Readers' reviews

Readers' comments from the Don McLean forum:

Well, I read the new book ... pretty interesting stuff. A lot about the early years and family background. A lot about the first record deal, Herb, producers and industry of course. On a scale of one to ten, it's a solid 8. Alan did a good job stuffing that big story into 400 pages.

I would have loved to see a lot more pictures, more info about what kind of guitars were used for different songs, etc. I liked reading about Don's thought process about the banjo and why he quite playing it. I was also surprised about the long period of depression described, actually referred to as a "nervous breakdown."

Was also surprised about Ed Freeman not being impressed with Don's guitar playing or finger picking style and how Don pretty much demanded that he be the player on his records.

It snowed this weekend we're I live, so I'm making a big pot of organic coffee and I plan on re-reading it in front of my fireplace. It certainly made me respect the man even more.

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Hi.I finished it as well the other night.

Overall I thought it was very well done.

I find it interesting that while there are many different episodes recounted, they mostly seem to underscore what Don's wife had to say about him (and what I always suspected of him).

He enjoys nice things but doesn't need or expect them. When he's workin he's workin and when he's not he's not.

Thanks Alan for a terrific job. Very enjoyable.

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The book is currently available from http://www.americanpie.com/cart

The day the music died

Today is the 48th anniversary of the death of Buddy Holly.

Buddy Holly, 22, Jiles P Richardson - known as the Big Bopper - 28, and Ritchie Valens, 17, died in a crash shortly after take-off from Clear Lake, Iowa at 0100 local time.

In 1990, it looked like Don's daughter would be born on this day but, avoiding an amazing coincidence, she actually arrived on Feb 4th and will be 17 tomorrow. (ref: pge 282)

Upcoming shows

Don McLean will be signing copies of his biography at his upcoming shows in the US:

Sat 02/03/07 Rutland, VT Paramount Theatre
Fri 02/16/07 Flandreau, SD Royal River Casino
Sat 03/17/07 Austin, TX Riverbend Centre
Fri 03/30/07 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater 1894
Sat 03/31/07 Springfield, MA Symphony Hall
Sun 04/01/07 Sugar Loaf, NY Lycian Center
Sat 04/14/07 Mobile, AL Saenger Theatre

Full listing: http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Artist&Content=Don+McLean

Preview

Previews from The Don McLean Story: Killing Us Softly With His Songs:

http://www.don-mclean.com/direct/listen.asp?id=6

Buy the book direct from Starry Night Music Inc:

http://www.americanpie.com/cart