Don McLean Part Two: Creating a Cultural Icon, Fame, Nashville, Songwriting, Chet Atkins + MORE!
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- Опубліковано 25 вер 2020
- @Don McLean
This is part two of our interview with Don McLean. Don is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century.
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Don Mclean is a notoriously guarded guy. This was a wonderful interview.
Thanks Catfish... Joe
yes don is great BUT he "guarded" his wife for 30 years until she called the police finally.
The 2 parts of this interview are the single best interview I have seen with Don McLean. Thank you.
Thanks Harvey... Joe
X. Xx.
Absolutely! I am so thankful for all your hard work. Thank you so much !!! This is a national treasure.
Absolutely! Great interview!
I agree, the most authentic interview of Don McClean to date--unbridled, free, uncensored.
I'm sure Don knows that the reason American Pie was soooo successful is that a lot of us were moved by the plane crash. I had a paper route at that time and the song really felt meaningful. I'm sure there are millions of others like me.
I had the pleasure of seeing Don McClean live and it was a great. His songs are personal and touching, I agree about Chet Atkins. Never was there a musician who had such a look of joy on his face while playing the guitar like Chet had. Another Great interview Joe. Don gave you a great compliment at the end of the interview about the fact that he told you things he never told anyone~ because you let him speak and you know how to listen! Thank you!
I appreciate you too Jimmy... Joe
Wasn't really sure what he would have to say , I've heard American Pie so many times thought it was all there. What more could you add? Stories about 'Vincent'?. This was so much more than I expected. This was great. After all the artists in the 80's-90's complaining about record companies, it was good to hear what they really were like. I still have my record company, mostly inactive now but, yeah that was our goal, to be like the people that helped him out. And he wasn't perfect. He really opened up to you. Thanks Joe, Another HOME RUN!
Thanks for watching Buddy... Joe
That was great. Don McLean has some superb stories.
Great interview Joe. I've just lifted my late brother's guitar down from its special place. Can't play it, but I will try. I saw Don McLean in Edinburgh in the Playhouse Theatre. What a wonderful concert. Magical. Thanks again.
I gotta add to your comment because I agree with you a 100%. Joe IS a home run hitting interviewer. Listen to what D.M. says at 31:10. It's huge kudos and absolutely well deserved.
Way to go Joe!! 👏👏👍👍🙏🙏
June 10, 2021, LONG, LONG TIME AGO, THIS SONG RUNGS TRUE FOR ME AFTER ALL THESE YEARS...MR. MCLEAN, YOU DESERVE BLESSINGS, SIR.
Don McLean was and is a Songwriter's Songwriter. And "Vincent"....well
One of the most brilliant, Lyrically, Melodic
Pop Songs "Ever Written"! Extremely sad piece and yet "Brilliant"! Thanks Don.🙏
Hi Mac…. Yes what a extremely well written song! Thanks for watching…Joe
Great to listen to Don open up and reveal personal thoughts and experiences. Behind one of the most amazing folk/pop/rock voices of the 20th century, and equally talented songwriters, is a person with fears, insecurities, a lonely and sad childhood, who somehow found his way to the top with much help. American Pie are Vincent two of the greatest songs ever written. There are only. a handful of people who can stand alone on a stage with just a voice and an acoustic guitar, and command your attention and thoughts for over an hour. I can only think of a few: Don Mclean, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Joanie Mitchell and Joan Baez are the only ones I can think of.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts Charley.... best, Joe
Joe, like Don is an, American songwriting treasure. And is now more known as the consummate interviewer . RIPJOE, you so much as an observer of your craft.
I've watched a lot of interviews with Don McLean and never has he come across as just a regular guy and likable as he does here. Awesome job!!!
Thanks Joe......Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thank you!!!!!
This is the first time I’ve seen an interview of Don; I don’t follow him. My question is how does he come off usually?
@@nanlev613 In every other interview I've seen with him he's come off extremely arrogant and self involved.
I think he is arrogant and self involved, even though this interview enabled him to share in a more open way, I was picking up on some arrogance. Don appears to be the kind of person who wants to do what HE wants and if it isn’t what he wants he’ll remove himself form the situation. I’ve always loved American Pie though it’s one of my favorites!
