This was posted by Connie (not sure who) on another page: Actually, Don reached out to them because he wanted to re-release this for the 50th anniversary. He said he wanted them because "they understand harmonies." Wow, what a complement. And he wanted it to be different and peppy as he said in the behind-the-scenes video. He said at 75 he doesn't have the voice, can't do as much and asked Darren Rust to pick out good parts. Which Darren is the pro at bringing out the best in people, like he did for Lee Greenwood, etc. The whole production of this, backgrounds, pictures from the "day", etc. great! Memories are tough from '71 when this came out, middle of the horrible riots and protests and anger during the Vietnam War, young people dying every day. It was a terrible time, so this song brings that out. But wow oh wow is this an incredible version! That's what Darren Rust wanted he said. Take care.
Gitana, this song is the song of my generation. I was in 6th grade at Everglades Elementary School here in Miami, when this was released in Oct 1971...by the end of the term, in June 1972, every kid, including myself, knew the words by heart !! A few things you may not know because you are so young..."The Day the Music Died" Feb 3rd, 1959...a plane crash in Iowa, tragically took the lives of 3 of the biggest rock-n-roll stars of the day...Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly (who influenced the Beatles a lot) anf The Big Bopper...trust me you've heard some of their songs....so Home Free released this video on Feb 3rd, 2021, the 62nd anniversary of that tragic day. Also this is the 50th anniversary of American Pie, the most iconic song of my generation....That Don McLean can still sing at 75 years old. You should react to another of his songs, and really concentrate on the lyrics, they are sooooo beautiful...the song is Vincent aka Starry-Starry night...its about Vincent Van Gogh....please listen to ot !!! Have a great Sunday from your Home Fry Kevin in Miami
"Vincent" is one that breaks my heart every time, as does this song. So many memories of an age included in this song. Those who lived through the era catch the references, while others may hear a lot of it as just good sounding lyrics without meaning. Starting out with the crash, but so many other icons are referred to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The concert where Mick Jagger hired Hells Angels as security (not their best decision), the deaths of Janis Joplin and JFK. So sad, so heart rending.
Here's another bit to go with that, I'm so glad somebody knew it and commented, the Big Bopper wasn't supposed to be on that plane but he was sick so Waylon Jennings gave him his seat and took the van to the next venue. It always amazes me how things seem to just happen.
@@aislynnG Waylon lived with guilt about it for the rest of his life because of his last words with Buddy Holly. When Buddy found out Waylon was taking the bus, Holly jokingly told him he hoped the bus broke down, and Waylon said, and I hope your plane crashes...then it did.
I know, it would have haunted me too but sometimes things like that happen for a reason... Could you imagine country music without the influence of Waylon Jennings he practically kept the genre alive there for a little while it seemed like
I practically grew up with this song, so it reminds me of a LOT of things. This is simply one of the greatest songs of all time. And I'm SO happy they had Don singing with them. Yes, the man is a living legend!
It is about the plane crash in 2-3-1959. When we lost 3 Rock and Roll legends, Buddy Holly, Richie Valance, and the Big Bobber Favorite. Hard to choose Tim if I had to pick
i've been writing that on all the reactions i've watched. cracks me up, what an awesome reply and an excellent way to not have to give any concrete explanations for the lyrics!
When I was 14 years old (I am 64 now.) Thursday nights were my favorite. That is when my sisters and I would travel to the studios of our local ABC (TV station) affiliate and tape segments for an early morning tv show we appeared on. One Thursday while waiting to tape I was wandering around and heard a guy strumming a guitar and singing a song I had recently heard quite a bit on the radio. I entered the studio and sat quietly while a nice looking young man sang AMERICAN PIE. After he finished and the red light was turned off I approached him and told him I thought he had done a great job. He thanked me nicely and I returned to the other studio. Unbeknownst to me, my sisters and mom had been frantically looking for me, but one of the cameramen had seen me in the other studio and told them where I was. As we prepared to finish taping our segments the cameraman asked if I knew who that guy was. I almost died when I found out it was the REAL Don McLean.
There are numerous aspects of this amazing arrangement that are mindboggling. This is a 16-minute song and yet Adam keeps the beat going like there is nothing to it. Chance is the baritone and Tim the bass but both of them were singing in the rafters. I am astounded when Tim is singing lead how easily Chance takes over the bass. I swear his true register is every bit as deep as Tim's. This may well be the best rebirth of a classic that I have ever heard. Don McLean said in an interview that even 50 years later this song is still paying him royalties of $400,000 a year. This ought to bump that several hundred thousand for a good long while.
They released it on the day of 50th anniversary of the day the music died. That was the day when a plane crash killed Billy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.
Every time I try to pick a favorite I realize it’s impossible. This is an incredible group where they are all just so talented and they strive to show it
I used to play this on repeat with a suitcase record player. I had this on a 45 and only half the song would play before I had to flip it over. Good times.
Every time I hear this song play on the radio, it takes me back to a time when I was a kid, sitting around, listening to this song on the radio. {sigh} Some things never change, do they? ;)
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I always liked the original but wasn't sure how it would translate to their style. It turned out to be excellent! :)
I remember riding in the back of my dad's car and hearing this song on the radio; it made me cry! My dad says "good music can make you cry son". And my favorite member of HF is Adum Rupp, followed by Rob. But I love them all!
