Don McLean, after losing Billboard record to Taylor Swift, salutes her as ‘great singer-songwriter’

Taylor Swift and Don Mclean. Image: Twitter/@donmclean, Instagram/@taylorswift

Singer-songwriter Don McLean humbly accepted defeat after Taylor Swift overtook his “American Pie” record for longest song to hold the number one spot in the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Swift’s self-penned “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” earned the said title, Billboard announced Monday, Nov. 22. It clocks in 10 minutes and 13 seconds. “American Pie” had a long-undefeated run, with the song being 8 minutes and 42 seconds long.

McLean said that while he enjoyed holding his record for half a century, he is honored to lose the spot to 31-year-old Taylor Swift, as reported by Billboard on Nov. 23.

“There is something to be said for a great song that has staying power. ‘American Pie’ remained on top for 50 years and now Taylor Swift has unseated such a historic piece of artistry,” he stated.

McLean also congratulated Swift on Twitter, calling her “another great singer/songwriter.”

“Let’s face it, nobody ever wants to lose that #1 spot, but if I had to lose it to somebody, I sure am glad it was another great singer/songwriter such as @taylorswift13,” he stated Nov. 24.

Let’s face it, nobody ever wants to lose that #1 spot, but if I had to lose it to somebody, I sure am glad it was another great singer/songwriter such as Taylor. Congratulations @taylorswift13! https://t.co/m01wlAVzyo

— Don McLean (@donmclean) November 23, 2021

Taylor Swift has not responded to McLean’s congratulations, as of writing. However, she did share her excitement on Twitter earlier, when she found out about the news.

“I’m so proud of this song and the memories I have with you guys because of it. You truly chose this one and now you did THIS?! I’m floored. A ten minute song is at the top of the Hot 100.” Swift said to her 89.3 million followers last Tuesday, Nov. 23.

I’m so proud of this song and the memories I have with you guys because of it. You truly chose this one and now you did THIS?! I’m floored. A ten minute song is at the top of the Hot 100.🤯

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) November 22, 2021

She also thanked the team that helped her with the record-breaking song.

“THANK YOU to the team that made All Too Well (the 10 min): The ultimate craftsman of songs that sound epic @jackantonoff , bad ass @Sharp_Stick, @rowedizzle and @lizrose06! Love you all.”

THANK YOU to the team that made All Too Well (the 10 min): The ultimate craftsman of songs that sound epic @jackantonoff, bad ass @Sharp_Stick, @rowedizzle and @lizrose06! Love you all. ♥️

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) November 22, 2021

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” is one of the 30 songs on Swift’s re-recorded “Red” album. Its music video, which Swift directed herself, starred Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink. Sam Mayoralgo/JB

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