“We all have a song to sing… whether it be music, writing, painting or simply living life as a work of art. The world needs your creative voice!”
– John & Viv
Inspiring Creativity on Public Radio for 17 Years
Founded in 2003 by husband-wife team, John Dillon & Viv Nesbitt, ART OF THE SONG is a weekly syndicated radio program exploring creativity through the lens of songwriting and music performance. The music and interview show is heard on public and community stations across North America. We interview legendary as well as up-and-coming artists.
Click on these links to listen to selected episodes from the archive (some are FREE, some require membership):
Jackson Emmer
Katie Anne Mitchell
Reggie Harris
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
Crys Matthews
Donald Fagen (Steely Dan)
Joan Osborne
Glenn Frey (Eagles) – Tribute
Buffy Sainte-Marie
ART OF THE SONG is a labor of love. Our affiliate stations receive the show free of charge. We’re primarily self-supported and by a growing number of contributions from visitors and listeners like you. Please visit our Patreon page to listen to recent shows for FREE and learn more about supporting Art of the Song and our creative work!
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Episode 849: Don McLean – Legend
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“Bye Bye Miss American Pie…” you know that song. That’s right, legendary songwriter Don McLean is our guest in this episode of Art of the Song! Don is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement award recipient, and “American Pie” was named by the Recording Industry of America a top 5 song of the 20th Century. His songs have been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird “Al” Yankovic, and countless others.
A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. We spoke with Don about his album of cover tunes called Still Playin’ Favorites.