Please check out Austin’s video of him singing “Unchained Melody”, it’s on his channel. It has 2 million views in 3 weeks! It’s just wonderful! Thanks!
This song was wrote after the airplane crash in February 3rd 1959 Buddy Holly the Big bopper and Ritchie Valance and the pilot were all killed in the song they February I was 9 years young
As always home free is awesome, keep up the great work. It's so cool to see you enjoy it the way you do, That's why I keep coming to your channel you feel it touching you the way it's suppose to.
This is a part of just about every American's childhood, if they're no more than about 60 (song's been out for 50 years). And, what a way to start/end, with Don McLean singing his wonderful song with Home Free basically coming in as relievers to tag team the verses.
This is fabulous! One of the best Home Free has done and can we just appreciate how fantastic Don McLean still is! This was the first time since the original version was released 50 years ago that he recorded the song again! Great reaction again! You have a great personality Gitana. Love to see more Home Free and Chris Kläfford reactions! :)
You might want to react to Don McLean's song Vincent. One of the most beautiful songs that you will ever hear. I would suggest the original, you know the one by the one who wrote it and sang it first. Thanks.
My favorite...Austin and Tim...I was 21 when I first heard this. So glad Home Free did this McLean...brings back so many memories. Thank you my dear...Judy D
I was about 15 years old when this song came out. It has always been a favorite of mine and this has only increased my love of this song. I can remember a boy in high school singing this during a talent show. It's such a peppy song in some ways yet it is about a very sad occurrence when Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens perished in a plane crash. This song was a tribute to them. Home Free is phenomenal with this song and I will be listening to it for a long time. As far as favorites, I think it depends on the song. I really love Tim's voice but I also love the others too. Thank you for reacting to this song as it means a lot to my generation. Hope your ankle heals up quickly!!!
I simply appreciate how you don't get distracted when Home Free is performing, but when it comes time to share your so overwhelmed it's hard to stay on track. That isn't being nuts that's being changed by the beauty they share with the world. Please keep yourself real because your reactions bring myself and those around me that same kind of JOY. PEACE
In 71' when this was new I was dating a girl from Hi skool . We used to listen to the car radio while neck'n in my dads car while sitting on the canal banks here in central California. I remember her and those times every time I here this song. We split before we graduated and went our separate ways. Still, good times.....Hi
This is just another one of those songs from the 70s, when songs had a meaning and weren't just all about sex or sticking it to someone else. This song was one of those songs you listened to when you were sad or felt you lost something important. It was also a popular beach song. It is also one of the longest songs I think are out there. There has always been so much discussion as to the meaning or each and every phrase in the song and I don't know for sure if Don McLean has ever revealed every aspect of what he put in this song. He integrated so many things that occurred in the 60's into the song, including the loss of President John F. Kennedy. Basically the song title is referring to an event that took place in the early 60s when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash. Ritchie Valens being the artist who sang "La Bamba". I think the boys did a great job.
Just when I thought, how are they going to do this song with the original artist Don McLean, how is it going to sound, is it going to sound like it did years ago? They Pleasantly surprised me, it sounded just great!!
This was fantastic. Home Free does it again. I’m with you, I haven’t heard a Home Free song I don’t like. Don McLean was great and he’s 75! Boys harmonies and solos were so good and yes Adam killed it too. Hope your ankle heals well.
Great reaction as always, Gitana! You're my favorite! You asked what the original song means to us. For me, I was just getting into junior high school when the song came out, and of course it became legendary not long after that. I didn't know enough about music and the specific singers and bands when the tragic plane crash happened, so I learned a little later what the song was about, and discovered all the great music from Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper over the next few years. Then a couple years ago I finally had the chance to visit the Surf Ballroom in Iowa, where their last concert was, and the museum they have there is powerful and stirred my soul. Great, GREAT song by our boys, as usual!!
Yay I was waiting for your reaction! I've had this on repeat! Austin is my favorite. But they all sound amazing. Adam Rupp also. And his beatboxing and drum tracks on this and the entire song?! I was thinking of all of the music artists we've lost since. Prince, MJ, Kenny Rogers, George Michael, Aretha, etc. When Tim says lost in space, I thought of the Challenger explosion. Patsy Cline's Anniversary is coming up soon too. I think of watching the movie La Bamba and think of Ritchie Valens and remembering the scene when he gets on the plane with Buddy Holly and Big Bopper
It says so much about Home Free's talent that they are singing American Pie with Don McLean, the songwriter and original artist, on the 50th anniversary of this song. Wow. So amazing. I love that amazing artists love Home Free
When I was a child my father would sing me to sleep with this song every night, so it absolutely holds a very sacred spot in my heart. Back before my parents went to prison and everything changed, so its from a more innocent time and it will always be special to me.
Absolutely stunning & Don McLean. The song was just famous in Australia & made Don McLean. We all knew what the song was about, the deaths of Ritchie Valenz, the Big Bopper & of course Buddy Holly. These 3 were huge influences for my era & it was just a massive loss for many. So many songs from that era & the probability of many more. I'm almost 63 & so there are many from my era but also many up to 5 & more years older & younger who loved all 3 of these artists.
I remember putting my quarters in a jukebox at 10 years old playing this over and over. I do have a favorite Home Free member, Tim, with Chance a close second. I love the deep voices.