I remember driving my 1957 Chevy station wagon in my hometown of Costa Mesa, California in 1971 stopped at a red light when "American Pie" came on the radio. I was so mesmerized the car behind me had to honk after the light turned green! P.S. Joe, thanks for the photo credits for me and Lisa Sutton.
It's great that when a name is mentioned you insert a photo of the person.
When I was in Nashville I tried to get to the cemetery to visit Chet but couldn't figure out the bus routes to achieve that.
Don McLean sounds like an ordinary guy who had a plan to get somewhere, and got there because of the people he met. And he remembered them, what they did to help him and credits them with that help.
Be well!
Hi Alex... Jay McDowell my editor at the museum spends a lot of time placing these pictures and it does make a big difference doesn’t it:) Thanks again... Joe
thank you Mr.Chambers
Thank you Madd9........ Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum you did awesome insightful interview and as always you let them be themselves and talk
I love the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh: have had the honor of traveling to Holland; even wear an old pair of Dutch clogs from time to time; also have a china closet half full of Delft pottery. Thus the song "Vincent" has from the first time I heard it some 50-plus years ago been one of my cherished songs to listen to. Now I find out that he wrote it about 5 miles from where I live. As the saying goes, "If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much !" Thanks, Don for honoring Vincent with your song.
My third grade teacher, Mrs. Smith (Charles G. Reskin Elementary School, Glendale Heights, IL), guitar in hand, taught our class to sing, “American Pie” back in 1972. What a great memory!
Humility is knowing your strengths and weaknesses! Your interview with Don certainly exposed his humility! I believe one of his greatest strengths, was his willingness to ask for help in his early years! And all those guys that extended that friendly hand to Don helped mold him into the artist he is today! It was nice to learn how helpful Nashville has been to so many artists! Awesome interview Joe, as always! Thanks!💫
Thank you too again Larry........ Joe
Great interview Joe ... Huge thanks to Don McLean for being so straight forward and open !!
Thanks Se 7…. Joe
What a great interview. I was always a fan of his music. Now I’m a fan of the man. “Vincent” is as beautiful a song as any.
Great work Joe. Great work!
Thanks Michael…..Joe
The 1972 video recording of Don Mclean singing Vincent is a poetic masterpiece. I took this song for granted back in the day. Listening to it now, I'm blown away. When I listen now I can actually visualize Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. I can feel the tragic sadness and the beauty through the simplistic style of Don's beautiful voice. One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded in my opinion.
Bravo on this interview with Don. This is what I've been missing for so long. The real stuff not the phoney materialistic junk you see on mainstream media.
Ditto
Great interview Joe, he truly seemed conflicted about fame, I agree with Don I like the way the music business was, and his songs are still relevant. Still love to hear “ a long long time ago “.
Thanks Dave... Joe
Watching You and Don, it seemed like I was overhearing two old friends talking in a coffee shop. I'm wondering if Don realizes his music has made such a profound impact on so many people growing up in the 60's and 70's? American Pie in my opinion is the absolute best song ever written!! Great interview Joe.
Thanks Stephen... I’m glad you felt we were old friends because we had never met or talked before. I was sitting in the booth when Don walked in and sat down and we said nice to meet you and turned the cameras on:).... Best, Joe
I like Don's stories of Chet Atkins, Gene Autrey, and old Nashville.
Joe you said the second part was going to be great,it was.You have a great ability to make people comfortable enough to open up.These interviews are something worth waiting.I am 66 and grew up listening to the best music of all times and you bringing the behind the music stories is fabulous.
Thanks as usual 5754.... Joe
My first time watching an interview by Mr. Chambers. Won't be my last. So many names dropped in this interview that I know will lead me to
...explore the talents of many wonderful people. Going to start with Chet Atkins!
Thanks for watching Lorraine... joe
Don, a fellow NYer, me The Bronx, is so down to earth and sounds like a very nice guy. So happy I found Part 1&2 of these interviews.
I wish you could have him back on.
Thank you!
