American Pie ( song ) - wikipedia American Pie ( song ) `` American Pie '' Picture sleeve for U.S. vinyl single. Artwork is also used as the front cover for the album of the same name and many other international releases of the single. Single by Don McLean from the album American Pie B - side `` Empty Chairs '' ( promo ) `` American Pie part 2 '' ( first release ) Released November 1971 ( original ) November 1991 ( re-release ) Format Vinyl ( original ) CD, cassette, vinyl ( reissue ) Recorded May 26, 1971 Genre Folk rock Length 8 : 33 ( LP ) 4 : 11 ( single part 1 ) 4 : 31 ( single part 2 ) Label United Artists Songwriter ( s ) Don McLean Producer ( s ) Ed Freeman for The Rainbow Collection, Ltd. Don McLean singles chronology `` Castles in the Air '' ( 1971 ) `` American Pie '' ( 1971 ) `` Vincent '' ( 1972 ) `` Castles in the Air '' ( 1971 ) `` American Pie '' ( 1971 ) `` Vincent '' ( 1972 ) Audio sample file help `` American Pie '' is a song by American folk rock singer and songwriter Don McLean. Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number - one US hit for four weeks in 1972. In the UK, the single reached No. 2 on its original 1972 release and a reissue in 1991 reached No. 12. The song was listed as the No. 5 song on the RIAA project Songs of the Century. A truncated version of the song was covered by Madonna in 2000 and reached No. 1 in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. The repeatedly mentioned `` day the music died '' refers to the 1959 plane crash which killed early rock and roll performers Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. ( The crash was not known by that name until after McLean 's song became a hit. ) The meaning of the other lyrics has long been debated, and for decades, McLean declined to explain the symbolism behind the many characters and events mentioned. However, the overall theme of the song is the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation as symbolized by the plane crash which claimed the lives of three of its heroes. In 2017, McLean 's original recording was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being `` culturally, historically, or artistically significant ''. Contents 1 Background 1.1 Interpretations 2 Charts 3 Parodies, revisions, and uses 4 Madonna version 4.1 Background 4.2 Reception 4.3 Music video 4.4 Charts 4.4. 1 Weekly charts 4.4. 2 Year - end charts 4.5 All - time charts 4.6 Certifications 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External links Background While it has been claimed that Don McLean began writing the song in upstate Saratoga Springs, New York, at Caffe Lena, a 2011 New York Times article quotes Don McLean as disputing this claim. Some employees at Caffe Lena claim that he started writing the song there, and then continued to write the song in both Cold Spring, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. McLean claims that the song was only written in Cold Spring and Philadelphia. Tin & Lint, a bar on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs, claims the song was written there, and a plaque marks the table. While some have said that other places, such as Saint Joseph 's University, were where the song was first performed, McLean insists that the song made its debut in Philadelphia at Temple University when he opened for Laura Nyro on March 14, 1971. Interpretations Except to acknowledge that he first learned about Buddy Holly 's death on February 3, 1959 -- McLean was age 13 -- when he was folding newspapers for his paper route on the morning of February 4, 1959 ( the line `` February made me shiver / with every paper I 'd deliver '' ), McLean has generally avoided responding to direct questions about the song 's lyrics ; he has said : `` They 're beyond analysis. They 're poetry. '' He also stated in an editorial published in 2009, on the 50th anniversary of the crash that killed Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. `` The Big Bopper '' Richardson, that writing the first verse of the song exorcised his long - running grief over Holly 's death and that he considers the song to be `` a big song (... ) that summed up the world known as America ''. McLean dedicated the American Pie album to Holly. It was also speculated that the song contains numerous references to post-World War II American events ( such as the murders of civil rights workers Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner ), and elements of culture, including 1960s culture ( e.g. sock hops, cruising, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Charles Manson, and much more ). When asked what `` American Pie '' meant, McLean jokingly replied, `` It means I do n't ever have to work again if I do n't want to. '' Later, he stated, `` You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me... Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence. '' He also commented on the popularity of his music, `` I did n't write songs that were just catchy, but with a point of view, or songs about the environment. '' In February 2015, McLean announced he would reveal the meaning of the lyrics to the song when the original manuscript went for auction in New York City, in April 2015. The lyrics and notes were auctioned on April 7, and sold for $1.2 million. In the sale catalogue notes, McLean revealed the meaning in the song 's lyrics : `` Basically in American Pie things are heading in the wrong direction... It ( life ) is becoming less idyllic. I do n't know whether you consider that wrong or right but it is a morality song in a sense. '' The catalogue confirmed some of the better known references in the song 's lyrics, including mentions of Elvis Presley ( `` the king '' ) and Bob Dylan ( `` the jester '' ), and confirmed that the song culminates with a near - verbatim description of the death of Meredith Hunter at the Altamont Free Concert, ten years after the plane crash that killed Holly, Valens, and Richardson. Mike Mills of R.E.M. reflected : `` American Pie just made perfect sense to me as a song and that 's what impressed me the most. I could say to people this is how to write songs. When you 've written at least three songs that can be considered classic that is a very high batting average and if one of those songs happens to be something that a great many people think is one of the greatest songs ever written you 've not only hit the top of the mountain but you 've stayed high on the mountain for a long time. '' In 2017, Bob Dylan was asked about how he was referenced in the song. `` A jester ? Sure, the jester writes songs like ' Masters of War, ' ' A Hard Rain 's a-Gonna Fall, ' ' It 's Alright, Ma ' -- some jester. I have to think he 's talking about somebody else. Ask him. '' Charts Chart ( 1971 ) Peak position Australian Kent Music Report Canadian RPM Top Singles Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks Dutch Singles Chart 10 Irish Singles Chart 7 New Zealand Singles Chart Norway ( VG - lista ) 9 UK Singles ( Official Charts Company ) US Billboard Hot 100 US Billboard Easy Listening Parodies, revisions, and uses In 1999, `` Weird Al '' Yankovic wrote and recorded a parody of `` American Pie ''. Titled `` The Saga Begins '', the song recounts the plot of Star Wars : Episode I -- The Phantom Menace from Obi - Wan Kenobi 's point of view. While McLean gave permission for the parody, he did not make a cameo appearance in its video, despite popular rumor. McLean himself praised the parody, even admitting to almost singing Yankovic 's lyrics during his own live performances because his children played the song so often. The City of Grand Rapids, Michigan created a lip dub video to `` American Pie '' in response to a Newsweek article that stated the city was `` dying ''. The video was hailed as a fantastic performance by many including Roger Ebert, who said it was `` the greatest music video ever made. '' On March 21, 2013, Harmonix announced that `` American Pie '' would be the final downloadable track made available for the Rock Band series of music video games. On March 14, 2015, the National Museum of Mathematics announced that one of two winners of its songwriting contest was `` American Pi '' by mathematics education professor Dr. Lawrence M. Lesser. The contest was in honor of `` Pi Day of the Century '' because `` 3 / 14 / 15 '' would be the only day in the 21st - century showing the first five