The Day The Music Died

According to the lyrics of the Don McLean pop classic "American Pie," February 3 is "the day the music died."

I'm not that fatalistic, but it's sure a good reason to revisit the piece.

"The day the music died" refers - of course - to Buddy Holly's untimely death along with Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson on 3 February 1959, which McLean mourns as the end of the entire 50s era.

Folks have sought to find hidden meaning in the 8+ minute song since the day it was released. Check out this article which ponders exactly what McLean was getting to.

Take a listen to Don McLean's performing the song live for the BBC back in 1972, as well as Madonna's take on the piece recorded in 2000.

Madge's version conjures images that sure seem downright prescient today.

(h/t The OUTFront)