Thank you Joe for sharing this double gem with us. Your two parts interviews with Don McLean were absolutely phenomenal and greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ivan... Don was one of the few guest I’ve interviewed that I had never spoken to before until he sat down in the booth for the interview. To me the interview started kinda slowly as we got to know each other but half way through it started getting pretty good. Ended up liking him a lot. Great singer, musician and unreal writer. Best, Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
I totally agree. I like how he slowly opened up to you - fully trusted you - and revealed some incredible stuff... as i understand, he's very private and reserved person. Awesome and thanks again Joe for this rare and remarkable interview.
The fact that Mr Chambers just sits back and let the artists talk makes the whole experience amazing. Thank you!
Joe you have a special key with these very talented people that unlocks stories that will live forever. Great Work! Thanks PJ
Thanks again Phil... Joe
Wonderful interview, and even better just plain ol' conversation. Went to see Don McLean in Berkeley, California last year. Seated front row center, I was able to lean forward and touch his boots from my seat. But he seemed incredibly distant as a person and performer. Here in this interview I get a deeper understanding of his psyche, and an appreciation. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks Spoonido... joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum by the way, I did not actually touch his boots! Haha!
I too have a baritone ukulele. Now all I have to do is learn how to play it. What an inspiration Don McClean is. Sounds like a down to earth person and a really good guy. Thanks so much for posting this.
Thanks for watching Les... joe
Just BRILLIANT Joe, thank you so much again for posting this interview up, so many of Don’s songs have meant an awful lot to me but none more so than Vincent and American Pie. The resonance that AmericanPie had with me musically but especially lyrically was profound, I was that paperboy back in the 70’s. I hope your well and healthy, thank you, my best wishes from Chesterfield in the UK..❤️
Thank you Paul... best, Joe
Moved to a new place recently and after a while I set up my stereo system .. first album I put on the old record player was American Pie .. that album still sounds incredible .. The Grave still send chills down my spine .. thanks for the interviews Joe .. always learn something new :)
Thanks a2.... Joe
Truly a Starry, Starry Night for fans of Don McLean. Joe, you captured the colors changing hues in this master’s mind and his music. One of the very best of many unforgettable interviews!
Thanks Dr...... Joe
So glad I came across this interview with Don. Thanks for talking about Vincent. One of my favorite songs in the world❤️
Thanks Ralph... joe
I was about 12 when American Pie came out. Everybody loved that song. Everybody from 10 to 100 dug it.
I've seen a few interviews with Mr. McLean over the years, but this series of interviews is the best I've seen. You're doing a great service for those like me who love hearing about the history of popular music. Thank you so much for what you continue to do.
Thank you Chris.... joe
Thank you Joe. These Don McLean interviews are the best of your entire series. I was hanging on every word. Don is a musical and cultural icon of the highest magnitude.
Thanks WOT.... Best, Joe
Joe, I have to be straight with you man.... you are actually one of my favorite interview cats ever. It’s more like you just get in there and have a talk with these other cats and kits and you just happen to get into what I’m interested in hearing from them. Great job as always man. Of course I’m a bit jealous of your history but I can let that slide because of all the great stuff. Thanks man. It really does seem that these guys are not afraid to be honest with you and many , like Don here are just so humble and honest about things that even “ regular “ people are uncomfortable admitting. I feel like you get to know a little something about some of these greats. Definitely stuff that wasn’t everyday interview topics back THEN or NOW really.
Hi Terry... I’m answering this without glasses so please forgive any mistakes. Thank you very much. That really means a lot that you would feel that way. This is something I’ve really enjoyed doing because I want to know too. Music from the 60!s and up was my vacation from everyday problems. I loved the Little black transistor radio my dad gave me in the fifth grade which is probably why I never learned anything much after that because I always had the ear phone in my head. Anyway I appreciate you watching our videos very much and you could not have said kinder words... best, Joe
This interview, as a whole, is the definitive interview of Don McClean. He pretty much said so himself. Joe, you really have a gift for this work. I know it isn't what you want to hear so much, but this is a calling. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Arch.... I do appreciate the very generous comments. Most of all I’m glad you’re enjoying watching them... Best, Joe
Great memories and photos Joe. Thanks for another great interview.
