The new authorized documentary, Don McLean: American Troubadour, is set for release on September 11, 2012, along with a new retrospective compilation album. Webster sent over these details: McLean granted unprecedented access and interviews for the film, revealing his personal account of a career spanning over four decades and performing songs that have become integral parts of American pop culture.
Don McLean: American Troubadour also features over 15 live performances including "American Pie," "Vincent," "Crying" and "And I Love You So" along with extensive commentary by historian and Rolling Stone journalist Douglas Brinkley, interviews with other artists such as Brian Wilson and REM's Mike Mills, footage of McLean on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and performances of his songs by Elvis Presley and Fred Astaire (who inspired "Wonderful Baby"). On the same date, a double CD of McLean's biggest hits will also be released. Also titled Don McLean: American Troubadour, the CD set will include live performances as well as a special duet of "And I Love You So" With Nanci Griffith.
Don McLean: American Troubadour is produced and directed by four-time Emmy award-winning Jim Brown whose work includes: Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, The Weavers: Wasn't That A Time, and A Vision Shared: Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. "I let Jim Brown into my life because I respect him and trust him," explains McLean. "We've known each other for forty years and he allowed my ideas to be fully realized while telling my story accurately and poetically."
"Don Mclean is a true artist and rugged individualist," says Brown. "He has deep American values that have defined an amazing and admirable life. I think some of his best work is yet to be discovered, and that people will be listening to, singing, and recording his songs for decades to come."
McLean will make a number of television and radio appearances throughout the fall to promote the film and double CD set before embarking on a European tour.
