50 years later | Singer Don McLean talks history of song 'American Pie'

Don McLean wrote the song "American Pie." He talked with 11Alive about the history of the legendary hit.

[Crimsontraum]

What a talent. His creations have touched millions of hearts.

[williamandrews]

The Lion Sleeps Tonight was based on an African folk song. The Lion was the Zulu King.

[DH-vebl]

I believe that popular music broadcasted on the airwaves can have a direct or a subconscious effect on people, whether you hear it in the supermarket or at work or coming from a car or whatever. I find a lot of current music to be heartless, brutal and unkind. Artists sing about revenge and not love. And when a current song is played that is supposed to be about love, when you hear the lyrics, most of the time it’s about lust. Don McClean is genuine. So is Paul McCartney. I pray that God looks out for all of the good people still left in this world. I sometimes feel that we are all on the Titanic.