Thanks GG... joe
This is a fantasic interview! The only complaint is I wanted a part 3, 4, amd 5!! I could listen to Mr. McLean and Mr. Chambers for hours! First interview I saw Mr. Chambers do was with Garth Brooks. Happy to subscribe for more of this great content! Well done!
Hi Mr.Schram.... Hey ... You call me Joe and I’ll call you Doug:) Deal? Thank you so much for watching and supporting us... I really appreciate you... I think we’ve shown all of Don’s interview.. I’ll check but I’m pretty sure that’s all. Garth might have some editing we can check out again for you. I’ll look. Anyway... thanks again... best, Joe
Ive loved don mcleans music since hearing vincent such a beautifull evocative touching song made me cry.the lrrics were perfectly crafted with love and sincerety .his guitar playing touches so many emotions wonderfull guy and human being .we are blessed to have him on this earth to make this world a better place .thank you mick uk
l Wow, I'm so glad to have watched this interview with Don. I live along the Hudson, never had the pleasure to see Don. To hear him share his experience, knowledge of music and his clarity is an enormous wealth of life..thanks....
Joe, you do such a great job on your interviews. I really mean it. You are just yourself and you make everyone feel relaxed. Of all the people who do what you do, I had rather be interviewed by you because you are so down to earth. You know the business. You know the people in the business. Your voice is not strident or hard to listen to. You don’t act like you are trying to be cool. Like I said, Joe, you’re great at what you do. Love your program!!!
As a long time fan of McLean's I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Great job Joe!
Thank you Paul... Joe
Don McLean tells some great stories. Love his comments about who an artist is.
Wasn’t it amazing how honest he is in the interview wow I really respected that
Thanks for watching Sheldon…..Joe
Oh Don...I LOVE your music....Vincent, American Pie, Crying,..................
These are a great pair of interviews which are in fact genuine conversations. You have the knack of drawing people out. I hope you have been keeping this up. This material is incredible oral history.
Thanks for watching GA.... joe
What Harvey Jones said. My face hurts from smiling and being sad. Oral History truly doesn't get any better than the way you do, Joe.
Thanks RC... Joe
Thank you, Joe and Don, for the inside stuff that we would never have seen or heard except for you.
Thanks for watching Bill... Joe
An excellent interview, thank you.
Thanks so much. I 💘 it
One of the best interviews I have ever seen. You coaxed him out of his protected boundaries of the dark into the light. Very moving, great job! 😮❤️
I have really enjoyed your visit with Don. He always has and always will always be a strong influence in my musical life.
So absorbing, Don McLean so down to earth and real, giving of himself as I've not seen any other.
Your Video's are top of the tree mate, congratulations. Good health and happiness to you both. Merry Christmas
Hi Ron...... thanks for watching and wishing me a merry Christmas and for the first time this year let me return the favor by wishing you a very Merry Christmas too!!!!!!! Best, Joe
Don McLean! All that needs to be said !
Fabulous!
Beautiful chat between 2 guys reminiscing filled with pearls and diamonds and roses 💕
Thanks for watching Nick......Joe
Great stories and great times. NYC great training.
Thanks for watching day tripper... joe
Excellent interview!
Really enjoyed the interview, am 67 and still LOVE the old songs and artists. Keep up the Good Work !!!
Thanks for watching Ronnie.... I appreciate your support....Joe
Great interview!
Thanks Daniel... Joe
Great stuff!!! Thank you so much.
Thanks for watching Sean….Joe
Your interviews are great. Thank You.
Dave.... I really appreciate you saying that.... Joe
this was a real treat. thank you joe and don. i enjoyed the heck out of this.
Thanks Jones... Joe
Great to have both interviewsThanks so much Joe
Thank you too Nelly.... Joe
As usual...entertaining and informative!
Thanks Buzz.... joe
Best one yet Joe. Thanks for all.
Thanks David….Joe
That was just Great 👍🏾 Thank you for your good works 👍🏾🎸👍🏾
Great interview Joe! It was a little funny at moments. Don is a great singer/songwriter, but also a real human with fears and problems. He was talking very openly about things he can't face because of his insecurity. Wise words!
