Don McLean, also known as ‘The Don,’ is best known for his megahit songs ‘American Pie’ and ‘I Love You So.’ He is no longer active in this genre and has reportedly retired from it, despite reaching the pinnacle of success with his chart-topping songs that touched everyone’s heart. In 2004, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and his hit song “American Pie” has received over five million plays.
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | Don McLean |
| Real Name/Full Name: | Donald McLean III |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 78 years old |
| Birth Date: | 2 October 1945 |
| Birth Place: | New Rochelle, New York, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.78 m |
| Weight: | 72 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Divorced |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Carol Sauvion (m. 1969; div. 1972), Patrisha Shnier (m. 1987; div. 2016) |
| Children/Kids (Son and Daughter): | Yes (Jackie McLean, Wyatt McLean) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): | N/A |
| Is Don McLean Gay?: | No |
| Profession: | Singer, Song-Writer |
| Salary: | $300,000 per year |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $60 million |
Don McLean Biography
Don McLean was born in a middle-class family on October 2, 1986, in New Rochelle, New York. His family has Scottish ancestors, but his entire family had lived in America since before he was born. He had asthma as a child, which hurt his health and, consequently, his studies. He was always interested in music since he was a child. His family also supported him in this endeavor.
Don’s father died when he was only 15 years old, making him even more determined to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing Don become a musician. He graduated from Lona Preparatory School and was later admitted to Villanova University. Due to his hectic schedule, he was unable to finish college.
Don McLean Age, Height, Weight
Don McLean was born on October 2, 1945, and is 78 years old as of 2024. His height is 1.78 m, and he weighs 72 kg.
Career
Don’s professional career began in 1969 when he released his first single, ‘tapestry.’ The song was released during a student riot and quickly gained popularity. 72 labels in a row rejected him, but he never gave up hope. He worked on it for another two years and improved the sound.
The album received favorable reviews from critics. His big break came when United Artists Records signed him to Mediarts while promoting his second album, ‘American Pie.’ The album included the year’s number one song, ‘Vincent,’ which broke all records.
‘American Pie’ was the pinnacle of his career, bringing him enormous fame and popularity. This album even won several awards at various ceremonies. He also gave numerous live performances worldwide, increasing his popularity. Throughout his career, he released over 20 albums.
Don McLean Achievements and Awards
Don McLean is one of the industry’s most outstanding performers, having attained every level of success. His album ‘American Pie’ was a significant success in the industry, and the title song, ‘Vincent,’ reached number one that year. He was inducted into the ‘Grammy Hall of Fame’ in 2002 and the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame two years later. He received the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement from the UCLA Student Alumni Association in 2019.
Don McLean’s Net Worth
Don McLean’s income is primarily derived from his well-known albums and singles throughout his career. He has also received several awards, which add to his tally. As of February 2024, his total net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. He has also done a number of live performances around the world, which adds to his net worth.
Don ‘The Don’ McLean is regarded as one of his generation’s greatest singers and songwriters. Throughout his career, he has had every major success. When his father died when Don was only 16 years old, his father’s dream was for him to be a successful musician, and Don is proud to have made his father’s words come true. His album ‘The American Pie’ is a global success. He has also worked with numerous successful singers, including Drake, Madonna, Josh Groban, and many others.
Don McLean Wife, Marriage
Don’s love life was not without complications. His first marriage to Carol Sauvion ended in divorce after only seven years. He later married Patrisha McLean in 1987. His second marriage was a complete disaster. He was arrested for domestic violence, and their marriage ended abruptly in December 2016. He was arrested for his crime and spent a few years in prison. Jackie McLean and Wyatt McLean were their two children.
