DON MCLEAN returns to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre! A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles in the Air and many more. Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird “Al” Yankovic and countless others have recorded his catalog of songs. 

The transition to international stardom began in 1971 with the release of American Pie. American Pie was recorded on May 26, 1971, and a month later received its first radio airplay on New York's WNEW-FM and WPLJ-FM to mark the closing of The Fillmore East, the historic rock & roll concert venue. American Pie was issued as a double A-side single in November 1971 and charted within a month. Because of Don McLean’s FM-underground career which started with Tapestry, the American Pie album was played extensively on FM radio. This caused AM radio to play the full eight-minute song at the #1 position. American Pie then became the longest song ever to become #1. The single American Pie and the album American Pie were an international sensation, causing Don McLean to become an international superstar. Every line of the song was analyzed time and time again to find the real meaning. Don refused to sanction any of the many interpretations. 

Don McLean continues to receive honors for his musical discography. Throughout his career artists including Garth Brooks, Madonna, Drake, Josh Groban, Weird Al Yankovic, and others have recorded songs written by the Songwriter Hall of Fame member. In October 2019, McLean was bestowed with plaques certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for gold, platinum, and multi-platinum sales in the United States, as well as presentations from Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom were bestowed on McLean. 

2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song And I Love You So was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. 

“As a songwriter your songs are like your children, and you are hopeful everyone loves them as much as you do, but rarely is that the case. I am so grateful that songs I have written have touched so many lives and have been recorded by so many great artists,” said McLean. “Today’s presentation has truly blown me away as I never realized the success that my songs have brought to these amazing people.”