# Don McLean

> American singer-songwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q57339](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57339)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_McLean)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/don-mclean

## Summary
Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and guitarist known for writing and performing iconic songs such as "American Pie" and "Vincent." Born in 1945, he is a central figure in the folk rock and folk music genres, having been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his enduring contributions to music. His work, often characterized by storytelling and historical references, has established him as a significant cultural voice in the United States.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 2, 1945 (United States)
- **Nationality**: United States (Citizenship: Q30)
- **Education**: Iona University (formerly Iona College)
- **Known for**: Writing and composing the songs "American Pie" and "Vincent"
- **Employer(s)**: United Artists Records
- **Field(s)**: Singer-songwriter, Composer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Folk music, Rock music, Folk rock

## Contributions
Don McLean's primary contributions to the music industry are his compositions and recordings that defined the folk rock genre in the early 1970s.
- **"American Pie"**: Written and composed by McLean, this song was originally recorded by him and released in 1971. It stands as one of his most significant works, blending folk and rock elements to create a cultural phenomenon.
- **"Vincent"**: A song written by McLean as a tribute to the artist Vincent van Gogh, showcasing his ability to merge musical composition with art history.
- **Genre Influence**: His work helped solidify the "folk rock" fusion genre (inception: 1964) and contributed to the broader "folk music" and "rock music" landscapes.
- **Recording Career**: He has been associated with United Artists Records, an American record label founded in 1957, through which his music reached a global audience.
- **Hall of Fame Induction**: His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, an institution established in 1969 to honor songwriters.

## FAQs
**What is Don McLean best known for?**
Don McLean is best known as the writer and composer of the legendary song "American Pie," released in 1971, as well as the Van Gogh tribute "Vincent." These works established him as a master storyteller within the folk rock genre.

**Which record label released Don McLean's music?**
His music was released through United Artists Records, an American record label that was established in 1957 and is headquartered in the United States.

**What musical genres is Don McLean associated with?**
McLean is associated with folk music, rock music, and the fusion genre known as folk rock. His style often incorporates traditional folk elements into contemporary rock arrangements.

**Has Don McLean received any major industry awards?**
Yes, he has been honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the art of songwriting.

**Where did Don McLean receive his education?**
He attended Iona University, located in New Rochelle, New York, which was known as Iona College from its founding in 1940 until 2022.

## Why They Matter
Don McLean matters because his songwriting bridged the gap between traditional folk storytelling and the expansive sounds of rock music, creating a unique sonic landscape that influenced generations of musicians. His work, particularly "American Pie," serves as a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the social and political shifts of the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. Without his contributions, the folk rock genre would lack some of its most enduring anthems, and the intersection of music with historical narrative would be less defined. His induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame cements his legacy as a pivotal figure in American music history, ensuring his influence persists in both academic study and popular culture.

## Notable For
- **Songwriting Mastery**: Author of "American Pie" (1971) and "Vincent," two of the most recognized songs in American music history.
- **Genre Fusion**: A key figure in the folk rock movement, successfully blending folk traditions with rock instrumentation.
- **Hall of Fame Induction**: Recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his exceptional body of work.
- **Cultural Impact**: Created songs that serve as historical narratives and tributes to art and culture.
- **Longevity**: Maintained a career spanning decades, with a work period starting in 1969.
- **Educational Background**: An alumnus of Iona University, a prominent Catholic institution in New York.
- **Label Affiliation**: Recorded with United Artists Records, a major American label.

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Don McLean is an American citizen born on October 2, 1945. He is a human member of the genus *Homo sapiens* and holds citizenship in the United States. His identity is defined by his roles as a singer-songwriter, composer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is often referred to by the aliases Donald McLean III and Donald McLean. His primary occupation falls under the categories of musician, singer, and composer, with a specific focus on writing and composing his own songs.

### Education and Affiliations
McLean was educated at Iona University, located in New Rochelle, New York. The institution, originally founded in 1940 as Iona College by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, changed its name to Iona University in 2022. It is a private not-for-profit educational institution with a Catholic affiliation. McLean's attendance at this university connects him to a broader network of alumni and the institution's history of serving the New York metropolitan area.

### Musical Career and Recordings
McLean's professional work period began in 1969. He is affiliated with United Artists Records, an American record label founded in 1957. His musical output is categorized under several genres, including folk music, rock music, and folk rock. The folk rock genre, which McLean helped popularize, emerged as a fusion of folk and rock music around 1964. His work is characterized by the creation of original songs where he writes both the words and the music.

### Key Works
Two of McLean's most notable works are "American Pie" and "Vincent."
- **"American Pie"**: This song was written and composed by McLean and originally recorded by him. It was released in 1971 and has since become a sitelink-rich topic with 29 Wikipedia connections, indicating its massive cultural footprint.
- **"Vincent"**: This track was written as a tribute to the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. It demonstrates McLean's ability to translate visual art into musical narrative and has 24 Wikipedia sitelinks.

### Recognition and Awards
McLean's contributions to music have been formally recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This organization, established in 1969 in the United States, honors songwriters who have made significant contributions to the field. His induction into this hall of fame underscores his status as a premier songwriter in American history.

### Digital and Media Presence
McLean maintains a digital footprint with a website at http://www.don-mclean.com/. He is associated with various identifiers across different databases, including ISNI, VIAF, and Library of Congress Authority IDs. His Wikipedia entry is titled "Don McLean" and has a sitelink count of 42, reflecting the breadth of information available about him. He is also listed in various music databases with specific identifiers for his discography and biographical data.

### Legacy and Influence
As a singer-songwriter, McLean has influenced the landscape of American music by demonstrating the power of lyrical storytelling within a rock framework. His work continues to be referenced and studied, contributing to the ongoing evolution of folk and rock music. His association with major institutions like the Songwriters Hall of Fame and his enduring hits ensure that his impact remains relevant in contemporary music culture.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/readers-give-critic-pie-face-insufficient-enthusiasm-don-mclean-classic-hit-american-pie-article-1.1014076)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. SNAC
7. Internet Broadway Database
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Don McLean | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL2785910A/Don_McLean)
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. BBC Things
12. ISWC Network
13. Genius API
14. Quora
15. The Movie Database
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
17. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/don-mclean-107ZztKbHM/appearances)