It mentions the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is the Jester in the song, he became popular as Elvis' popularity was decreasing. That is the meaning behind the line, "The Jester stole the King's thorny crown." The references to the marching band refusing to yield is The Beatles, "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band"
FYI, Don McLean, last name rhymes with "plane". I vaguely remember the controversy and debate when the original came out in... 1971? Something like that. Preachers preaching sermons about what the song meant. Arguments within families about whether it was evil or good. (So sorry about your ankle.)
Hello G, absolutely love Home Free & this song! I ain't got a lot to say, just really enjoyed it & your reaction! Love & positivity always Half Pint & GITANO'S!!!💙💞💙
Tim's rumbling and growling bass. Chance's Smooth baritone. Rob's clean tenor. Austin's high tenor. Adam's fenomenal, world class beatboxing, and georgeous tenor. HF has always been fantastic, but they did strike gold, when Chance came in, and made HF even more fantastic. I can't pick a favorit, because they are all amazing, and they allways choose the right member, for eatch song, another of theire skills. I do hope, that they never change their setup again, it's very difficult to beat perfection.
Thank you very much for saying "He's a legend"..."he's the star of the show"....because you are absolutely correct. Without Don, this song wouldn't exist. You are very classy to to say those great things about him. You're the first and only host to make that comment and it was 100% the right thing to do. Always give credit where credit is due. I almost got choked up when you did and that's hard for me to do.
Great job with your reaction To American Pie From Don Mclean with Guess Home Free . This is that summer time summer that People sing around a Bonfire Having a couple of Cold ones .🔥🎶🍻🥃
I was driving delivery van in Denver Colorado metro area when this came out. Still a very great song. Like Don says when you have a hit like this you dont need another.
YOU, Gitana, are what makes this reaction channel so great. DON'T change a thing. It is PERFECT just the way you do it. The little flubs and memory lapses are delightful, and cute. THANK YOU, from Tennessee, USA.
I’m reminded of something that happened 11 years after the song came out. There’s a line in the verse that Rob sang: “The players tried to take the field The marching band refused to yield.” It comes pretty close to describing what has come to be known as “The Play,” in the rivalry between Cal and Stanford. In 1982, Stanford scored and took the lead. They tried to run down the clock, and their band was gathering in the end zone preparing to celebrate their imminent victory, when Cal got the ball and scored the winning touchdown, plowing right through said band.
This song it was written about a plane crash that occurred on February 3, 1969. There were three musicians\singers that were killed in the crash. Richie Valens, “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, and the singer this song was actually written for, Buddy Holly. You may want to find a song from each singer to react to.
Great Reaction. Home Free is always GREAT. It is good to see the younger artist singing with the older artist and honoring them for their music. THIS IS ANOTHER CLASSIC SO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE. GOD BLESS YOU.
Favorites? Depends upon the song i think. Each one has been a favorite at one time or another. All i know is that together they are magical and i can watch them, and often do, for hours every night after work.
I remember, vividly, when we sang this song at singing time in 6th grade. This is actually a very deep song about the world and politics at the time. What is so cool about Mr. Belli (our teacher), he would explain what the songs meaning was. I realy liked that the original Artist collaborated with Home Free. This brings back memories. I remember only 2 teachers from my school years and Mr. belli was the best. I remember "Tin Man" rides away, etc. Thank You for the memories Gitana.
This song came out the fall before my sophomore year in high school. It was the year I fell in love the first time. I still love my first to this day! Now ask me again if this song brings back great memories...
I'm here because you are you, authentic and (mostly) unapologetically so. You do you, you are the only one who can do you. The need some people have to have you fit into their box isn't about you, it's about them. Thank you for another great reaction! 🥰🙏
I was a senior in High School when this was released and I still have the original album of Don Mclean - American Pie. Wait until you are my age. Thoughts come and go constantly!
This came out when I was in high school. One of our teachers brought this in and played it for us. She wanted us to discuss what the lyrics meant. People are still doing that 50 years later. They're all great but Tim and Austin are on another level.
First time hearing this was in 1971, driving my Sunbeam Alpine on the Pennsylvania turnpike at 90 mph! Home Free's version is, I think, better than the original made all the better doing it with Don.
They are the best acapella music group performing today: talented, best beat boxer, write a lot of their own music, play multiple instruments, funny and can hold and audience, best of all they aren't gimmicky. And can we add handsome with broad appeal?.
When this song first came out I was driving a 1964 Chevelle, great memories! Now I am so blessed with a 1972 Chevelle! Great tunes and the great times continue! Thank you 🙏 Lord Jesus!
Another great reaction Gitana. You are spot on! This track always takes me back to a summer when I was 7 or 8, riding billy-carts down the dirt road down the hill near my great uncles place. I cannot hear it without time travelling almost fifty years. May I suggest Mayday by Home Free to check the versatility of these talented individuals. Keep up the good work.....
If you didn't know , this was released on on the 62nd anniversary of the day the music died. Buddy Holly JP "Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash and on the 50th anniversary of the original release of American Pie. Side note the Big Bopper was not supposed to be on that flight. He needed to leave early so Buddy's bass player gave up his seat. That would be future country music outlaw and legend Waylon Jennings.
Don't ever change, no matter what anyone else says. If I am having a bad day I can put one of your reaction videos on and I start laughing but not at you but with you. I hope your ankle is starting to feel better.
