40 Years of American Pie

If you’ve been a part of U.S. culture to any extent for the last four decades, you’ve most likely been exposed to Don McLean’s song “American Pie,” which has become a prominent cultural reference since its release in late 1971.  Exactly 40 years ago today, “American Pie” reached number one on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart, where it would stay for a total of four weeks.