Music · 1
Which singer-songwriter wrote and performed 'American Pie', the 1971 hit about 'the day the music died'?
Answer
Don McLean
Don McLean wrote 'American Pie' as a tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, who died in a 1959 plane crash. The song's cryptic lyrics have inspired decades of interpretation.
💡 Did you know?
Don McLean's original manuscript for 'American Pie' sold at auction in 2015 for $1.2 million.
Other options people guess
- James Taylor
- Harry Chapin
- Jim Croce
Topics
- replacement-bank
- legacy-cleanup
Know your music trivia?
Play a free Music quiz and see how many you get right — no signup needed to start.
More Music facts
Music
Which Motown group recorded 'My Girl' in 1964, featuring David Ruffin on lead vocals?
The Temptations' 'My Girl' features a distinctive bass line played by James Jamerson, considered one of Motown's greatest musicians.
Music
Which folk singer wrote and originally recorded 'Mr. Tambourine Man' before The Byrds made it a hit in 1965?
Bob Dylan's original version of 'Mr. Tambourine Man' runs over 5 minutes, while The Byrds cut it down to just over 2 minutes.
Music
Which instrument did Jimi Hendrix famously play left-handed, often using right-handed models strung upside down?
Jimi Hendrix could actually play guitar right-handed too, and would sometimes flip his guitar to play that way as a party trick.
Music
Which standard keyboard instrument typically has 88 keys, 52 white and 36 black?
Bösendorfer makes a special 'Imperial' piano with 97 keys, adding extra bass notes that are typically hidden under a flip-down cover.
Music
What was MTV's original purpose when it launched in 1981?
MTV's launch marked a revolution in music promotion, introducing the music video era and fundamentally transforming how audiences discovered music.
Music
Which British new wave band featured the distinctive voice of Robert Smith?
Robert Smith's iconic teased black hair and red lips became a signature look of the 1980s alternative scene.