Don McLean

1 album cover in our archive

Don McLean is featured in Behind the Covers' archive with 1 album cover from the 1970s. Released on United Artists Records, the artwork sits in the folk tradition. Each cover is documented in our archive with design notes covering photography, portrait, patriotic, iconic. Below you'll find the full story behind each Don McLean cover — designers, photographers, label history, and the visual choices that defined the release.

American Pie by Don McLean — album cover art

American Pie (1971)

The iconic cover features McLean's thumb painted in red, white and blue against an American flag backdrop. Photographer George S. Whiteman created this patriotic image that became as memorable as the album's epic title track.

Label: United Artists Records
Designer: George S. Whiteman
Photographer: George S. Whiteman
Genre: Folk
Decade: 1970s

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