IF you haven’t already heard, there’s still time to catch one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters in action, when he comes to Southend this weekend.

Don McLean, the man who brought the world classic hits such as “American Pie”, “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)”, “Castles in the Air”, “And I Love You So” and “Crying”, will be performing at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday evening.

Since first hitting the charts in 1971, Don, aged 72, has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records world-wide and, in 2004, was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. 

His songs have been recorded by artists from every musical genre, most notably Madonna’s No. 1 recording of “American Pie” in 2000 and George Michael’s version of “The Grave” in 2003, sung in protest at the Iraq War.

But the star’s magnum opus has to be American Pie, his ballad inspired by the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson in a plane crash in 1959. The song was released in 1971, shot to the top of the US charts for four weeks and still remains one of the most played tracks on radio today.

In 2017, Don’s original recording of American Pie was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.
The Cliffs performance will feature support from Texan-born musical star Jarrod Dickenson

Tickets for the performance range from £29-£51.50. To book call the box office on 01702 351135.