Don Mclean talks ahead of Birmingham's Symphony Hall show
Prolific American songwriter Don McLean will visit Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Thursday as part of a 14-date UK tour with Nashville star, Jarrod Dickenson. The show follows the release of McClean’s new album ‘Botanical Gardens’ in March.
With more than 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, Don McLean is one of America’s most beloved country artists. Botanical Gardens, his 19th studio album and first in 8 years, is arguably one of his most reflective to date.
Don says: “The inspiration for the project started years ago when I would walk in the beautiful gardens in Sydney Australia near the Opera House. I would dream young dreams and it was a comfort and an inspiration. I was always young inside, like we all are, and I felt it again there.” In nearly 50 years on the scene, Don’s songs have become a staple in Americana music. His music has been performed by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Madonna, Fred Astaire, Chet Atkins, Weird Al Yankovick, George Michael, Josh Groban, Coolio and Ed Sheeran and his biggest hit ‘American Pie’ was recognised with high honours by being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
Re-joining Don on tour by request is Jarrod Dickenson. The Nashville-based, Texas-born musician has already supported legendary artists, Bonnie Raitt, The Waterboys, Jools Holland, The Stylistics and The White Buffalo. Storytelling is something of a Texas tradition. Tall hats and even taller tales are woven into the fabric of The Lone Star State, and singer-songwriter, Jarrod can spin a yarn with the best of them. Hailing from Waco, he spends most of his time on the road bringing his own particular brand of soulful Americana to a wide variety of music loving audiences around the globe.
Jarrod says: “I was humbled and honoured to be invited to open for the legendary Don McLean once again.
“His contribution to popular music and the craft of song writing can’t be overstated, and to be able to watch a master at work every night is an opportunity like no other. I’m excited to sing my songs to these music-loving audiences in some of the most stunning rooms across the UK and Ireland and will be trying to learn as much as I can from Don and his incredible band in the process. It’s going to be a fun ride.”
