The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" (2022)

5.5/10 94 min Documentary Music

Overview

With a narrative running deeper than a catchy tune and cryptic verses, “American Pie” is a musical phenomenon woven deep into the history of American culture, entertaining audiences around the world for over 50 years. This documentary tells the stories of the people who were a part of this moment from the beginning, shows the point of view of a new generation of artists who are motivated by the same values and ideas that inspired the song’s creation, and highlights cultural moments in America’s history that are as relevant now as they were in 1971, when the song was released.

Cast

Don McLean

Self

Garth Brooks

Self

Peter Gallagher

Self

'Weird Al' Yankovic

Self

Harvey Mason Jr.

Self

Jade Bird

Self

Jencarlos Canela

Self

Brian Wilson

Self (archive footage)

Buddy Holly

Self (archive footage)

Ritchie Valens

Self (archive footage)

Austin Brown

Self

Rob Lundquist

Self

Adam Rupp

Self

Tim Foust

Self

Recommendations

The Devil and Daniel Johnston
The Greatest Night in Pop
Thriller 40
Elvis on Tour
The Last Waltz
The Last Repair Shop
Crossfire Hurricane
The Sound of 007
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne
Foo Fighters: Back and Forth
Miss Americana
The Who: The Kids Are Alright
Beware of Mr. Baker
Gimme Danger
20 Feet from Stardom
Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams
Music by John Williams
David Byrne's American Utopia
Neil Young: Heart of Gold
Gimme Shelter