my wife hates it. It always amazes me how music has such a strong effect on people. Anyway, looking forward to your next video with Don....Be well & stay safe...... 👍👍😉😉
Hi Steve... glad you enjoyed it... part two I think is the best part of the interview... best, Joe
Sapele Steve - Really. It never occurred to me anyone could hate American Pie! 😑
This channel has so much to enjoy. Thankyou
Thanks for watching don..... joe
Great interview. I sing at community suppers for charity and every time I do a cover of Vincent, the audience gets a bit quieter as they begin to listen. I seem to get the most applause when singing that beautiful song. I make not a penny and consider each time time I do a cover I do as a tribute to the writer, the artist. Thanks Don and thank you Joe. I saw a Don MCLean concert on Public Tv out of NYC when I came home from the Air Force in December of 74. Don was playing in front of a college audience. Pete Seeger had a show in the 1960's on Public Tv, Rainbow Quest. I think Buffy Sainte-Marie may have been on the last episode of Rainbow Quest. Both Pete & Buffy were blacklisted. Joe, It would be awesome if you could interview Buffy Sainte-Marie. Buffy is loved around the world and received Canada's highest honors. I was assigned to an Air Force Base in England during '73 & 74'. I was so happy to hear Buffy Sainte-Marie's music being played on the BBC. I wonder if Don watched and remembers Pete's Rainbow Quest series. Thanks again guys.
I’ve met Buffy... she performed on our 2014 induction ceremony and along with a Neil Young helped induct Randy Bachman.
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum I'd love to see video of that if it's in the vaults. I love the video of Randy doing tribute to Neil Young Canada Hall Of Fame induction 2017. It's on youtube.
Really looking forward to part 2
What a terrific interview.
Thanks Stephen... thanks... I think part two is better... joe
Wow great interview Joe! Don is such an interesting guy.I’m looking forward to part two.
It’s a good one Jim... thanks for watching... joe
This interview is interesting, because the interviewer let the Don Mclean talk. And didn't try to push him into talking firstly about his main/bread&butter songs. He just allowed it to develop!
Thanks for watching Michael.... Joe
Look forward to part II. Thanks, - both you for providing and Don for sharing.
Thanks Michael... joe
Well, you said it was coming - and here it is. Great interview, Joe. Looking forward to P2.
Thanks Bill... coming soon... actually I’ll tell you first... the next video from Don will be a short clip from part two before up load the complete part two. Best... Joe
A very thoughtfully conducted interview. Looking forward to Pt. 2.. Thanks, Joe!!
Thank you too Abe.. joe
I'm still listening, but I'm hoping to hear about Don's banjo playing, I only know about it because of an interview I once did with Warren Hellman, who started the free Hardly Strictly festival in San Francisco. Warren told me he was taking banjo lessons from Roger Sprung . He wanted to hire a banjo player to play at his birthday party, and Roger suggested Don McLean, who was about 20. So, Warren hired him.
1971'/72 WAS A BIT OF A HUGE TIME FOR ME. HEARING AMERICAN PIE ROCKED MY WORLD JUST A LITTLE... OK A LOT! AND YOU ARE STILL PERFORMING! YESSS! WHAT AWESOME INTERVIEW.
I love what you are doing Joe!! This stuff is so great. I bought some guitars from you and whatever money you made is coming back to me through these videos! Thank you.
Donnie.... thanks for supporting my guitar shops as well as these interviews... Sincerely, Joe
Great interview Don! I am a fan of yours! Your wise words had made an impact on my life!
Best one yet! Don in his folksy way just opens up and tells it like it was. How he "Had a chip on his shoulder." and other issues.in his life. I always like Joe that you allow the guest to lead the conversation and when it's appropriate you jump on to clarify or have the guest expand on that thought or important nugget of their history! Great post! Keep them coming!
Thank you Jose... part two is better... joe
McLean sounds like he's a hardcore leftist.
@@Powertuber1000 nothing wrong with that.
Agreed
@@williamneillgross3926 Nothing wrong with that if you're a Marxist.
Thanks heaps for the opportunity of seeing and hearing iconic artists who created the soundtrack to many people's lives.
Love your interview style.
Thank you Voula…Joe
Unreal ! Story . Great interview! This iconic man is still hear! Who was their when Rock and Roll hit !
Thanks for watching Wayland... joe
New Years Eve party, 1969 - American Pie was new and a big hit. We played it over and over, trying to figure out all the references.