My older brother passed away on the 6th of this month he was 79 but one day in 1959 he come home from the record shop with a new record I asked him who was that on the cover of the record he said it's Buddy Holly and had just died in a plane crash thats who the song is about I was 12 then but still remember it like it was yesterdays.love and peace.
You sound like my daughter use to. She always wanted me to pick a favorite and I'd ask which was her favorite and I'd then pick some thing else to get her to argue!
I read a rumor that Home Free said they would never do this song in concert, because Adam Rupp nearly passed out 3 times doing the beatboxing while recording it. I posted this on another video, and had a few people say that they also heard it.
These guys are consummate professionals. They are masters of their craft. And yes, we all have favorites. Tim's range is out of this world, but the beat boxer (drawing a blank on his name) is just the unarguable best. Now please excuse me while I go hang my head in shame for not remembering his name....
Favorites? Hmmm. With a gun to my head, I would probably pick Austin (I used to be a first tenor, so I can relate to Austin, even though I only had a small fraction of his talent :-)). But they are all fabulous. I think folks don't give Adam Chance enough credit -- the man has a great voice and a range that rivals Tim's range. Great reaction Gitana -- keep 'em coming!
This song makes me remember the first time I heard it. We were on a state highway near where two named trains passed each other, one was "The City of Chicago" and the other train was call "The City of New Orleans".
how can we pick a favorite vocalist when they all have a part of our heart... I like Tim for his low bass, I like Austin for his incredible lead, Rob for his soulful sound, Adam Chance for his versatility... and Adam Rupp for his excellent beat box sounds... so... as in the song, the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost... which "one" would be your favorite when all three work together in everything... Home free is my favorite vocalist of the group... lol... same thing goes with Pentatonix too
I've been hearing this song for 50 years now but now that I've heard Home Frees version I realized I've been singing a word wrong for 50 years. The verse that says, do you recall what was revealed , the day the music died. For 50 years I've been singing , do you recall what was the FEEL, the day the music died. And thats not that uncommon for me. When you said that you understand older songs better now than when you were younger, that's what made me think of this and laugh. Thanks for reminding me of what a dummy I was as a teenager.
hey, you mention something about a new album and then movies and I can't pick just one I like all of them and wish I could sing like any of them of beatbox. love ya keep up the crazy I am with you all the way.
I can remember this a drinking song in college, even though it’s older than me. It was one where you just sort of mumbled on the verses (tho there were those who knew every word), and then belted the chorus. I didn’t catch all the references until I was older and actually looked into them.
Gitana, the significance of this song is tremendous for those of a particular age who grew up with this song. Hearing Don McLean signing with Home Free is simply the best. This is a song where everyone knew the lyrics growing up. It is amazing to see you loving on this version too. About midway you said 'No! I don't want this to end'. LOL This is like one of the longest songs with so many verses and you are only half way through.
Feel better and heal soon. Because I decided once to pick my favourite Home Free member, I actually have an answer to your question: Rob. I picked Rob. I think Adam R. is the most talented. And my favourite usually changes depending on song. And then if you get to hear someone on their own (or not with Home Free) they might really shine there. For instance Chris R. I think he really shines when with other artists or by himself. If you haven’t and want to react to some of his solo stuff you could even start with one where he has Tim in a video, Angels Among Us. Then there’s Austin’s version of Unchained Melody, so beautiful. I definitely recommend that.
Don't worry about you forgetting your train of thought!! You are one of those people that thinks of mutable things at once and that is a gift!! Rock on!!! Loved the video!!
This was posted by Connie (not sure who) on another page: Actually, Don reached out to them because he wanted to re-release this for the 50th anniversary. He said he wanted them because "they understand harmonies." Wow, what a complement. And he wanted it to be different and peppy as he said in the behind-the-scenes video. He said at 75 he doesn't have the voice, can't do as much and asked Darren Rust to pick out good parts. Which Darren is the pro at bringing out the best in people, like he did for Lee Greenwood, etc. The whole production of this, backgrounds, pictures from the "day", etc. great! Memories are tough from '71 when this came out, middle of the horrible riots and protests and anger during the Vietnam War, young people dying every day. It was a terrible time, so this song brings that out. But wow oh wow is this an incredible version! That's what Darren Rust wanted he said. Take care.
I think we should start a Darren Rust fan club. He is the unsung hero in land of Home Free!! They all knocked it out of the park once again!
And recorded at the same studio where Don did his last 2 albums.
He still has a pretty good voice for 75
Believe that Lee Greenwood recommended them for this.
Gitana, this song is the song of my generation. I was in 6th grade at Everglades Elementary School here in Miami, when this was released in Oct 1971...by the end of the term, in June 1972, every kid, including myself, knew the words by heart !! A few things you may not know because you are so young..."The Day the Music Died" Feb 3rd, 1959...a plane crash in Iowa, tragically took the lives of 3 of the biggest rock-n-roll stars of the day...Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly (who influenced the Beatles a lot) anf The Big Bopper...trust me you've heard some of their songs....so Home Free released this video on Feb 3rd, 2021, the 62nd anniversary of that tragic day. Also this is the 50th anniversary of American Pie, the most iconic song of my generation....That Don McLean can still sing at 75 years old. You should react to another of his songs, and really concentrate on the lyrics, they are sooooo beautiful...the song is Vincent aka Starry-Starry night...its about Vincent Van Gogh....please listen to ot !!! Have a great Sunday from your Home Fry Kevin in Miami
If I might add, the Father Son and Holy Ghost was reference to the music coming from the west coast after that. Beach Boys Jan and Dean etc.
