| McLean Performed “This Is America (Eisenhower),” “And I Love You So,” and an Extended “American Pie” During Opry 100 Celebration |
| NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean was honored at the Grand Ole Opry following his second appearance on the world-famous stage, where he performed as part of the Opry’s historic 100th anniversary celebration and in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America. Following his performance, McLean was presented with multiple commemorative awards recognizing the extraordinary and continuing impact of his catalog, including “American Pie” earning 6x Platinum single status and the American Pie album earning 2x Platinum album status. The presentation also highlighted additional RIAA Gold and Platinum honors tied to McLean’s remarkable songwriting legacy, including “Vincent,” which is also featured on Josh Groban’s 5x Platinum self-titled album, and Perry Como’s Gold-certified album And I Love You So, which featured Como’s beloved recording of McLean’s timeless composition. RIAA SVP of Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones joined celebration of McLean from his own landmark recordings to the remarkable reach of his songs through artists across generations. “Standing on the Opry stage is always meaningful, but to have this night surrounded by these songs and these awards made it especially moving,” said McLean. “When I wrote ‘American Pie,’ ‘Vincent,’ and ‘And I Love You So,’ I wasn’t thinking about plaques or numbers. I was thinking about truth, beauty, loss, love, and the country I knew. To see these songs still living in people’s hearts after all these years is the greatest honor.” McLean’s Opry performance included “This Is America (Eisenhower),” “And I Love You So,” and an extended version of “American Pie,” bringing the audience to its feet during a night steeped in American music history. “‘American Pie’s’ continued success is a testament to Don McLean’s voice as a songwriter and storyteller. Few recordings in popular music have carried this kind of cultural weight for more than five decades, and it is an honor for UMe is honored to continue preserving his legacy and introducing him to new generations,” says UMe. In addition to the towering success of “American Pie,” the presentation also acknowledged the influence of McLean’s songs through other legendary voices. Josh Groban’s recording of “Vincent” introduced the song to a new legion of listeners. “I’m not a folk singer, I’m not a rock singer, I’m not a pop singer. I’m an American singer who sings the American songbook,” shares McLean. “Hearing ‘And I Love You So’ by Como teaches me how a great pop singer handles my song. I always learn things. Hearing Groban do ‘Vincent’ is the same. An emerging great pop singer doing my song and teaching me something about the song at the same time.” “These awards represent more than sales milestones. They are a symbol of how songs show up and become a part of people’s lives,” said Jackie Jones, RIAA. “From ‘American Pie,’ and ‘Vincent’ to ‘And I Love You So,’ Don McLean’s catalog continues to connect generations and achieve lasting cultural resonance that defines the very best of American music.” The award presentation, photographed backstage at the Opry, captured McLean with Jackie Jones surrounded by plaques commemorating RIAA certifications, including:“American Pie” — 6x Platinum Single‘American Pie’ — 2x Platinum Album“Vincent” — Platinum Single‘Josh Groban’ — 5x Platinum Album featuring “Vincent” cover‘Perry Como’ — Gold Album“And I Love You So” title track penned & initially recorded by Don McLean For McLean, the evening served as a powerful reminder that his work continues to live well beyond the era in which it was first written. “The beautiful thing about a song is that once it leaves you, it goes out into the world and finds its own life,” McLean said. “These songs have traveled farther than I ever could have imagined. They’ve been sung by great artists, played in homes, cars, churches, concert halls, and now on the Grand Ole Opry stage. That is the miracle of music.” # # # About Don McLean: Don McLean is one of America’s most revered singer-songwriters, best known for his iconic anthem “American Pie,” which remains one of the most celebrated and analyzed songs in popular music history. His catalog includes enduring classics such as “Vincent” (Starry, Starry Night), “And I Love You So,” “Castles in the Air,” and many more. McLean’s songs have been recorded by artists across genres and generations, and his influence continues to resonate throughout American music and culture. For more information, visit donmclean.com. |
Music Matters Magazine 