Don McLean

AND HE LOVES YOU SO

“Makaya McCraven… pure music to scramble eggs to.” BARRY ADAMSON

What music are you currently grooving to?

My own, because I’m making a new album called American Boys. Most of the music around I look down on. I know it’s all made with computers, it’s Auto-Tuned, the guy isn’t singing, and it’s a piece of shit song!

What, if push comes to shove, is your favourite album?

Elvis Presley’s Golden Records, the first compilation they put out. I also love Sinatra-Basie. It has a dark, sinister sound, like they’re in a nightclub. When I wrote And I Love You So I wanted 40 strings because of the Sinatra records I had.

What was the first record you ever bought? And where did you buy it? Probably a Buddy Holly album,

The “Chirping” Crickets or the album Buddy Holly. I bought it at the House Of Music in New Rochelle. The diversity of his music made an impression on me.

Which musician, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be? Buddy Holly, but I would drive a lot and not fly! I never wanted to be in a group because you can’t determine the person’s talent. Lennon &

were unbeatable, but as solo artists I wasn’t that thrilled.

McCartney

What do you sing in the shower? The other day I burst out with an antique old folk song, The Isle Of St Helena, which is about Napoleon Bonaparte being isolated there. Or Come Fly With Me. I cover a lot of ground.

What is your favourite Saturday night record?

In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry. If you get sand in your shoes, listen to that one! I play a lot of Beach Boys. They invented this whole surf and car culture. It’s incredible what they did.

And your Sunday morning record? Elvis Presley’s gospel album, His Hand In Mine. A typical Sunday for me is like any other day, I don’t go to church, and I don’t like religion.

Don McLean celebrates 50 years of American Pie with a UK Tour in 2022. www.donmclean.com for tickets.