"Vincent" is one that breaks my heart every time, as does this song. So many memories of an age included in this song. Those who lived through the era catch the references, while others may hear a lot of it as just good sounding lyrics without meaning. Starting out with the crash, but so many other icons are referred to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The concert where Mick Jagger hired Hells Angels as security (not their best decision), the deaths of Janis Joplin and JFK. So sad, so heart rending.
Here's another bit to go with that, I'm so glad somebody knew it and commented, the Big Bopper wasn't supposed to be on that plane but he was sick so Waylon Jennings gave him his seat and took the van to the next venue. It always amazes me how things seem to just happen.
@@aislynnG Waylon lived with guilt about it for the rest of his life because of his last words with Buddy Holly. When Buddy found out Waylon was taking the bus, Holly jokingly told him he hoped the bus broke down, and Waylon said, and I hope your plane crashes...then it did.
I know, it would have haunted me too but sometimes things like that happen for a reason... Could you imagine country music without the influence of Waylon Jennings he practically kept the genre alive there for a little while it seemed like
I practically grew up with this song, so it reminds me of a LOT of things. This is simply one of the greatest songs of all time. And I'm SO happy they had Don singing with them. Yes, the man is a living legend!
It is about the plane crash in 2-3-1959. When we lost 3 Rock and Roll legends, Buddy Holly, Richie Valance, and the Big Bobber
Favorite. Hard to choose Tim if I had to pick
* Big Bopper
Ritchie Valens*
🙌👏❤
@@MichaelScheele The Big Bopper, J.P RICHARSON
I love how Home Free makes this their own but still keeps the original song in tact.
Yes, they impressively make it their own style, while still retaining the spirit and heart of the original.
In this world today amen
Read an article years ago where Don McLean explained what American Pie means to him. "It means I never have to work again." Love that response.
i've been writing that on all the reactions i've watched. cracks me up, what an awesome reply and an excellent way to not have to give any concrete explanations for the lyrics!
So with this new re-release he can keep the money rolling in. Good on him, he deserves it.
Watch MTVs behind the music..The day the music died.... explains its all!
When I was 14 years old (I am 64 now.) Thursday nights were my favorite. That is when my sisters and I would travel to the studios of our local ABC (TV station) affiliate and tape segments for an early morning tv show we appeared on. One Thursday while waiting to tape I was wandering around and heard a guy strumming a guitar and singing a song I had recently heard quite a bit on the radio. I entered the studio and sat quietly while a nice looking young man sang AMERICAN PIE. After he finished and the red light was turned off I approached him and told him I thought he had done a great job. He thanked me nicely and I returned to the other studio. Unbeknownst to me, my sisters and mom had been frantically looking for me, but one of the cameramen had seen me in the other studio and told them where I was. As we prepared to finish taping our segments the cameraman asked if I knew who that guy was. I almost died when I found out it was the REAL Don McLean.
WOW!....awesome version of this somg and you cover it very well Gitana....brought back memories THANX
There are numerous aspects of this amazing arrangement that are mindboggling. This is a 16-minute song and yet Adam keeps the beat going like there is nothing to it. Chance is the baritone and Tim the bass but both of them were singing in the rafters. I am astounded when Tim is singing lead how easily Chance takes over the bass. I swear his true register is every bit as deep as Tim's. This may well be the best rebirth of a classic that I have ever heard. Don McLean said in an interview that even 50 years later this song is still paying him royalties of $400,000 a year. This ought to bump that several hundred thousand for a good long while.
Don Mclean was the original artist and this is the 50th year since American Pie was released
They also released it on "The Day the Music Died" anniversary! Lots of thought went into this whole thing.
They released it on the day of 50th anniversary of the day the music died. That was the day when a plane crash killed Billy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.
Every time I try to pick a favorite I realize it’s impossible. This is an incredible group where they are all just so talented and they strive to show it
I'm sixty. My mother would sing and dance to this song, fifty years ago. I'm blessed to remember.
I used to play this on repeat with a suitcase record player. I had this on a 45 and only half the song would play before I had to flip it over. Good times.
Every time I hear this song play on the radio, it takes me back to a time when I was a kid, sitting around, listening to this song on the radio. {sigh} Some things never change, do they? ;)
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I always liked the original but wasn't sure how it would translate to their style. It turned out to be excellent! :)
I remember riding in the back of my dad's car and hearing this song on the radio; it made me cry! My dad says "good music can make you cry son". And my favorite member of HF is Adum Rupp, followed by Rob. But I love them all!
This was considered our National Anthem in my generation and they pretty much were true to the original. You don’t mess with greatness !!
Please check out Austin’s video of him singing “Unchained Melody”, it’s on his channel. It has 2 million views in 3 weeks! It’s just wonderful! Thanks!
This song was wrote after the airplane crash in February 3rd 1959 Buddy Holly the Big bopper and Ritchie Valance and the pilot were all killed in the song they February I was 9 years young
As always home free is awesome, keep up the great work. It's so cool to see you enjoy it the way you do, That's why I keep coming to your channel you feel it touching you the way it's suppose to.
This is a part of just about every American's childhood, if they're no more than about 60 (song's been out for 50 years). And, what a way to start/end, with Don McLean singing his wonderful song with Home Free basically coming in as relievers to tag team the verses.
