The Journey of “Vincent”: Don McLean’s Struggle and Triumph in Music
As the follow-up single to his iconic album American Pie, Don McLean’s 1972 track “Vincent” soared to the U.S. charts, propelled by the immense success of its title song. Instantly recognizable for its poignant opening line, “Starry, starry night,” which pays homage to Vincent Van Gogh’s renowned painting The Starry Night, “Vincent” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the artist’s life and legacy.
Interestingly, neither “Vincent” nor its companion hit was conceived when mclean first entered the studio to record the album.
“I had everything,” he shared wiht Guitar Player, “except for ‘Vincent’ and ‘American Pie.’”
Inspiration from a Brother’s Memoir
The genesis of “Vincent” stemmed from a book authored by Van Gogh’s brother, Theo. McLean explains, “Theo aimed to clarify that Vincent’s tragic end was not due to a romantic entanglement but rather stemmed from mental health struggles.”
This revelation sparked McLean’s creativity, leading him to contemplate how to encapsulate Van Gogh’s essence in song. “I spent considerable time pondering how to approach it, but every idea felt trivial and insubstantial. So, I turned to the Starry Night painting for guidance on how to craft the song,” he recalls.
“As I gazed at the artwork, the lyrics and melody flowed into my mind.It felt as though the painting was composing the song itself. That’s my songwriting process; I typically develop the melody and lyrics together. once I get a spark of inspiration, I can chart my course from there.”
A Masterful Performance
Despite its simplicity, the fingerpicked guitar arrangement of “Vincent” stands out as a remarkable musical piece. McLean elaborates, “I’ve always immersed myself in various acoustic styles, from Doc Watson to the great flamenco musicians. All of that influences my playing.The tone produced by your guitar is paramount.”
Contrary to the belief that McLean records songs in a single take, “Vincent” was the result of extensive studio sessions with his Martin 00-21 acoustic guitar, complemented by accordion, marimba, and strings.
“Essentially, ‘Vincent’ is a live recording of me and my guitar,” McLean states. “Though, we went through about 30 takes before we felt we had captured the definitive version.This process ensures that the guitar intertwines seamlessly with my vocals, creating a unified sound.”
“There are nuances in the performance regarding tempo, even as it maintains a steady rhythm. I enjoy singing around the beat-sometimes ahead, sometimes behind, or right on it-which adds to the emotional depth of the piece.”
Chart Success and Its Aftermath
Released in February 1972, just four months after “American Pie,” “Vincent” climbed to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the U.K. Singles chart. over five decades later,its enduring success has been a double-edged sword for McLean,who never anticipated the song’s lasting impact.
on one hand, he reflects, “At that time, nothing had endured like that. The Beatles were still fresh in my memory back in 1971.”
Conversely, McLean laments, “My career seems to revolve around just two songs. Few have taken the time to explore my vocal abilities, the breadth of my work, or my guitar skills. It’s always about those two tracks.”
A Multifaceted Artist
McLean’s discography includes other notable singles such as “Castles in the Air” (a number 40 hit in 1971), “Dreidel” (a number 21 hit in 1972), and a cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” which reached number five in 1980, alongside numerous other recordings. additionally, he is an accomplished painter.
Despite his diverse talents, he expresses frustration: “People rarely discuss my artwork. I’m a multifaceted artist, yet few have taken the time to appreciate the full scope of my creative endeavors.”
“When you analyze ‘vincent,’ you can delve into my singing and playing,and how they intertwine,which is an aspect that often goes unnoticed. The song’s success is attributed to how I executed those elements. Many overlook that it’s not just a beautiful song with lovely lyrics; it wouldn’t have resonated without my guitar and voice bringing it to life.”
“The same applies to ‘American Pie.’ I felt as though I had to battle everyone to ensure those songs were released as I envisioned.”
