© 2025 | Jefferson Public Radio
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6301 | 800.782.6191
Listen | Discover | Engage a service of Southern Oregon University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'American Pie' Lyrics Sell At Auction For $1.2 Million

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "AMERICAN PIE")

DON MCLEAN: (Singing) Bye, bye, Miss American Pie.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Even Don McLean doesn't know the meaning of the lyrics to his song "American Pie." It opens with the death of Buddy Holly, but the other lyrics have been endlessly debated. I mean, who is the Jester? The original manuscript might offer some clues. It's 16 pages, a mix of handwritten and typed drafts including notes. That manuscript sold at auction yesterday for $1.2 million to an anonymous mysterious collector. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Recent threats to federal funding are challenging the way stations like JPR provide service to small communities in rural parts of the country.
Your one-time or sustaining monthly gift is more important than ever.