This is fabulous! One of the best Home Free has done and can we just appreciate how fantastic Don McLean still is! This was the first time since the original version was released 50 years ago that he recorded the song again!
Great reaction again! You have a great personality Gitana. Love to see more Home Free and Chris Kläfford reactions! :)
You might want to react to Don McLean's song Vincent. One of the most beautiful songs that you will ever hear. I would suggest the original, you know the one by the one who wrote it and sang it first. Thanks.
Home Free is just brilliant and Don still has some pipes. Loved it! Thanks for another fantastic reaction.
My favorite...Austin and Tim...I was 21 when I first heard this. So glad Home Free did this McLean...brings back so many memories. Thank you my dear...Judy D
I was about 15 years old when this song came out. It has always been a favorite of mine and this has only increased my love of this song. I can remember a boy in high school singing this during a talent show. It's such a peppy song in some ways yet it is about a very sad occurrence when Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens perished in a plane crash. This song was a tribute to them. Home Free is phenomenal with this song and I will be listening to it for a long time. As far as favorites, I think it depends on the song. I really love Tim's voice but I also love the others too. Thank you for reacting to this song as it means a lot to my generation. Hope your ankle heals up quickly!!!
Sorry to hear about your ankle Hoping you have a full recovery Gitana .
I simply appreciate how you don't get distracted when Home Free is performing, but when it comes time to share your so overwhelmed it's hard to stay on track. That isn't being nuts that's being changed by the beauty they share with the world. Please keep yourself real because your reactions bring myself and those around me that same kind of JOY. PEACE
In 71' when this was new I was dating a girl from Hi skool . We used to listen to the car radio while neck'n in my dads car while sitting on the canal banks here in central California. I remember her and those times every time I here this song. We split before we graduated and went our separate ways. Still, good times.....Hi
Holy crap he still sounds fan-friggin-rastic! Brought a tear to m'eye! This was so great. Damn.
This is just another one of those songs from the 70s, when songs had a meaning and weren't just all about sex or sticking it to someone else. This song was one of those songs you listened to when you were sad or felt you lost something important. It was also a popular beach song. It is also one of the longest songs I think are out there. There has always been so much discussion as to the meaning or each and every phrase in the song and I don't know for sure if Don McLean has ever revealed every aspect of what he put in this song. He integrated so many things that occurred in the 60's into the song, including the loss of President John F. Kennedy. Basically the song title is referring to an event that took place in the early 60s when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash. Ritchie Valens being the artist who sang "La Bamba".
I think the boys did a great job.
Just when I thought, how are they going to do this song with the original artist Don McLean, how is it going to sound, is it going to sound like it did years ago? They Pleasantly surprised me, it sounded just great!!
50 years ago I loved this song and still does, song is about the crash that killed Buddy Holly and others.
One of the best classics out there. Brings me back to my childhood hearing the songs my parents listened to.
This was fantastic. Home Free does it again. I’m with you, I haven’t heard a Home Free song I don’t like. Don McLean was great and he’s 75! Boys harmonies and solos were so good and yes Adam killed it too. Hope your ankle heals well.
Great reaction as always, Gitana! You're my favorite! You asked what the original song means to us. For me, I was just getting into junior high school when the song came out, and of course it became legendary not long after that. I didn't know enough about music and the specific singers and bands when the tragic plane crash happened, so I learned a little later what the song was about, and discovered all the great music from Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper over the next few years. Then a couple years ago I finally had the chance to visit the Surf Ballroom in Iowa, where their last concert was, and the museum they have there is powerful and stirred my soul. Great, GREAT song by our boys, as usual!!
Yay I was waiting for your reaction! I've had this on repeat! Austin is my favorite. But they all sound amazing. Adam Rupp also. And his beatboxing and drum tracks on this and the entire song?! I was thinking of all of the music artists we've lost since. Prince, MJ, Kenny Rogers, George Michael, Aretha, etc. When Tim says lost in space, I thought of the Challenger explosion. Patsy Cline's Anniversary is coming up soon too. I think of watching the movie La Bamba and think of Ritchie Valens and remembering the scene when he gets on the plane with Buddy Holly and Big Bopper
I grew up with this song, it was good then and better now.
Thanks to this channel, the music will NEVER die!!!😘🤘💙🤘💙🤘💙
It says so much about Home Free's talent that they are singing American Pie with Don McLean, the songwriter and original artist, on the 50th anniversary of this song. Wow. So amazing. I love that amazing artists love Home Free
When I was a child my father would sing me to sleep with this song every night, so it absolutely holds a very sacred spot in my heart. Back before my parents went to prison and everything changed, so its from a more innocent time and it will always be special to me.
That’s Don McLean, the Original writer & singer of it !!! At 75 he looks & sings GREAT !!!!! !!!
Just simple I love this. Thank you again Gitana
Absolutely stunning & Don McLean. The song was just famous in Australia & made Don McLean. We all knew what the song was about, the deaths of Ritchie Valenz, the Big Bopper & of course Buddy Holly. These 3 were huge influences for my era & it was just a massive loss for many. So many songs from that era & the probability of many more. I'm almost 63 & so there are many from my era but also many up to 5 & more years older & younger who loved all 3 of these artists.
I remember putting my quarters in a jukebox at 10 years old playing this over and over. I do have a favorite Home Free member, Tim, with Chance a close second. I love the deep voices.
