On 16 December 1971 Don McLean’s 8:32 version of American Pie was released. According to McLean the song was originally inspired by the death of “Buddy Holly,” who died in a plane crash together with “Ritchie Valens” and “The Big Bopper” on the 3rd of February 1959. That day became known as “the day the music died.”
American Pie was one of the longest songs to ever hit the charts. It became a favorite among disc jockeys because there were few songs long enough at that time for certain toilet breaks. American Pie went on to top the charts in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.