Don McLean’s chart-topping American Pie is now remastered. CR: Don McLean

By a Front Row Features Staff Reporter

Don McLean’s 1971 song “American Pie” has become part of American culture. Now, after four and a half decades, music connoisseurs can hear his classic songs and indelible lyrics on their original vinyl format.

“American Pie” has been newly remastered from analog tape by Robert Vosgien and the lacquers cut by Ron McMaster, both at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The remastered vinyl edition is available at Amazon.com.

Recorded at the renowned The Record Plant in the late spring of 1971, “American Pie” was released by United Artists in October of that year. It contained not only the iconic chart-topping title cut, but also the hit single “Vincent,” a tribute to artist Vincent van Gogh. The second single from the album, it climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the charts in the United Kingdom. The disc was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

“American Pie” was McLean’s second disc, following his 1970 debut “Tapestry.” The title cut from the album was a poetic look back to February 3, 1959—the date of the tragic plane crash that took the life of Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), and Ritchie Valens. McLean’s haunting lyrics helped to cement that occasion to be known as “The Day The Music Died.”

A New York native, McLean went on to become one of the most-revered and respected singer-songwriters of his generation. Future hits following “American Pie” included “Dreidel,” “Castles In The Air” and “Wonderful Baby.” He also paid tribute to Roy Orbison’s influence with a 1980 hit recording of “Crying.”

McLean will embark on the ‘American Troubadour Tour’ beginning Aug. 13 in Nashville.

“I will continue to tour the United States and the world as I have always done and look forward to meeting the fans and showcasing the great band I work with!” said McLean in a statement.

The ‘American Troubadour Tour’ will include performances of fan favorites like “American Pie,” “Victor,” “Dreidel” and more along with new material from his forthcoming projects “Botanical Gardens” and “Still Playin’ Favorites.”

Nashville’s City Winery will host the “American Pie” hitmaker on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.  For more information on tour dates or tickets, go to Don-McLean.com.