digits of π ( pi ). Madonna version `` American Pie '' Single by Madonna from the album The Next Best Thing ( Music from the Motion Picture ) Released March 3, 2000 Format CD single Recorded September 1999 ( New York City, New York ) Genre Dance - pop Length 4 : 33 Label Maverick Warner Bros. Songwriter ( s ) Don McLean Producer ( s ) Madonna William Orbit Madonna singles chronology `` Beautiful Stranger '' ( 1999 ) `` American Pie '' ( 2000 ) `` Music '' ( 2000 ) `` Beautiful Stranger '' ( 1999 ) `` American Pie '' ( 2000 ) `` Music '' ( 2000 ) Background American pop singer Madonna released a cover version of the song in March 2000 to promote the soundtrack to her film The Next Best Thing ( 2000 ), with the song being serviced to radio on February 2. Her cover is much shorter than the original ( it contains only the beginning of the first verse and all of the second and sixth verses ) and was recorded as a dance - pop song. It was co-produced by Madonna and William Orbit and released on the singer 's Maverick label, after Rupert Everett ( Madonna 's co-star in The Next Best Thing ) had convinced her to cover the song for the film 's soundtrack. Reception Released in March 2000, the song was a worldwide hit, reaching No. 1 in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy, Germany ( her first since `` La Isla Bonita '', in 1987 ), Switzerland, Austria, and Finland. The song was the 19th best selling of 2000 in the UK and the 9th best selling of 2000 in Italy. The single was not released commercially in the United States, but it reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 due to strong radio airplay. NME gave it a negative review, saying that it was `` sub-karaoke fluff '' and that `` it 's a blessing she did n't bother recording the whole thing. '' Chuck Taylor from Billboard, on the other hand, was impressed by the recording and commented, `` Applause to Madonna for not pandering to today 's temporary trends and for challenging programmers to broaden their playlists. (... ) In all, a fine preview of the forthcoming soundtrack to The Next Best Thing. '' Don McLean himself praised the cover, saying it was `` a gift from a goddess '', and that her version is `` mystical and sensual. '' He also jokingly said, `` It means that if I do n't want to, I do n't have to work again. '' According to The Official Charts Company, the song has sold 385,000 copies in the United Kingdom and is her 16th best selling single to date in the UK. Music video Madonna in the `` American Pie '' music video. In the scene Madonna, who is wearing a tiara, is standing while an American flag can be seen behind her. The music video, filmed in the Southern USA and in London and directed by Philipp Stölzl, depicts a diverse array of ordinary Americans, including scenes showing same - sex couples kissing. Throughout the music video Madonna, who is wearing a tiara on her head, dances and sings in front of a large American flag. Two official versions of the video were produced, the first of which now appears on Madonna 's greatest - hits DVD compilation, Celebration, and was released as the official video worldwide. The second version was issued along with the `` Humpty Remix '', a more upbeat and dance - friendly version of the song. This video was aired on MTV 's dance channel in the United States to promote the film The Next Best Thing, starring Madonna and Rupert Everett ; it contains totally different footage and new outtakes of the original and omits the lesbian kiss. Everett, who provides backing vocals in the song, is also featured in the video. Charts Weekly charts Chart ( 2000 ) Peak position Australia ( ARIA ) Austria ( Ö3 Austria Top 40 ) Belgium ( Ultratop 50 Flanders ) 6 Belgium ( Ultratop 50 Wallonia ) 7 Canadian Singles ( Nielsen ) European Hot 100 Singles Finland ( Suomen virallinen lista ) France ( SNEP ) 8 Germany ( Official German Charts ) Italy ( FIMI ) Netherlands ( Dutch Top 40 ) Netherlands ( Single Top 100 ) 6 New Zealand ( Recorded Music NZ ) Norway ( VG - lista ) Romania ( Romanian Top 100 ) Scotland ( Official Charts Company ) Spain ( PROMUSICAE ) Sweden ( Sverigetopplistan ) Switzerland ( Schweizer Hitparade ) UK Singles ( Official Charts Company ) US Billboard Hot 100 29 US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) 21 US Adult Top 40 ( Billboard ) 20 US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) US Mainstream Top 40 ( Billboard ) 16 Year - end charts Chart ( 2000 ) Position Australia ( ARIA ) 66 Austria ( Ö3 Austria Top 40 ) 32 Belgium ( Ultratop 50 Flanders ) 46 Belgium ( Ultratop 50 Wallonia ) 44 France ( SNEP ) 44 Germany ( Official German Charts ) 16 Italy ( FIMI ) 9 Netherlands ( Single Top 100 ) 46 Romania ( Romanian Top 100 ) 50 Sweden ( Sverigetopplistan ) 9 Switzerland ( Schweizer Hitparade ) 11 UK Singles ( Official Charts Company ) 19 All - time charts Chart Position Switzerland ( Schweizer Hitparade ) 681 Certifications Region Certification Certified units / Sales Australia ( ARIA ) Gold 35,000 Austria ( IFPI Austria ) Gold 25,000 France ( SNEP ) Silver 125,000 Sweden ( GLF ) Platinum 30,000 Switzerland ( IFPI Switzerland ) Platinum 50,000 United Kingdom ( BPI ) Gold 400,000 sales figures based on certification alone shipments figures based on certification alone References Jump up ^ ( 1 ) Jump up ^ `` Understanding American Pie -- Interpretation of Don Mclean 's epic anthem to the passing of an era. ''. UnderstandingAmericanPie.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2003. Retrieved March 30, 2017. Jump up ^ `` National Recording Registry Picks Are `` Over the Rainbow '' ``. Library of Congress. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017. ^ Jump up to : Don McLean 's ' American Pie ' fetches $1.2 M Telegram & Gazette ( Worcester, Mass ) 8 April 2015 : A. 2. ^ Jump up to : `` ' American Pie ' Still Homemade, but With a New Twist ''. The New York Times. November 30, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Release : Don Mclean 's Original Manuscript For `` American Pie '' To Be Sold At Christie 's New York, 7 April 2015 ``. Christie's.com. February 13, 2015. Retrieved February 14, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Memory Bank 's a Little Off, But Sentiment Still Holds ''. August 12, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2012. Jump up ^ McDonald, Shannon ( November 28, 2011 ). `` Don McLean : ' American Pie ' was written in Philly and first performed at Saint Joseph 's University ''. Newsworks.org. Retrieved December 19, 2015. Jump up ^ `` American Pie ''. Don McLean.com. p. 68. Jump up ^ McLean, Don ( February 1, 2009 ). `` Commentary : Buddy Holly, rock music genius ''. CNN. Retrieved November 28, 2011. Jump up ^ O'Brien, P. ( March 3, 1999 ). `` Understanding the lyrics of American Pie : The analysis and interpretation of Don McLean 's song lyrics ''. The Octopus 's Garden. Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2013. CS1 maint : BOT : original - url status unknown ( link ) Jump up ^ `` American Pie ''. Edlis.org. Retrieved March 30, 2017. Jump up ^ A2267173 Jump up ^ McLean, Don ( January 2005 ). Recording Notes : Classic Tracks : Don McLean 's ' American Pie '. Jackson, Blair, Mix29. 1. pp. 126, 128, 130. Jump up ^ `` Don McLean explains why he wo n't reveal the meaning of `` American Pie '' -- CBS News ``. CBSNews.com. CBS Interactive Inc. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2017. `` But the quartet practicing in the park, that 's not the Beatles ? '' Axelrod asked. `` No, '' McLean replied. Jump up ^ Howard, Dr. Alan. `` The Don McLean Story : 1970 -- 1976 ''. Don-McLean.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2007. Retrieved June 3, 2007. Jump up ^ `` What is Don McLean 's song `` American Pie '' all about ? ``. The Straight Dope. May 14, 1993. Archived from the original on May 28, 2007. Retrieved June 3, 2007. Jump up ^ Howell, Dave ( Special to The Morning Call -- Freelance ) ( May 24, 2001 ). `` Singer Don McLean 's As American as Apple Pie * * Mayfair 2001 * * Popular ''. Morning Call ( First ed. ). Allentown, Pa. Jump up ^ `` Don McLean to reveal meaning of American Pie lyrics ''. BBC News. February 13, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2015. Jump up ^ `` American Pie lyrics sell for $1.2 m ''. BBC News. April 7, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Hawksley, Rupert ( April 7, 2015 ). `` American Pie : 6 crazy conspiracy theories ''. The Daily Telegraph. Jump up ^ Don McLean : An American Troubadour ( Television production ). UK : Sky Arts 1. 