DON McLEAN is one of America's most enduring singer-songwriters and is forever associated with his classic hits "American Pie" and "Vincent". Since first hitting the charts in 1971, Don has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records world-wide and, in 2004 was inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. His songs have been recorded by artists from every musical genre, most notably Madonna's No.1 recording of "American Pie" in 2000 and Weird Al Yankovic re-wrote it as "The Saga Begins" to send-up "Star Wars". It is said that some people were surprised that Don allowed Yankovic’s record, as though he didn’t have a sense of humour; in fact a cultural artefact can only be used for this kind of affectionate satire if it is deeply loved in the first place. George Michael's version of "The Grave" in 2003, was sung in protest at the Iraq War. In 1980 he had a No.1 hit with the Roy Orbison cover "Crying". In 2007, Don McLean shared his life story in Alan Howard's biography, "The Don McLean Story: Killing Us Softly With His Songs". He is touring Australia in February 2011, presented by Lennard Promotions.

‘...a great live performer, and his concerts have a certain homespun appeal....’

Don McLean began in folk music, free on behalf of Pete Seeger's efforts to clean up the Hudson River. His first album "Tapestry" in 1970 had been turned down by several labels because of his insistence on retaining his own publishing - of the songs "And I Love You So" was covered by Perry Como for a Top 30 hit in 1973, while his performance of "Empty Chairs" inspired "Killing Me Softly With His Song" was a Grammy winner and a huge hit for Roberta Flack in 1973. His second album "American Pie" in 1971 included the catchy title track, said to have been inspired by the death of Buddy Holly, but also a sentimental song about America that could be embraced by everybody as the USA reeled from Vietnam and Watergate: the 8.5 minute track as a two-sided single was No.1 for seven weeks and even pulled the first LP into the charts. "Vincent"and "Castles In The Air” from the same album was a No.12 hit and “Vincent” (No.1 in the UK) was being played daily in the entrance to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. His third album "Don McLean" in 1972 was a No.23 album that included the No.23 hit "Dreidel", followed by "Playin' Favorites" in 1973 and "Homeless Brother"in 1974 which included "The Legend of Andrew McCrew", a true story about a black hobo who died aged 13, was exhibited in carnivals as a ‘petrified man’, not buried until ’73. In 2002 Don McLean received an honorary doctorate from Iona College on “Don McLean” Day in New Rochelle, NY.

SUPPORT MONIQUE BRUMBY NAMED

Tasmanian-born and 2-time Aria Award-winning singer-songwriter Monique Brumby will Support Don McLean on his Australian tour. She recently released her 4th studio album SKELETONS’ POLKA in 2010 to great acclaim. The songs that make up SKELETONS’ POLKA express the underlying pulses of society & tap into universal themes. Monique’s powerful storytelling is emotive and lyrically insightful. Many experiences fuelled the fire for Monique’s latest work including the exploration of her ancestry and the constant questioning of the human condition. The album fluctuates from what has become Monique’s signature style, brooding rock ballads to lyrical pop/rock, revealing emotive & distinct melodies and hooks.

ARTIST BACKGROUND - Monique Brumby is currently based in Melbourne and released her first album on Columbia Records in 1996 after a very successful musical partnership with producer David Bridie. She won 2 ARIA Awards (Australian Music Industry) for Best New Artist and Best Female Artist in consecutive years. Monique has also had 3 additional ARIA nominations including Song of the Year for her song The Change In Me. Her songs that have featured on numerous film and television productions and she has co-written with varying artists including Paul Kelly (co-wrote Melting released on Paul’s 1998 Words and Music album) & Krista Polvere (co-wrote Breakable released on Krista’s debut album in 2009, produced by Malcolm Burn).

DISCOGRAPHY - Monique has released 4 albums; Thylacine, Signal Hill, Into The Blue & Skeletons’ Polka & 3 EP’s; Mary, Eventide and Silver Dollars. Monique has produced albums for Australian artists Emily Davis and Mosaik.

LIVE: Monique has toured extensively headlining her own shows as well as sharing the stage with acclaimed artists such as The Bangles, Shawn Colvin, Paul Kelly, The Stranglers, Wendy Matthews, Luka Bloom, Pete Yorn and the late Jeff Buckley. Monique's recorded works have won her legions of fans and great respect from her peers and music critics alike.

LIVE REVIEW - “Monique Brumby is a performer comfortable with the stage with her supremely confident voice, easy between song banter and more than capable song writing. Her spirited individuality - part Mary Margaret O’Hara vocal weirdness, part fearless storyteller Patti Smith - a unique offering. Her prolific output is matched by the rigor with which she hones her song writing skills.” Andy Hazel – Inpress Mag. REVIEWS - Time Off Magazine's Ben Preece: “A divine lady, a magnificent songwriter and above all a damn fine vocalist." Drum Magazine's Michael Smith said "When you care about what you do, you take the time to quietly fashion it to make sure it not only says what you want it to say, but you hope it also reveals itself to the listener. That's the way Monique Brumby makes records."