Which music star does the song 'American Pie' refer to?

rwbidin

It actually refers to three! A somewhat real story of his life that refers to the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson (The Big Bopper). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie Nov 26 08, 6:55 PM

zbeckabee

When asked what "American Pie" meant, McLean replied, "It means I never have to work again." Later, he more seriously stated "You will find many 'interpretations' of my lyrics but none of them by me... sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence." McLean has generally avoided responding to direct questions about the song, except to acknowledge that he did first learn about Buddy Holly's death while folding newspapers for his paper route on the morning of February 4th, 1959 (referenced in the song with the line "with every paper I deliver"). Despite this, many fans of McLean, amongst others, have attempted an interpretation; most agree that many lines make reference to The Beatles (John Lennon particularly), The Rolling Stones (also, possibly, Mick Jagger in particular), The Byrds, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pie Nov 26 08, 6:55 PM