Don McLean was a paperboy when he first learned of the tragic plane crash. His favorite Rock and Roll singers were dead and the news made headlines on every newspaper he delivered. Sadness prevailed, and to McLean, all music was dead.
On this day, February 3rd, in 1959, Rock and Roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson die in a plane crash. Don McLean titles today “The Day Music Died,” in his song American Pie, as a commemoration. Although McLean had no relationship with the singers, he was inspired by the deaths to write a song about American politics and the evolution of pop music. The song was based on McLean’s personal memories and fantasies, basically a collaboration of his dreams that are not in chronological order. He also includes a personal tragedy, which is the death of Buddy Holly.
American Pie became a huge success, making McLean famous very fast. Although he says the song is about Buddy Holly and America, he will not give meaning to the lyrics and leaves interpretation open for listeners.