Life 60 years after Buddy Holly’s death, Don McLean says ‘American Pie’ isn’t about him February 3, 2019 Matthew Leimkuehler, Des Moines Register Comments Off on 60 years after Buddy Holly’s death, Don McLean says ‘American Pie’ isn’t about him Don McLean discusses Buddy Holly, who died 60 years ago, and the hit song 'American Pie.' 'It’s about America.'