Doc takes fans behind-the-scenes of McLean’s life
A documentary that takes fans inside the life of Don McLean is airing on Memorial Day on RFD-TV. Don McLean: American Troubadour was produced and directed by 4x Emmy Award-winning Jim Brown.
McLean granted unprecedented access and interviews for the film, revealing his personal account of a career spanning over four decades and performing songs that have become integral parts of American pop culture. The doc also features live performances including “American Pie,” “Vincent,” “Crying” and “And I Love You So” along with extensive commentary by historian and Rolling Stone journalist Douglas Brinkley, interviews with other artists such as Brian Wilson and REM’s Mike Mills, and so much more!
“I let Jim Brown into my life because I respect him and trust him,” explains McLean. “We’ve known each other for forty years and he allowed my ideas to be fully realized while telling my story accurately and poetically.”
The special airs on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st, at 8 pm ET with a repeat at midnight ET on RFD-TV. Check local listings.
McLean made headlines earlier this week as the first headliner to drop out of the National Rifle Association’s “Grand Ole Night of Freedom” concert set for Saturday night in Houston. McLean was one of seven performers scheduled to play at the NRA’s annual convention, but backed out in light of the mass shooting that killed at least 19 children and two adults in Uvalde, TX on May 24th. Lee Greenwood, Danielle Peck, T. Graham Brown, Larry Gatlin and Larry Stewart were also scheduled, but have canceled as well, leaving independent country singer Jacob Bryant as the sole performer before the NRA quietly canceled the show Thursday night.
McLean continues his international 50th Anniversary American Pie World Tour which visits multiple destinations in North America, UK/Europe, and Australia. Shows continue June 2nd in Albany, NY with the North American leg wrapping July 9th in Phoenix. McLean will then take it overseas to Europe through the end of the year.
“American Pie” has inspired a new children’s book about a young boy’s journey to uncover his passion for music. American Pie: A Fable will be released on June 7th.
The folk star recently released a video for “Vincent” in collaboration with Immersive Van Gogh and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). The video was recorded at Immersive Van Gogh Los Angeles and was released in commemoration of Van Gogh’s birthday and World Bipolar Day on March 30th.