2013. Jump up ^ `` Bob Dylan 's Surprise New Interview : 9 Things We Learned ''. Retrieved March 26, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Norwegiancharts.com -- Don McLean -- American Pie ''. VG - lista. Retrieved December 19, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Don McLean : Artist Chart History ''. Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Don McLean -- Chart history '' Billboard Hot 100 for Don McLean. Retrieved March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ ( 2 ) Jump up ^ `` '' Ask Al '' Q&As for September, 1999 ``. Archived from the original on September 2, 2006. Retrieved October 29, 2006. Jump up ^ `` Jedi Council -- Interviews Weird Al Yankovic ''. TheForce.Net. September 14, 1980. Retrieved May 20, 2010. Jump up ^ `` The Grand Rapids Lip Dub ''. NPR. Retrieved October 29, 2012. Jump up ^ Ebert, Roger. `` The greatest music video ever made ''. Chicago Sun - Times. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Rock Band 's final song will be Don McLean 's ' American Pie ' ''. Polygon. Retrieved April 1, 2014. Jump up ^ `` 2015 Pi Day Contest Winners ''. National Museum of Mathematics. Retrieved April 8, 2015. Jump up ^ Kaufman, Gil ( September 24, 1999 ). `` Madonna and William Orbit take another spin in studio ''. MTV. Retrieved December 31, 2015. Jump up ^ `` American Pie Hits Radio ''. Madonna.com. Retrieved December 19, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Madonna 's piece of American Pie ''. BBC News. 3 February 2000. Retrieved 4 May 2015. Jump up ^ ( 3 ) Jump up ^ `` NME Track Reviews -- American Pie ''. NME. February 26, 2000. Retrieved October 29, 2012. Jump up ^ Taylor, Chuck ( February 12, 2000 ). `` Spotlight : Madonna `` American Pie '' ``. Billboard. ISSN 0006 - 2510. Retrieved April 28, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Don McLean Praises Madonna 's ' American Pie ' ''. MTV. February 2, 2000. Retrieved May 3, 2015. Jump up ^ What do you think of Madonna 's version of your song American Pie ? I willnever have to work again -- Don McLean : ( Final 1 Edition ) Spanton, Tim. The Sun ( London ( UK ) ) 27 Dec 2000 : 8. Jump up ^ `` Madonna : The Official Top 40 ''. MTV. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2010. Jump up ^ Ciccone, Christopher ( 2008 ) Life with my Sister Madonna, Simon & Schuster : New York, p. 278. Jump up ^ `` Australian-charts.com -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Austriancharts.at -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in German ). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ultratop.be -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in Dutch ). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ultratop.be -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in French ). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Allmusic ''. AllMusic. August 16, 1958. Retrieved May 20, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Craig David Storms U.K. Singles Chart ''. Billboard. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Madonna : American Pie '' ( in Finnish ). Musiikkituottajat -- IFPI Finland. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Lescharts.com -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in French ). Les classement single. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Offiziellecharts.de -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Italiancharts.com -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. Top Digital Download. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Nederlandse Top 40 -- Madonna search results '' ( in Dutch ) Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Dutchcharts.nl -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in Dutch ). Single Top 100. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Charts.org.nz -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. Top 40 Singles. