American Pie (Don McLean album) the feel of a "band that was really cooking," so he rented a rehearsal studio and they rehearsed the title song for two weeks before they recorded it. Because McLean rarely phrased his singing the same way twice there were as many as 24 takes for some of the voice parts, but the rhythm tracks are mostly one take. The title track contains references to the death of Buddy Holly (McLean being a 13-year-old paper-boy at the time). The phrase "The Day the Music Died" was used by McLean on this song, and has now become an unofficial name for
American Pie (Don McLean album) what was becoming a fragmented music scene. The album was reissued in 1980 without the song "Sister Fatima", and again on June 27, 2003 with the track restored, along with the addition of two bonus tracks. Also the first Spanish issue delivered by Hispavox was released without "Sister Fatima". In February 2003 George Michael recorded a cover of "The Grave" as a protest against the imminent Iraq War. All songs written by Don McLean except where noted. American Pie (Don McLean album) American Pie is the second studio album by the American singer-songwriter Don McLean, released by United Artists Records