The original manuscript of Don McLean's 1971 epic hit "American Pie" sold for $1.2 million at an auction in New York on Tuesday.
The 18-page handwritten manuscript, composed between 1970-1971 in pencil, ink and typescript, was initially valued by Christie's Auctions at around $1 million to $1.5 million. The bidding started at $500,000 and quickly rose to $1.2 million, with two people vying for the prized composition. The winning bid was awarded to a collector who wanted to stay anonymous.
According to Tom Lecky, head of Christie's books and manuscripts department in New York, the sale of "American Pie" registered the third highest auction price for an American literary manuscript. It is viewed as a fitting tribute to one of the country's premier singer-songwriters.
"It was an indescribable photograph of America that I tried to capture in words and music and then was fortunate enough through the help of others to make a successful recording," McLean said of his composition, in a statement published on Christie's blog.
McLean drew inspiration from memories of his childhood, particularly his life as a paperboy in 1959. He also cited in the song the sudden passing of rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens in a plane crash, which has long been remembered as "the day that music died."
"I thought it would be interesting as I reach age 70 to release this work product on the song 'American Pie' so that anyone who might be interested will learn that this song was not a parlor game," McLean said regarding his decision to put his manuscript on auction.
Song of the Century
When the song was first released in the 1970s, "American Pie" coincided with the tumultuous social and political atmosphere of previous decades. McLean's enigmatic lyrics captured the sentiments of the masses and the song became an unofficial anthem of the era.
In 2001, "American Pie" was among 25 of the most iconic songs of the 20th century selected by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, and Scholastic Inc. The song was chosen from a list of 365 compositions and voted by elected officials, members of the music industry, the media and teachers and students.
"I would say to young songwriters who are starting out to immerse yourself in beautiful music and beautiful lyrics and think about every word you say in a song," the revered musician said.
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