Who Is Don McLean? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, Don McLean is 79 years old. He was born in New Rochelle, New York, and has had a storied career since the early 1970s when he burst onto the music scene with his iconic ballad "American Pie." His passion for storytelling through music has earned him numerous accolades and a lasting legacy in folk rock. More information about his life and career can be found on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Folk Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1945 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | New Rochelle, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Don McLean's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Don McLean stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight is currently around 160 pounds (73 kg). McLean's body measurements are not widely publicized; however, as a performer, he has always prioritized his stage presence, combining a classic look with unmistakable charm.
McLean's song "And I Love You So" has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell, and others. In 2000, Madonna had a hit with a rendition of "American Pie". In 2004, McLean was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In January 2018, BMI certified that "American Pie" had reached five million airplays and "Vincent" three million. Though most of McLean’s music is in the folk rock genre, he has experimented with Easy Listening, Country, and other genres as well.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding his personal life, Don McLean has been married three times. His most notable marriage was to his first wife, Carol, from 1966 to 1971, followed by an almost 30-year marriage to Patrisha McLean, which ended in 2016. As for 2025, Don is reportedly single and focusing on his career. While he has kept details about his dating life private, fans continue to root for him to find companionship.
McLean's grandfather and father, both also named Donald McLean, were of Scottish origin. McLean's mother, Elizabeth Bucci, was of Italian origin: Her parents originated from Abruzzo in central Italy. He has other extended family in Los Angeles and Boston. McLean grew up in New Rochelle, New York, where he delivered newspapers as a boy.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Don McLean's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. He has accumulated considerable wealth through album sales, concert tours, and royalties from his hit songs. Notable tracks such as "American Pie," "Vincent," and "Castles in the Air" continue to generate income from various media outlets and performances.
McLean is an ambassador for Teen Cancer America and performed at the Teen Cancer America and UCLA Health fundraising Backyard Concert in 2018. During the show, McLean sang a duet of his song "Vincent" with Ed Sheeran. The Don McLean Foundation is a charity set up by McLean to be funded by all his income in perpetuity.
Its headquarters is based at Lakeview, the Don McLean Maine residence, and it will serve as a center for fundraisers and conferences as well as a nature preserve. Organizations that support the needy in the State of Maine and throughout the United States will be beneficiaries.
Career, Business, and Investments
McLean's career has spanned over five decades, during which he has released multiple albums and earned numerous awards, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. His business ventures include merchandise related to his music and endorsements that reflect his status in the industry. In recent years, he has also participated in various charity events, highlighting his dedication to giving back to the community.
McLean attended night school at Iona College and received a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1968. He turned down a scholarship to Columbia University Graduate School in favor of pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter, performing at such venues as Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs, New York and The Main Point in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Social Network
Don McLean maintains a presence on various social media platforms, where he connects with his fans. His official Instagram account and Twitter handle showcase updates about his music, personal thoughts, and messages of gratitude to his supporters. Following him online provides fans with insights into his artistic endeavors and everyday life.
Though some of his early musical influences included Frank Sinatra and Buddy Holly, as a teenager, McLean became interested in folk music, particularly the Weavers' 1955 recording The Weavers at Carnegie Hall.
He often missed long periods of school because of childhood asthma, and although McLean slipped in his studies, his love of music was allowed to flourish. By age 16, he had bought his first guitar and began making contacts in the music business, becoming friends with the folk singers Erik Darling and Fred Hellerman of the Weavers.
Hellerman said, "He called me one day and said, 'I'd like to come and visit you', and that's what he did! We became good friends — he has the most remarkable music memory of anyone I've ever known."
Education
Don McLean attended Iona College and the University of Hartford, where he honed his musical talent and developed his passion for songwriting. His education has played a crucial role in molding him into the artist he is today, contributing to his ability to craft poignant lyrics that capture the complexities of life and love.
McLean recorded Tapestry in 1969 in Berkeley, California, during the student riots. After being rejected 72 times by labels, the album was released by Mediarts, a label that had not existed when he first started to look for one. He worked on the album for a couple of years before putting it out.
It attracted good reviews but little notice outside the folk community, though on the Easy Listening chart "Castles in the Air" was a success, and in 1973 "And I Love You So" became a number 1 Adult Contemporary hit for Perry Como.
