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 !
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 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!!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 🤟
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
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!
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Joe, your site is brilliant, the interviews are masterpieces and will be enjoyed by music fans for years to come. It was such a beautiful experience looking at it, thank you for uploading it. keep uploading new ones, regards, Peter.
I met Don as a busker on 16th st mall in Denver in 2009 ... didn't really believe him at first... cool guy
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!
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.
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.
@@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
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
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
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 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!!
This man is a national treasure. Truly. There won’t be another. Thank you for this!
Thanks for watching Zeek....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.
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 like how Don tells it. Very relatable and sincere.
Love Don's phrasing......the best.
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.
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
Vincent. A timeless song I hope he covers in the next part.
Thanks for watching TooL.... 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.
Glad you’re enjoying them Whipp.... thanks... 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
I love hearing his wisdom throughout the years.
I really like the fact that the interviewer doesn't "filibuster" when asking questions, unlike so many talk show hosts.
Thanks Cal......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 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.
Love this interview. I could listen to him all day. Great story teller.
Thanks for watching Debbie.... Best, Joe
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.
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
A very thoughtfully conducted interview. Looking forward to Pt. 2.. Thanks, Joe!!
Thank you too Abe.. joe
Another great interview! The things we learn from all the back stories.
Thanks 461... joe
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.
Look forward to part II. Thanks, - both you for providing and Don for sharing.
Thanks Michael... joe
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.
I feel soooo blessed to be led to this interview!!! Always looking for truth and positive vibes!!!
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!
Really looking forward to part 2
What a terrific interview.
Thanks Stephen... thanks... I think part two is better... joe
This channel has so much to enjoy. Thankyou
Thanks for watching don..... joe
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
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 🔥
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Great interview Don! I am a fan of yours! Your wise words had made an impact on my life!
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 ☮️
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
"American Pie" will be observing its 50th anniversary in 2021-That's the sign of a true classic.
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
awesome interview. thank you again ....can't wait for part two
Thanks Raven.... 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
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
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
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
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
Another great, insightful interview
Thank you 567.... 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
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!
Unreal ! Story . Great interview! This iconic man is still hear! Who was their when Rock and Roll hit !
Thanks for watching Wayland... joe
Great interview Joe. Thanks very much. I smiled a lot watching/listening to this.
Thanks for watching NVRAM...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
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
Joe, another great interview. Can’t wait for part two!
Thanks alpha.... joe
Great intro Joe and of course great interview!
Thanks Vic... 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 - you have my dream job! Great interview, as always.
Thanks for watching Nikkie.... yes.... I’ve enjoyed doing them... 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.
Great interview of great artist/American iconic song
Thanks Nelly.... Joe
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
What an entertaining fella, never held back mate totally engrossed. Thank you 👍🎸😀
Thanks for watching Ron..... Joe
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.
Another great interview! Love these. Looking forward to the next part.
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!
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.
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
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 saw Don this year with my son & granddaughter it was epic such a legend
Thank you for all of your wonderful memories god bless
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
Outstanding...Very interesting stuff... Cheers Bob
Thanks again for watching Bob...best, Joe
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! 😑
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.
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”.
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.
An excellent interview, thank you.
Thanks Peter... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Joe, your site is brilliant, the interviews are masterpieces and will be enjoyed by music fans for years to come. It was such a beautiful experience looking at it, thank you for uploading it. keep uploading new ones, regards, Peter.
Thanks Peter........... Joe
Brilliant interview, thanks so much.
Thanks ME....Best...Joe
Castles in the air.....my favorite Don Mclean song ....great song writer
Wow. Fantastic
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
This is amazing
Thanks Joe... joe
His two hits are really undeniably good.....❤...
It's reassuring to know that others see movies when they write. Groovy.
Interesting...
I met Don as a busker on 16th st mall in Denver in 2009 ... didn't really believe him at first... cool guy
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.
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.
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
Very much enjoying this!
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
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
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
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
I always thought his “Castles in the Air” is his best. I got his first album before anyone ever heard of him. It was called Tapestry.
I agree my friend , but I Love the version from Believers in 1981
I loved that movie
“One time in band camp “😂😂
So funny 😊