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Norwegiancharts.com -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. VG - lista. Retrieved December 20, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Romanian Top 100 : Top of the Year 2000 '' ( in Romanian ). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on January 22, 2005. Jump up ^ `` Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 ''. Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 12, 2015. Jump up ^ Salaverri, Fernando ( September 2005 ). Sólo éxitos : año a año, 1959 -- 2002 ( 1st ed. ). Spain : Fundación Autor - SGAE. ISBN 978 - 84 - 8048 - 639 - 2. Jump up ^ `` Swedishcharts.com -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. Singles Top 100. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Swisscharts.com -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Madonna : Artist Chart History ''. Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Madonna -- Chart history '' Billboard Hot 100 for Madonna. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Madonna -- Chart history '' Billboard Adult Contemporary for Madonna. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Madonna -- Chart history '' Billboard Adult Pop Songs for Madonna. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Madonna -- Chart history '' Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs for Madonna. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Madonna -- Chart history '' Billboard Pop Songs for Madonna. Retrieved December 20, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ARIA Charts -- End Of Year Charts -- Top 100 Singles 2000 ''. ARIA Charts. Retrieved December 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Hung, Steffen. `` Austria Top 40 -- Hitparade Österreich ''. austriancharts.at. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved October 29, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Jaaroverzichten 2000 '' ( in Dutch ). Retrieved December 29, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Rapports Annuels 2000 '' ( in French ). Retrieved December 29, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Classement Singles -- année 2000 '' ( in French ). Disque en France. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Top 100 Single - Jahrescharts '' ( in German ). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved December 5, 2015. Jump up ^ `` I singoli più venduti del 2000 '' ( in Italian ). Archived from the original on March 27, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Jaaroverzichten -- Single 2000 '' ( in Dutch ). Retrieved January 24, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Årslista Singlar -- År 2000 '' ( in Swedish ). Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Swiss Year - End Charts 2000 '' ( in German ). Retrieved December 29, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ewige Bestenliste -- Singles '' ( in German ). Hitparade. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 27, 2017. Jump up ^ `` ARIA Charts -- Accreditations -- 2000 Singles ''. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2016 - 07 - 12. Jump up ^ `` Austrian single certifications -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in German ). IFPI Austria. Retrieved 2016 - 07 - 12. Enter Madonna in the field Interpret. Enter American Pie in the field Titel. Select single in the field Format. Click Suchen Jump up ^ `` French single certifications -- Madonna -- American Pie '' ( in French ). InfoDisc. Retrieved 2016 - 07 - 12. Select MADONNA and click OK Jump up ^ `` Guld - och Platinacertifikat − År 2000 '' ( PDF ) ( in Swedish ). IFPI Sweden. Retrieved 2016 - 07 - 12. Jump up ^ `` The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community : Awards ( Madonna ; ' American Pie ' ) ''. IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2016 - 07 - 12. Jump up ^ `` British single certifications -- Madonna -- American Pie ''. