On This Day in 1971, Don McLean Released the Classic Album Inspired by The Beatles and Dedicated to Buddy Holly

Don McLean released *American Pie* on 24 October 1971, drawing on the Beatles’ *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band* as inspiration for a concept album. Dedicated to McLean’s childhood hero Buddy Holly, the album helped turn a folk-scene performer into a mainstream star, and its title song became a lasting hit.

The title track was released as a single the following month and spent four weeks at No. 1 on the US Hot 100 from January 1972; the album reportedly topped the chart for seven weeks. The song begins with McLean’s memories of Holly’s death and reflects on America’s changing mood in the late 1960s and early 1970s, though he has left much of its meaning open to listeners. The single is certified six-times Platinum in the US.