Don McLean Classic ‘American Pie’ Becomes A Children’s Book - Noise11.com
Don McLean American Pie

Don McLean American Pie

Don McLean Classic ‘American Pie’ Becomes A Children’s Book

by Paul Cashmere on March 15, 2022

in News

The Don McLean 1971 classic ‘American Pie’ is now a children’s book titled ‘Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable.’

McLean released his 8 minute 42 second epic about the history of Rock and Roll in 1971. It turned 50 in October 2021.

“As ‘American Pie’ celebrates 50 years, I’m very happy to have a children’s book based on the premise of the song,” McLean said. “Everyone has a different interpretation of it. Releasing this fable brings another perspective to the lyrics, along with some backstory for when I wrote it. I hope every child gets to imagine in their own mind what ‘American Pie’ means to them and know that dreams can become reality.”

The lyrics start the story with the death of Buddy Holly in 1959. Along the way it name-checked coded rock stars such as Bob Dylan (the Jester), Elvis Presley (the King), The Rolling Stones (Jack Flash), Janis Joplin (the girl who sang the blues) and The Beatles (the Sergeants).

The lyrics align with the death of Kennedy, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Manson family, drug culture, fashion and royalty.

‘Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable’ will be released on June 7.

Be the first to see NOISE.com’s newest interviews and special features on YOUTUBE and updated regularly. See things first SUBSCRIBE here: Noise11 on YouTube SUBSCRIBE

Noise11.com

Follow Noise11 on Social Media

Noise11 on Instagram

You’ll discover music news first following Noise11 on Twitter

Comment on the news of the day, join Noise11 on Facebook

Related Posts

Jeff Lynne photo from Jefflynneselo website
Jeff Lynne Abruptly Cancels UK Show

Jeff Lynne's ELO abruptly cancelled one of their final shows, after fans had already packed the arena.

17 hours ago
Cat Stevens On The Road To Find Out
Cat Stevens To Release Definitive Greatest Hits

Yusuf / Cat Stevens is set to captivate fans once more with the release of 'On The Road To Findout: Greatest Hits' on September 5th, 2025, via Cat-O-Log Records in partnership with Universal Music Recordings. This will be the first-ever career-spanning collection of his profoundly emotive and moving songs from his nearly 60-year recording career.

1 day ago
Ian Moss Says He Chose His Cold Chisel ‘Big Five-O’ Songs Just Before Going On Stage

If you saw the Cold Chisel ‘The Big Five-O’ tour multiple times you may have noticed a random rotation of Ian Moss songs from concert to concert.

2 days ago
Alice Cooper Band
Alice Cooper Group Recorded The Revenge of Alice Cooper “Old School”

The original Alice Cooper Group will release their first album in 52 years on 25 July. ‘The Revenge of Alice Cooper’ is the first group album since 1972’s ‘Muscle of Love’ and the founding members of the Alice Cooper band tell Nosie11 that the process now is the same as then.

2 days ago
David Bowie I Cant Give Everything Away
David Bowie’s Next and Final Box Set is ‘I Can’t Give Everything Away’

‘I Can’t Give Everything Away’ is the sixth and final box set in the David Bowie series covering his entire career.

2 days ago
Jeff Lynne photo from Jefflynneselo website
Dhani Harrison Joins Jeff Lynne For Traveling Wilburys At ELO Concert Birmingham

While Black Sabbath was doing their final ever Back To The Beginning show in Villa Park, in their hometown Birmingham on Saturday night, across town four kilometres away Jeff Lynne was also performing at Utilita Arena in his hometown, Birmingham as well as Dhani Harrison joined Jeff.

6 days ago
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath photo by Ros OGorman
Black Sabbath Return Back To The Beginning In Birmingham For The End

Black Sabbath played their final show in hometown Birmingham, UK on Saturday (5 July 2025) with a massive all-day festival featuring the world’s biggest rock acts.

6 days ago