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 2016 - 07 - 12. Enter American Pie in the search field and then press Enter. Further reading Adams, Cecil ( May 15, 1993 ). `` What is Don McLean 's song `` American Pie '' all about ? ``. The Straight Dope. Chicago Reader, Inc. Retrieved June 8, 2009. An interpretation of the lyrics based on a supposed interview of McLean by DJ Casey Kasem. McLean later confirmed the Buddy Holly reference in a letter to Adams but denied ever speaking to Kasem. Roteman, Jeff ( August 10, 2002 ). `` Bob Dearborn 's Original Analysis of Don McLean 's 1971 Classic ' American Pie ' ''. This article correlates McLean 's biography with the historic events in the song. McLean pointed to WCFL ( Chicago, Illinois ) radio disc jockey Bob Dearborn as the partial basis for most mainstream interpretations of `` American Pie ''. Dearborn 's analysis, mailed to listeners on request, bears the date January 7, 1972. Roteman 's reprinting added photos but replaced the date January 7, 1972, by an audio link bearing the date February 28, 1972, the date Dearborn aired his interpretation on WCFL ( http://user.pa.net/~ejjeff/bobpie.ram ( Bob Dearborn 's American Pie Analysis original broadcast February 28, 1972 ) ) Fann, Jim. `` Understanding American Pie ''. Archived from the original on September 6, 2003. Historically oriented interpretation of `` American Pie ''. The interpretation was specifically noted on in an archived version of McLean 's website page on `` American Pie ''. The material, dated November 2002, includes a recording of Dinah Shore singing `` See The USA In Your Chevrolet '' and a photograph of Mick Jagger in costume at the Altamont Free Concert with a Hells Angel member in the background. Full `` See the USA in Your Chevrolet '' lyrics for Dinah Shore on `` The Dinah Shore Chevy Show '' ( 1956 -- 1961 ) Kulawiec, Rich ( August 26, 2001 ). `` FAQ : The Annotated ' American Pie ' ''. Archived from the original on April 19, 2003. Retrieved September 19, 2007. FAQ maintained by Rich Kulawiec, started in 1992 and essentially completed in 1997. `` American Pie -- A Rock Epic '' A multi-media presentation of Rich Kulawiec 's The Annotated `` American Pie ''. Levitt, Saul ( May 26, 1971 ). `` Interpretation of American Pie -- analysis, news, Don McLean, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Rock & Roll ''. Missamericanpie.co.uk. Retrieved May 20, 2010. External links The Official Website of Don McLean and American Pie provides the songwriter 's own biography, lyrics and clues to the song 's meaning. Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics Preceded by `` Brand New Key '' by Melanie US Billboard Hot 100 number - one single ( Don McLean version ) January 15, 1972 ( four weeks ) Succeeded by `` Let 's Stay Together '' by Al Green Preceded by `` Cherish '' by David Cassidy Billboard Easy Listening Singles number - one single ( Don McLean version ) January 15, 1972 ( three weeks ) Succeeded by `` Hurting Each Other '' by The Carpenters Preceded by `` Brand New Key '' by Melanie Australian Kent Music Report number - one single ( Don McLean version ) March 6, 1972 ( five weeks ) Succeeded by `` Without You '' by Nilsson Preceded by `` Pure Shores '' by All Saints UK Singles Chart number - one single ( Madonna version ) March 5, 2000 -- March 11, 2000 ( one week ) Succeeded by `` Do n't Give Up '' by Chicane featuring Bryan Adams Preceded by `` My Heart Goes Boom ( La Di Da Da ) '' by French Affair German Singles Chart number - one single ( Madonna version ) March 10, 2000 ( one week ) Succeeded by `` Maria Maria '' by Santana featuring The Product G&B Preceded by `` Freestyler '' by Bomfunk MC 's Swedish Singles Chart number - one single ( Madonna version ) March 23, 2000 ( one week ) Succeeded by `` Never Be the Same Again '' by Melanie C featuring Lisa `` Left Eye '' Lopes Preceded by `` Chase '' by Giorgio Moroder vs. Jam & Spoon Billboard Hot Dance Club Play number - one single ( Madonna version ) April 1, 2000 ( one week ) Succeeded by `` Think It Over '' by Jennifer Holliday Don McLean Studio albums Tapestry American Pie Don McLean Playin ' Favorites Homeless Brother Prime Time Chain Lightning Believers Love Tracks For the Memories Vols I & II And I Love You So Headroom Christmas The River of Love Christmas Dreams Sings Marty Robbins You 've Got to Share Songs for Children The Western Album Rearview Mirror : An American Musical Journey Addicted to Black Live albums Solo Dominion Starry, Starry Night Compilation albums