The multitalented singer-songwriter is a diehard western fan — and an admirer of Taylor Swift.
Since Feb. 3 marks the 63rd anniversary of “The Day The Music Died“ — when iconic rock ‘n’ rollers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper“ Richardson perished in a plane crash — we thought it would be a great idea to talk with singer-songwriter Don McLean about “American Pie,” his popular ode to the gone-too-soon trio, the exuberance of youth, and the pop culture of yesteryear. And while we were at it, we wanted to discuss a different landmark: McLean’s current concert tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of his multiplatinum smash hit.
As it turned out, McLean was every bit as eager to talk about his love of westerns — and his lifelong regard for William Boyd, the Ohio-born actor best known for playing the western movie hero Hopalong Cassidy. But wait, there’s more: He also had some admiring words for Taylor Swift, whose “All Too Well” recently broke the decades-long record of “American Pie” for the longest song to take the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
We had a great time during our freewheeling conversation. Hope you do, too.