Don McLean Receives Walk Of Fame Star, Celebrates 'American Pie'

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Singer Don McLean was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday, aptly timed with the 50th anniversary of his song "American Pie."

The star was installed in front of the Pie Hole, who celebrated the lauded singer by renaming its "Mom's Apple Crumble" to "American Pie" for the day. Joining McLean at the ceremony was "Weird Al" Yankovic, who released a "Star Wars" themed parody of "American Pie" called "The Saga Begins."

"Thankfully, Don McLean has a fantastic sense of humor and he very graciously gave his blessing on my parody," Yankovic said.

MacLean thanked a long list of people during his acceptance speech, including record producers, executives and managers who have helped him ascend to the heights in his career.

"I sang pretty much from the day I was born," he said during the ceremony. "I've had some wonderful experiences, but this one is very important to me, because of all the names that are listed here."

“Don McLean is part of our American music history and we are thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his iconic song 'American Pie.' How appropriate that his star will be placed in front of The Pie Hole Shop in honor of his storied career!” Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, added.

Born in New York, McLean authored major hits such as "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)," Castles in the Air," and "American Pie," which a manuscript of his handwritten lyrics sold at an auction for over $1.2 million. Also, his song "And I Love You So" was the theme song for the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.

As a teenager he purchased his first guitar (a Harmony F Hole with a sunburst finish) and took opera lessons paid for by his sister. Those lessons combined with many hours in the swimming pool, helped McLean develop breath control, which would later allow him to sing long, continuous phrases in songs such as "Crying" without taking a breath.

The exercise also meant his asthma, which forced him to miss long periods of school as a child, improved.

After attending Villanova University for four months in 1963, McLean began a six-year run of performing in clubs in New York City, Washington and Philadelphia, along with two in the Los Angeles area -- the Troubadour and the Ash Grove.

"American Pie" appeared in the Avengers Black Widow movie, and will appear in Tom Hanks' newest sci-fi movie "BIOS."

City News Service contributed to this report.