It mentions the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is the Jester in the song, he became popular as Elvis' popularity was decreasing. That is the meaning behind the line, "The Jester stole the King's thorny crown." The references to the marching band refusing to yield is The Beatles, "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band"
It definately reminds me of my childhood, as I was 12 or 13 the first time I heard this on the radio back in 1971.
FYI, Don McLean, last name rhymes with "plane". I vaguely remember the controversy and debate when the original came out in... 1971? Something like that. Preachers preaching sermons about what the song meant. Arguments within families about whether it was evil or good. (So sorry about your ankle.)
That’s how I thought it was pronounced! Several reactors have pronounced it like McClean, and I was beginning to wonder.
Hello G, absolutely love Home Free & this song! I ain't got a lot to say, just really enjoyed it & your reaction! Love & positivity always Half Pint & GITANO'S!!!💙💞💙
love the "cubicles" and how they rotate around plus clips of contemporary scenes in the background
G- We love you just the way you are. No worries about the distractions they're part of the fun of your channel!
Tim's rumbling and growling bass.
Chance's Smooth baritone.
Rob's clean tenor.
Austin's high tenor.
Adam's fenomenal, world class beatboxing, and georgeous tenor.
HF has always been fantastic, but they did strike gold, when Chance came in, and made HF even more fantastic.
I can't pick a favorit, because they are all amazing, and they allways choose the right member, for eatch song, another of theire skills.
I do hope, that they never change their setup again, it's very difficult to beat perfection.
I have now seen Don Mclean as a young and a not so young singer. He sounds as good as the first time I heard him. Thanks for the reaction.
I have seen this video SO MANY times and never noticed until this time that the color/black & white changes with the percussion!
1971-one of the songs that got me interested in Country Music. Used to dance to it.
Thank you very much for saying "He's a legend"..."he's the star of the show"....because you are absolutely correct. Without Don, this song wouldn't exist. You are very classy to to say those great things about him. You're the first and only host to make that comment and it was 100% the right thing to do. Always give credit where credit is due. I almost got choked up when you did and that's hard for me to do.
home free are entertainers and love entertaining people...it shows they love people and people love them back..:)
You are absolutely right. All the guys are awesome, but Austin's voice has been my favorite, since day one. Great reaction.
Great job with your reaction To American Pie From Don Mclean with Guess Home Free . This is that summer time summer that People sing around a Bonfire Having a couple of Cold ones .🔥🎶🍻🥃
I love how so many artists have reached out to them wanting to sing with them. That means something. I hope they can sing with others too
I was driving delivery van in Denver Colorado metro area when this came out. Still a very great song. Like Don says when you have a hit like this you dont need another.
YOU, Gitana, are what makes this reaction channel so great. DON'T change a thing. It is PERFECT just the way you do it. The little flubs and memory lapses are delightful, and cute. THANK YOU, from Tennessee, USA.
I’m reminded of something that happened 11 years after the song came out. There’s a line in the verse that Rob sang:
“The players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield.”
It comes pretty close to describing what has come to be known as “The Play,” in the rivalry between Cal and Stanford. In 1982, Stanford scored and took the lead. They tried to run down the clock, and their band was gathering in the end zone preparing to celebrate their imminent victory, when Cal got the ball and scored the winning touchdown, plowing right through said band.
Hello Sis!!!!! Speaking for myself, I love your energy. Keep doing what..your doing.
This song it was written about a plane crash that occurred on February 3, 1969. There were three musicians\singers that were killed in the crash. Richie Valens, “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, and the singer this song was actually written for, Buddy Holly. You may want to find a song from each singer to react to.
Great Reaction. Home Free is always GREAT. It is good to see the younger artist singing with the older artist and honoring them for their music. THIS IS ANOTHER CLASSIC SO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE. GOD BLESS YOU.
Favorites? Depends upon the song i think. Each one has been a favorite at one time or another. All i know is that together they are magical and i can watch them, and often do, for hours every night after work.
I remember, vividly, when we sang this song at singing
time in 6th grade. This is actually a very deep song
about the world and politics at the time.
What is so cool about Mr. Belli (our teacher), he would explain what
the songs meaning was.
I realy liked that the original Artist collaborated with Home Free.
This brings back memories. I remember only 2 teachers from
my school years and Mr. belli was the best.
I remember "Tin Man" rides away, etc. Thank You for the
memories Gitana.
It reminds me that I'm old. I graduated from HS when this came out.
I'd been in the army for four years, imagine how old I feel...👴😭
I am smiling after every single video you put out, Thank you for all of those chances to laugh and smile.
This song came out the fall before my sophomore year in high school. It was the year I fell in love the first time. I still love my first to this day! Now ask me again if this song brings back great memories...
I'm here because you are you, authentic and (mostly) unapologetically so. You do you, you are the only one who can do you. The need some people have to have you fit into their box isn't about you, it's about them. Thank you for another great reaction! 🥰🙏
I was a senior in High School when this was released and I still have the original album of Don Mclean - American Pie. Wait until you are my age. Thoughts come and go constantly!
This came out when I was in high school. One of our teachers brought this in and played it for us. She wanted us to discuss what the lyrics meant. People are still doing that 50 years later. They're all great but Tim and Austin are on another level.
First time hearing this was in 1971, driving my Sunbeam Alpine on the Pennsylvania turnpike at 90 mph! Home Free's version is, I think, better than the original made all the better doing it with Don.