Thanks for a great interview!
Thank you too Mike... Joe
You're a couple of years off; it must have been New Year's Eve 1971.
You may be right, memory is not precise after 50 years. But I still remember some friends who were there.
Joe - you have my dream job! Great interview, as always.
Thanks for watching Nikkie.... yes.... I’ve enjoyed doing them... best, Joe
I remember American Pie (I was in 5th grade). But it was the album with "Oh My, What a Shame" and "The More You Pay (The More It's Worth)" on it. I feel like it shaped my teenage years. I listened to that album over and over and tried to write like Don McLean. I ended up getting a music degree and I became a music therapist. I liked Don's big hits (esp. Vincent), and I had all his records, but it was that one album, which was either untitled or just called "Don McLean." On the Amazon, The Pride Parade, If We Try . . . Those songs meant to much to me and influenced who I am today. This album was on United Artists but I am pretty sure it is out of print. The BEST album! I was also a huge Beatles and Beach Boys fan, so maybe that has something to do with why I connected so easily with his music. I am so grateful for Don McLean and his contributions to American music.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Gaston.... joe
It's interesting that Don can't specifically articulate how he constructed certain songs, other than, lyrically, he began assembling certain impressions, memories and feelings - and yet, he is very gifted at creating word pictures that draw upon common experiences and widely known events - so well done that the listener is constantly filling in personal visions that meld both Don's lyrics with their own personal thoughts and private mind-movies. LESS detail and artful sketches allow the listener to fill in the meanings and visuals for themselves. And that is what all great songwriters know and tap into. They can't explain it, not like in a mathematical equation, but more like a painter telling what paints he was using, the music he was listening to while creating, and what was going on in the news when he created some masterpiece - the difference obviously being, a painter's vision is static and specific, while a recording artist uses voices, instruments and lyrics. Great art always supersedes the artist - and that is so true of American Pie, as Don was the creator and we all took it somewhere unique and different in our own individual minds. And Pie has now been so long iconic, that now we're each constantly processing it in different ways as we get older. Amazing!
Extremely well written Phil! Thanks for watching our channel…. Best, Joe
Thanks, Joe! I've only seen a few of your interviews of artists. But what I really notice is you ask great questions, particularly ones you know the audience is likely most curious about (and some they might not know to ask), and then keep yourself in a minimalist mode and let the interviewee express themselves without constant interruption (as many interviewers unfortunately do). I can also tell you've done your homework and well know an artist's history and work. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Phil… I truly appreciate it..Joe
I so much enjoy these videos! People seem so relaxed and there seems to be so much honesty expressed.My goal is to hear them all.
Thanks for watching 5754.... part two is better... Joe
Joe, another great interview. Can’t wait for part two!
Thanks alpha.... joe
awesome interview. thank you again ....can't wait for part two
Thanks Raven.... joe
Another great interview! Love these. Looking forward to the next part.
Great intro Joe and of course great interview!
Thanks Vic... joe
I saw Don this year with my son & granddaughter it was epic such a legend
I'll never forget when American Pie would come on in my mom's car when I was a kid and it always mesmerized me... Vincent was also always a rare and intense treat - great video and thanks for the upload 🔥 ps- appreciate that you haven't stuffed this vid full of obnoxious advertisements
Hi Robert....Thanks for watching..... glad you enjoyed it. I’m also glad there’s not lots of ads.... We have nothing to do with that part.... As far as I know RUclips adds the commercials other than the MHOF ones..... Best, Joe
What an entertaining fella, never held back mate totally engrossed. Thank you 👍🎸😀
Thanks for watching Ron..... Joe
Great interview Joe. Thanks very much. I smiled a lot watching/listening to this.
Thanks for watching NVRAM...Joe
Man did Don nail it when he said music was no more fun when it got to the late 70's, music was great in the 50's and 60's but not now
Hi Jerome... maybe not the music business isn’t as fun but good music is always fun....Joe
Thanks for watching Jerome....Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Hi Joe . Thank you for great interviews!! I remember Lennon saying " The 70's was a drag" regarding his new music Double Fantasy in 1980.
I think, "The Jester" was Don MacLean, instead of Dylan, who is NOT a jester.
Thank you from Canada
By the waters of Babylon really touched me. It seemed to have been written to protest the Iraq war. It wasn't since it was written before the war but I opposed the war and it comforted me more than once.
Joe, I'm glad you didn't ask,"What does American Pie mean?"
