So they would hang out and listen to records together with the likes of Duane Eddy, Django Reinhart and many others performing at the time. He started studying music with a friend of his who also happened to have a guitar that he could play. In 1955, his life completely changes! Rock n Roll happened and his whole attitude about music changed! There was Elvis, Buddy Holly, and the Everly Brothers just to name a few. Don and Erik became friends and Don visited his apartment in New York. After getting his home number from the telephone directory, Don phoned Fred Hellerman and later, Erik Darling. During this time of his life the radio would play the likes of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and all the other greats from that era. He would listen to the radio and would learn all the pop songs that he heard over and over. By the age 16, he’s already making contacts with people in the business! Growing up, Mclean had health issues (Asthma) and would miss a lot of school as well as hanging out with his friends.īut luckily, he had a radio that kept him entertained during the days he was stuck at home. More specifically the musical group “The Weavers” and their 1955 landmark recording “Live at Carnegie Hall.” This is when he realizes the path that he wants to conquer and it’s by becoming a professional musician and singer. He’s first inspired by folk music from his uncle who introduced him to the genre. The song is just the acoustic guitar, and strings.ĭon 1s just 15 years old when he starts out performing live. McLean wrote the lyrics in 1971 after reading a book about the life of Van Gogh. So obviously he’s got the formula down to a science when it comes to his career! Check out “Vincent” by Mclean which is a homage to Vincent Van Gogh.

Starting out in 1964 and to this day, he’s still playing and performing for audiences. Just keeping it simple and true to his heart. That’s what Don Mclean does! No smoke, no mirrors, and really no over the top theatrics either. While just playing his acoustic guitar and creating hauntingly beautiful music that just reels us all in.

An extremely talented singer, songwriter, and musician. Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history.

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