A native of Michigan, Scott Westerman is the founder and CEO of Ramirez & Clark, a Florida-based publishing company that works with independent authors. In addition to this, the former Michigan resident surveys music and popular culture online. Scott Westerman also produced an audio documentary that deconstructed “American Pie” by Don McLean.

Released in 1971, “American Pie” has become one of the most successful, albeit controversial songs, of the 20th century. This is largely due to the lyrics of the song, which have been interpreted multiple times.

The beginning of the song clearly points to a moment in music history that defined the future. This was the triple death of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and JP Richardson (the Big Bopper) in February 1959. McLean makes varying references throughout the rest of the eight-and-a-half-minute song, finally ending with mention of another catastrophic tragedy at a concert at Altamont Motor Speedway.

The song in its entirety covers musical and American history from 1959 to 1970. McLean has described the lyrics as being autobiographical in nature and presenting a shortened version of his life during that time. They represent a shift in society's vibe, from the innocent 1950s to the darker 1960s, and highlight the country's spirit and what it went through between those years.