We all know it means, "I'll never have to work again (unless I want to)"
Thanks for watching Ed.... Yes... that kinda song will set you up for life. Best, Joe
Another great, insightful interview
Thank you 567.... joe
love you Don McLean . So many good songs , much more than American Pie . I loved Prime Time . If you got something to say SAY IT . I had all the Don McLean albums . Vincent makes me cry to this day . Thanks for the great interview , they could not listen their not listening still , perhaps they never will . I could go on , but the music tells the story
What an honest and truthful interview,,thank you,
Thanks Martin... joe
As a singer songwriter myself,i truly appreciate your great interviews, especially in those phony over the top social times we are living in. Peace
Thanks Martin.... hey... I hate phony too.... best, Joe
Liked him beginning, today, just a real person that took him along way, voice so real, helps you see life thru his music, so “real”.
Awesome interview Joe .. and I love Don's songs and guitar mastery..
Andrew, my dad, Joe, passed September 28th- I know he would have appreciated your kind comment and support for the channel.
Thanks for watching, hope you can visit the museum sometime too.
Best,
Britt
Hi Joe , I'm sorry to hear about your fathers passing . I had spoken with him on here a few times and he was always very friendly and personable . i really like his interviews of music greats too. i hope to come see the museum sometime . thank you .. take care , Andrew@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
Thank you so much Andrew, he really enjoyed his friends, like you, here on YT.
Let me know when you visit,
Britt
I am a big fan of your videos and cannot wait to come down and visit your museum.
Thanks for watching Mark.... hope to see you at the museum in the near future.... best, Joe
I met Don as a busker on 16th st mall in Denver in 2009 ... didn't really believe him at first... cool guy
I grew up in Highland Falls across the river from where he lived in Cold Spring and later in Garrison NY. I think he moved up to be near Pete Seeger around ‘69. I remember when American Pie was a hit back in ‘71. We had always hoped that one day both he and Pete would show up somewhere in Beacon where Pete lived and do a small show. There was no internet back then so the only way you would get any news would be from one of the kids that lived in Cold Spring or Beacon. Growing up in that part of the Hudson was amazing. Don McLean, Pete Seeger, The Band, Orleans. Billy Joel lived and wrote all the songs on his Turnstiles album in my home town back in ‘76. That’s where the song titled “Summer Highland Falls” comes from.
Thanks for sharing timkbt ...... joe
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum thanks Joe....I really enjoyed the interview. From what I’ve been told he wrote American Pie over a period of time but the chorus was definitely written in Cold Spring. There’s a version that Pete Seeger sang on a radio broadcast shortly after Pete heard it that I think you will enjoy. Just search on RUclips for Pete Seeger American Pie and it will show up.
Thanks for sharing Tim... joe
Lucky You
Brilliant. This is my favorite music-related RUclips channel. Joe Chambers does a fine job.
Hi Professor.... thanks for watching our channel. I appreciate your support and generous comments.... Best.... Joe
Thank you for mentioning Joe Chambers, he's a great interviewer, he shows empathy.
Great interview of great artist/American iconic song
Thanks Nelly.... Joe
*The book whose name he can't remember is titled "Dear Theo," and I highly recommend it.*
Well I don’t care if the sun don’t shine and I don’t care if nothing is mine. Insightful as ever, Joe.
Thanks Clayton... best... joe
I loved that movie
“One time in band camp “😂😂
So funny 😊
I listened to his album over and over again during college (graduated 1980) , and I felt what his point was then, but didn't know that was what he was actually trying to communicate until listening to this interview. This guy is on another dimension; quite different than a lot of other musicians in the way he approaches things. Kind of like the difference between a gesture artist like Matisse and a Renaissance oil painter using layering of translucent colors. Both are really good, but definitely different.
Thank You Joe for these videos, Please keep them coming !! I hope I can meet you some day !! Great stuff man AWESOME !!!❤!!!😊
Thanks for watching them too Lloyd... I’d like to meet you too... you’re very kind... see you at the MHO&M .... best, Joe
Thank you for all of your wonderful memories god bless
His two hits are really undeniably good.....❤...
Watching this interview and Mr McLeans RUclips channel prompt me to meet him and befriend him. He comes across as my kind of guy. Plus I play guitar and am working on the piano.
It's reassuring to know that others see movies when they write. Groovy.
Interesting...
Brilliant interview, thanks so much.
Thanks ME....Best...Joe