Acclaimed documentary celebrates 50 years of iconic hit
In eight and a half minutes, singer-songwriter Don McLean defined an entire generation’s fears, disillusionment, grief, and even hope with the epic tapestry of the song “American Pie.”
On June 23rd, during the song’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, noted film and music producer Spencer Proffer’s The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie,’ offering stunning insight and remarkable context for the enduringly popular song, will be available to own on Blu-ray and DVD, through Bob Frank Distribution/The Orchard, following its acclaimed premiere last year on Paramount+. Then, on June 27th, the film will also be available to buy and rent on digital platforms from Paramount Home Entertainment.
The DVD and Blu-ray disc release will be accompanied by exclusive bonus materials that include covers of “American Pie” by Latin Grammy-winning Maffio with JenCarlos; NME Award-winning performer Jade Bird; and by crossover country a capella group Home Free in a duet with McLean.
Unique among music documentaries, the film goes far deeper than exploring an artist’s career, but takes an in-depth, cinematic look at the inspiration, creation, and influence of “American Pie,” and the way McLean’s song has become a touchstone that continues to inspire artists and music lovers today.
Beginning with the February 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson – an event that becomes an integral part of McLean’s song – The Day The Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ highlights cultural moments in America’s history and tells the stories of the people who were a part of this tumultuous time. The film reveals the secrets and meanings behind McLean’s astonishing lyrics, and their influence in the past, today, and into the future.
The film is produced by Spencer Proffer, whose career as a music producer has spanned decades and included some of the most iconic acts in rock history. Proffer and his production company Meteor 17 bring dazzling audiovisual storytelling techniques to the film, reimagining the music for a modern audience. The film, which debuted in cinemas and on Paramount+ in 2022, is executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming and Events, Paramount, and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+.
