Watch Don McLean Perform Iconic Hit in a ‘Magical’ Duet With Rising Alabama Star
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A Surprise Performance in Los Angeles
Don McLean’s most famous song received an unexpected twist on Saturday night at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The 79-year-old classic rock icon appeared on stage with pop-rock phenom Jessie Murph, joining her to sing “American Pie” as a duet.
Murph, 21, has been gaining recognition as one of the new voices in pop-rock. She mentioned McLean as an inspiration during a July interview with Rolling Stone, but even with that connection, the audience did not expect McLean to appear on her “Sex Hysteria Tour.”
Rare Duet of a Classic Song
“American Pie,” first released in 1971 and a hit single in 1972, has been a central part of McLean’s concerts for decades. Still, it is rarely sung as a duet. According to Murph’s publicist, McLean has only performed the song with two other artists in the past—Garth Brooks in 1997 and vocal group Home Free in 2021.
With Murph now added to that short list, the night became especially meaningful. For her, it marked a career highlight shared with one of her greatest influences.
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Murph’s Emotional Reaction
Following the performance, Murph expressed her excitement in a heartfelt message online. “I have so much gratitude in my heart today,“ she wrote on her Instagram stories the next day. “Last night was so magical and incredible and sparkling, I feel like the luckiest girl on earth.”
The duet appeared about three-quarters into her setlist, offering a nostalgic break in a show filled with modern hits such as “Dirty,” “Gucci Mane,” “Wild Ones,” “Sip,” “I Hope it Hurts,” “I Like How I Look,” and “A Little Too Drunk.”
Jessie Murph’s Growing Career
Murph, raised in Athens, Alabama, already has two albums. Her 2024 debut, That Ain’t No Man That’s the Devil, was followed by 2025’s Sex Hysteria. Her music blends country, R&B, rap, and pop elements, showcasing her ability to shift between styles. Though she is not often seen as a ballad singer, her duet with McLean may hint at more versatility ahead.
In her own words to Rolling Stone, Murph explained: “I want to make something that is completely and utterly timeless, like it could have been made 50 years ago. I’m very inspired by Elton John, Don McLean, Adele, stuff like that … I’m having fun and experiencing life, but eventually I want to drop a very serious (record). Not that this new one isn’t serious, but I feel like I have a lot to show the world that people haven’t seen yet. I think it’ll come with time.”
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McLean’s Enduring Legacy
McLean has released more than 20 studio albums since his 1970 debut. Still, the American Pie record from 1971 remains his defining work. Alongside the title track, the album also featured “Vincent,” both of which charted in 1972.
The single “American Pie,” nearly nine minutes in length, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Adult Contemporary chart. McLean also earned four Grammy nominations connected to the record and single, solidifying its place in music history.
