Over the years, country a cappella group Home Free has been able to collaborate with some legendary artists. They’ve recorded songs with Kenny Rogers, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Lee Greenwood, just to name a few.
More recently, the group teamed up with singer and songwriter Don McLean to remake his 1971 song “American Pie.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of the song’s release, so it only seemed fitting for Home Free to share their version now.
Members of the group spoke with Taste of Country about how honored they were to work with McLean.
“To team up with such a legend on one of the biggest songs of the century was such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” said tenor Austin Brown.
Bass singer Tim Foust echoed Brown’s sentiments, saying, “American Pie’ is an absolute masterpiece, which has rightfully woven itself into the fabric of our culture. It’s a true honor to take part in its legacy.”
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McLean also talked to Taste of Country about his experience re-recording the song with Home Free. He spoke highly of The Sing-Off winners, saying:
“They have found their audience, and it was fun singing with these guys because they really understand harmony. I did many shows with the Persuasions and the Jordanaires, and Home Free is right up there with them!”
Home Free and McLean released the audio clip for their collaboration on January 28.
Since Home Free is an a cappella group, every sound you hear in the recording is created by their (or McLean’s) voices. No instruments to be found in this recording!
Home Free plans to release a music video for their reinvention of “American Pie” on Wednesday, February 3. This date is significant, since it is the 62nd anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of Richie Valens, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly. In the song, McLean refers to the event as “the day the music died,” and that term has stuck ever since.
Stay tuned to catch the music video when it’s released on Wednesday. In the meantime, head below to enjoy the audio clip of Home Free and McLean’s updated version of “American Pie.”