Hi KS.... thanks for watching.... best... joe
Awesome channel and interview
Thanks DB.... Joe
Another great video Joe. I saw part 1 with Don McLean and was waiting for part 2 and it did not disappoint. Chet Atkins was one of my favorites and it was so interesting to hear Don speak about him.
Thanks Jim... Joe
I am amazed how Don was so cool regarding everything down to the "bone" of the bridge. Fantastic interview sir!
Thanks 5……Joe
Great interview
Joe, these interviews are some of the best content on the planet right now. Thanks so much! :)
Thank you Arthur... Joe
Fascinating interview!
Thanks for watching Scott.... Joe
Another great interview. Thanks
Thank you Ed... Joe
Joe, another amazing interview, excellent content and music history! You are the best!
Thanks again Kevin...Joe
Absolutely outstanding interview!
Thanks Barry… much appreciated…. Joe
Excellent. Thanks fellows.
Thanks R.... Joe
You get the huge stars to talk openly and honestly to show us the road they've taken. Just love it. Can't wait for the next ones
Huge Thanx as always Joe
Thank you again Steve... joe
Excellent interview
Thanks for watching SC.... Joe
Awesome interviews ..! Thanks Joe and Don ..
Thank you too Andrew.... Joe
Great interview Joe. I was touched by both of you getting a bit misty eyed when you spoke of the great Chet Atkins. I play American pie at least once a week, I never get tired of it and I am 61. My wife laughs at my futile attempts at singing the song. LOL
Thanks for watching and sharing your comments Monty.... Best, Joe
Awesome
Thanks from Sydney for such a great interview of such a great, grounded man who has brought so much pleasure to so many ... and he was so right: you guys have a secret space. Well done.
Hi Eddie.... thanks for watching.... my son in law is from down under too:) Best, Joe
This would be one of the best interviews I have ever heard. How interesting. Thank You
Thanks Rod…….Joe
Very informative and insightful.
Well done , wondeful interview I learned a lot. Touched by how many people really helped Don become the master song writer that he is.
The best best interview that I’ve had
the privilege to hear with a true a
musical icon! Thank you
Thanks Sd..... much appreciated....Joe
No words to express how much I appreciate, enjoy and sincerely LOVE this interview. Thank you.
Thanks for watching it too Ann... best, Joe
this interview is solid gold!
Thanks Todd..... Joe
Your interviews are mesmerizing!
Thank you Dave... Joe
I can't believe it's taken me this long to listen to both parts of this interview! Part one was incredible. Thanks Joe!
Thank you John…. Wishing you and family a great Thanksgiving……Joe
Thanks Don. Thanks MHOF.
Excellent interview Joe thank You for sharing ❤️
Thanks Rickie... joe
Many many great MHFM interviews by Joe Chambers (Thank you Joe!) but these two with Don McLean are really really good. Don McLean and Tom have great rapport which lets Don to freely tell his stories without interruption and for Tom to contribute his own stories like never before. Other than a good ear I have little musical ability but still I find great enjoyment hearing artists discuss their craft . I haven't ventured far from the American Pie album but the poetry in every song on that album is tremendous. Thanks to all involved!
Thanks bball .... don’t you hate spell check... it always changes things I say but you can call me Tom... I know what you mean..,Best, Joe(Tom:)
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum After you introduce yourself at the start of each video I always call back aloud "Hey Joe". Drives my wife crazy. Of course, I have no plans of stopping. Thanks for taking the time to write a congenial note . I've never been to Nashville or Memphis but once we get a handle on this pandemic I'm going to come out at visit the MHFM and with luck shake your hand. Be well. Thanks again!
bball .... my apologies to your wife.... my wife hates it when I do stuff like that too:) Hope to shake your hand too.., Joe
Quality interview , theres nothing i love more than the back stories and having all the dots joined up , hearing those coincidences that led to great songs or the meeting of great musicians . I may not always listen to their music but will stop to hear their influences and who inspired them . Great work.
Thanks Brad..., Joe
Superb...Thanx Joe.
Thanks for watching Jimi….Joe