Don McLean is bringing his “American Pie” 50th Anniversary Tour to Brattleboro’s Latchis Theater. McLean rocketed to stardom when he released his now-iconic ballad commemorating the deaths of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens in a 1959 plane crash. The song, which is eight-and-a-half-minutes long, was released in 1971, and continues to echo today. It went to the #1 position on the Billboard charts and was voted “Song of the 20th Century.”
McLean and his outfit will perform some of their biggest hits including “Cryin’,” and “Castles in the Air,” as well as newer material. When an event of this type is scheduled, organizers can use brochure printing to create programs for the evening.
McLean is a native of New Rochelle, New York, and cites Buddy Holly, as well as Frank Sinatra, as early influences. When he became a teenager, he began to enjoy folk music. He began work on his album “Tapestry” in 1969, and released it in 1970. It appeared on the Mediarts label and was a modest success. McLean’s big break came when United Artist Records took over Mediarts and promoted his next album, “American Pie,” which led to his major breakthrough.
A review says:
“[McLean] gave a masters class on storyteller musical performance.”
The concert is scheduled for April 23 at 7:30 pm. The Latchis Hotel and Theater is on Main Street.