Singer-songwriter Don McLean believes that true musical expression stems from deep personal struggles. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, he explains why artists need to experience pain to connect with their audience on a profound level.
Throughout his storied career, Grammy-winning artist Don McLean has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of pain in the art of songwriting. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the legendary singer-songwriter shared his belief that true musical expression is born from the depths of personal struggle.
"There's a lot of pain, you know, if you want to be a songwriter," McLean confided. "If you're not hurting, you're no good as a songwriter. You know, if you have everything work out perfect for you, you've got nothing to say."
McLean's philosophy stems from his own experiences grappling with adversity. The loss of his father at a young age became a catalyst for his lifelong pursuit of "magic" in music.
"From that point on, I wanted magic," he said. "And I found magic in the guitar and the banjo and rock and roll, in folk music and records. I found magic, and I pursued magic."
However, the pursuit of magic often led McLean down paths paved with heartbreak and disappointment. These experiences became the wellspring of his most poignant songs, including "American Pie," "Vincent," and "Castles in the Air."
"Drake's song, 'Doing it Wrong,' wouldn't have happened without him," McLean explained. "You know, in fact, 'When a Good Thing Goes Bad' and 'The Wrong Thing to Do' are two songs I wrote on the 'Prime Time' album that Drake used for the biggest hit he ever had."
The ability to tap into pain allows songwriters to create music that resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar trials. McLean believes that people struggling to cope with life's challenges find solace in music that acknowledges their pain.
"People who are struggling want to find some harmony with your music so that they can feel that you understand them a little, and I do," McLean said. "I've been there."
Despite the emotional toll that pain can take, McLean recognizes its power as a source of inspiration. His latest album, "American Boys," features songs inspired by his struggles and the stories he has encountered throughout his life.
"One of the songs on his new album, 'Mexicali Girl,' was inspired by his longtime girlfriend, Paris Dylan," the article continues. "She is better to me, I think, than anybody I've ever known," McLean said of Dylan. "She's a very pure-hearted person. And, my God, she travels everywhere with me."
Beyond his music, McLean is also dedicated to using his platform to help others who are struggling. Through his Don McLean Foundation, he provides financial support to homeless shelters and soup kitchens across the country.
"We're going to send money every year to people, individuals who care, who are running homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and they're all over the country," McLean said. "Recently, I sent money to a place in Long Island, to take care of some of the migrant workers that work there who had been sort of put out in the cold, and they have to sleep in the woods."
McLean's commitment to using his music as a force for good is a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and make a positive impact on the world.
