“As a songwriter your songs are like your children, and you are hopeful everyone loves them as much as you do, but rarely is that the case. I am so grateful that songs I have written have touched so many lives and have been recorded by so many great artists,” said McLean. “Today’s presentation has truly blown me away as I never realized the success that my songs have brought to these amazing people.”

Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released 11 albums containing 173 tracks as well as a new album “Still Playin’ Favorites”. 2021 saw Don’s “American Pie” featured in the Avengers’ Black Widow and the new Tom Hanks movie Finch. Don received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free, resulting in the video which was #1 for 8 weeks on the country music video charts, a children’s book has been written, and much more!

McLean continues to license his music and lyrics to commercials, movies, and fellow artists. McLean’s body of work is published through Benny Bird Company, Inc and administered through Universal Music Publishing. Don McLean owns five trademarks. They are: Don McLean, American Pie, The Day The Music Died, Bye-Bye, Miss American Pie, and Starry Starry Night.