Great reaction ! Great to see you again.
They are the best acapella music group performing today: talented, best beat boxer, write a lot of their own music, play multiple instruments, funny and can hold and audience, best of all they aren't gimmicky. And can we add handsome with broad appeal?.
Favorite Home Free vocals:
1. Tim
2. Adam, Austin, Chance, Rob (in no particular order)
Great reaction! Hope your ankle heals quickly.
When this song first came out I was driving a 1964 Chevelle, great memories! Now I am so blessed with a 1972 Chevelle! Great tunes and the great times continue! Thank you 🙏 Lord Jesus!
Thank you never heard this version. I was in High School when this came out, I can remember Partying!!!! To this song. Good Times,
Another great reaction Gitana. You are spot on! This track always takes me back to a summer when I was 7 or 8, riding billy-carts down the dirt road down the hill near my great uncles place. I cannot hear it without time travelling almost fifty years. May I suggest Mayday by Home Free to check the versatility of these talented individuals. Keep up the good work.....
If you didn't know , this was released on on the 62nd anniversary of the day the music died. Buddy Holly JP "Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash and on the 50th anniversary of the original release of American Pie.
Side note the Big Bopper was not supposed to be on that flight. He needed to leave early so Buddy's bass player gave up his seat. That would be future country music outlaw and legend Waylon Jennings.
They are all very talented, but Rob has a smooth & pleasing voice.
Don't ever change, no matter what anyone else says. If I am having a bad day I can put one of your reaction videos on and I start laughing but not at you but with you. I hope your ankle is starting to feel better.
My older brother passed away on the 6th of this month he was 79 but one day in 1959 he come home from the record shop with a new record I asked him who was that on the cover of the record he said it's Buddy Holly and had just died in a plane crash thats who the song is about I was 12 then but still remember it like it was yesterdays.love and peace.
You sound like my daughter use to. She always wanted me to pick a favorite and I'd ask which was her favorite and I'd then pick some thing else to get her to argue!
I read a rumor that Home Free said they would never do this song in concert, because Adam Rupp nearly passed out 3 times doing the beatboxing while recording it. I posted this on another video, and had a few people say that they also heard it.
These guys are consummate professionals. They are masters of their craft. And yes, we all have favorites. Tim's range is out of this world, but the beat boxer (drawing a blank on his name) is just the unarguable best. Now please excuse me while I go hang my head in shame for not remembering his name....
Favorites? Hmmm. With a gun to my head, I would probably pick Austin (I used to be a first tenor, so I can relate to Austin, even though I only had a small fraction of his talent :-)). But they are all fabulous. I think folks don't give Adam Chance enough credit -- the man has a great voice and a range that rivals Tim's range. Great reaction Gitana -- keep 'em coming!
This song makes me remember the first time I heard it. We were on a state highway near where two named trains passed each other, one was "The City of Chicago" and the other train was call "The City of New Orleans".
This reminds me of my childhood, I love what you are wearing. Keep up the great work you are doing
how can we pick a favorite vocalist when they all have a part of our heart... I like Tim for his low bass, I like Austin for his incredible lead, Rob for his soulful sound, Adam Chance for his versatility... and Adam Rupp for his excellent beat box sounds... so... as in the song, the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost... which "one" would be your favorite when all three work together in everything... Home free is my favorite vocalist of the group... lol... same thing goes with Pentatonix too
I've been hearing this song for 50 years now but now that I've heard Home Frees version I realized I've been singing a word wrong for 50 years. The verse that says, do you recall what was revealed , the day the music died. For 50 years I've been singing , do you recall what was the FEEL, the day the music died. And thats not that uncommon for me. When you said that you understand older songs better now than when you were younger, that's what made me think of this and laugh. Thanks for reminding me of what a dummy I was as a teenager.
hey, you mention something about a new album and then movies and I can't pick just one I like all of them and wish I could sing like any of them of beatbox. love ya keep up the crazy I am with you all the way.
I can remember this a drinking song in college, even though it’s older than me. It was one where you just sort of mumbled on the verses (tho there were those who knew every word), and then belted the chorus. I didn’t catch all the references until I was older and actually looked into them.
This is the 50 year anniversary of this song. Don approached Home Free to do this. Pretty cool. Thank you for reacting to this. ;-)
You always make me laugh. Please don't change because we love you the way you are.
Gitana, the significance of this song is tremendous for those of a particular age who grew up with this song. Hearing Don McLean signing with Home Free is simply the best. This is a song where everyone knew the lyrics growing up. It is amazing to see you loving on this version too. About midway you said 'No! I don't want this to end'. LOL This is like one of the longest songs with so many verses and you are only half way through.
Feel better and heal soon.
Because I decided once to pick my favourite Home Free member, I actually have an answer to your question: Rob. I picked Rob. I think Adam R. is the most talented. And my favourite usually changes depending on song. And then if you get to hear someone on their own (or not with Home Free) they might really shine there. For instance Chris R. I think he really shines when with other artists or by himself. If you haven’t and want to react to some of his solo stuff you could even start with one where he has Tim in a video, Angels Among Us. Then there’s Austin’s version of Unchained Melody, so beautiful. I definitely recommend that.
Don't worry about you forgetting your train of thought!! You are one of those people that thinks of mutable things at once and that is a gift!! Rock on!!! Loved the video!!