The Very Best of Don McLean Favorites and Rarities Legendary Songs of Don McLean Christmastime ! Singles `` Castles in the Air '' `` American Pie '' `` Vincent '' `` Wonderful Baby '' `` Crying '' `` Since I Do n't Have You '' `` He 's Got You '' `` You Ca n't Blame the Train '' Related articles Discography `` The Saga Begins '' Madonna songs Singles Covers Unreleased songs 1980s singles `` Everybody '' `` Burning Up '' `` Holiday '' `` Lucky Star '' `` Borderline '' `` Like a Virgin '' `` Material Girl '' `` Crazy for You '' `` Angel '' `` Into the Groove '' `` Dress You Up '' `` Gambler '' `` Live to Tell '' `` Papa Do n't Preach '' `` True Blue '' `` Open Your Heart '' `` La Isla Bonita '' `` Who 's That Girl '' `` Causing a Commotion '' `` The Look of Love '' `` Spotlight '' `` Like a Prayer '' `` Express Yourself '' `` Cherish '' `` Oh Father '' `` Dear Jessie '' 1990s singles `` Keep It Together '' `` Vogue '' `` Hanky Panky '' `` Justify My Love '' `` Rescue Me '' `` This Used to Be My Playground '' `` Erotica '' `` Deeper and Deeper '' `` Bad Girl '' `` Fever '' `` Rain '' `` Bye Bye Baby '' `` I 'll Remember '' `` Secret '' `` Take a Bow '' `` Bedtime Story '' `` Human Nature '' `` You 'll See '' `` One More Chance '' `` Love Do n't Live Here Anymore '' `` You Must Love Me '' `` Do n't Cry for Me Argentina '' `` Another Suitcase in Another Hall '' `` Frozen '' `` Ray of Light '' `` Drowned World ( Substitute for Love ) '' `` The Power of Good - Bye '' `` Nothing Really Matters '' `` Beautiful Stranger '' 2000s singles `` American Pie '' `` Music '' `` Do n't Tell Me '' `` What It Feels Like for a Girl '' `` Die Another Day '' `` American Life '' `` Hollywood '' `` Me Against the Music '' `` Nothing Fails '' `` Love Profusion '' `` Hung Up '' `` Sorry '' `` Get Together '' `` Jump '' `` Hey You '' `` 4 Minutes '' `` Give It 2 Me '' `` Miles Away '' `` Celebration '' `` Revolver '' 2010s singles `` Give Me All Your Luvin ' '' `` Girl Gone Wild '' `` Masterpiece '' `` Turn Up the Radio '' `` Living for Love '' `` Ghosttown '' `` Bitch I 'm Madonna '' `` Hold Tight '' Promotional singles `` You Can Dance ( LP Cuts ) '' `` Erotic '' `` I Want You '' `` Sky Fits Heaven '' `` Impressive Instant '' `` GHV2 Megamix '' `` Into the Hollywood Groove '' `` Nobody Knows Me '' `` Imagine '' ( Live ) `` Superstar '' Other songs recorded `` Santa Baby '' `` I Surrender Dear '' `` Sooner or Later '' `` Oh What a Circus '' `` Sing '' `` Candy Shop '' `` Beat Goes On '' `` Gang Bang '' `` I Do n't Give A '' `` Devil Pray '' `` Unapologetic Bitch '' `` Illuminati '' `` Joan of Arc '' `` Iconic '' `` Holy Water '' `` Wash All Over Me '' `` Rebel Heart '' Other songs written `` Sidewalk Talk '' `` Each Time You Break My Heart '' `` Love Wo n't Wait '' Book Portal Template Jump up ^ archived version of McLean 's website page on `` American Pie '' Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Pie_(song)&oldid=804090307 '' Categories : 1970s ballads 1971 singles 1971 songs 2000 singles Don McLean songs Madonna ( entertainer ) songs Number - one singles in Australia Billboard Hot 100 number - one singles Billboard Adult Contemporary number - one singles Billboard Dance Club Songs number - one singles European Hot 100 Singles number - one singles Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients Irish Singles Chart number - one singles Maverick Records singles Number - one singles in Finland Number - one singles in Italy Number - one singles in Germany Number - one singles in Romania Number - one singles in Spain Number - one singles in Sweden Number - one singles in Switzerland Rock ballads RPM Adult Contemporary number - one singles Songs about alcohol Songs about automobiles Songs about death Songs about music Songs based on actual events Songs in memory of deceased persons Cultural depictions of Buddy Holly Songs written by Don McLean UK Singles Chart number - one singles United Artists Records singles United States National Recording Registry recordings Warner Bros. 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Question: what was the song miss american pie about
Answer: 1959 plane crash which killed early rock and roll performers