Taylor Swift sends note to Don McLean after breaking longest song Billboard record
Swift's 'All Too Well’ (10 Minute Version)' has become the Billboard chart's longest-length Number One entry
Taylor Swift has sent a note and a bouquet of flowers to Don McLean after breaking the musician’s Billboard Hot 100 record.
The pop star’s ‘All Too Well’ (10 Minute Version)’ recently knocked McLean‘s eight-minute ‘American Pie (Parts I & II)’ off the top spot for the chart’s longest-length Number One entry. McLean’s song held the top Billboard position for four weeks in 1972.
Swift wrote in a handwritten letter that she was “standing on the shoulders of giants”, inferring that ambitious moves like McLean’s lengthy hit inspired her to do the same.
‘All Too Well’ (10 Minute Version)’ appears on Swift’s re-recorded version of her fourth album, 2012’s ‘Red’, which is titled ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)‘ and was released last month.
The pop singer’s message, which can be seen in an image shared by McLean, reads: “Don, I will never forget that I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. Your music has been so important to me. Sending love [from] one writer of LONG SONGS to another. Your fan, Taylor.”
McLean captioned the post with “What a classy artist! Thank you @taylorswift13 for the flowers & note!”
Speaking to Billboard after his defeat, McLean explained: “There is something to be said for a great song that has staying power. ‘American Pie’ remained on the top for 50 years and now Taylor Swift has unseated such a historic piece of artistry.
“Let’s face it, nobody ever wants to lose that Number One spot, but if I had to lose it to somebody, I sure am glad it was another great singer/songwriter such as Taylor.”
McLean is marking the 50th anniversary of ‘American Pie’ next year and will embark on a special UK tour. Head here for the full schedule and ticket information.
Meanwhile, Swift has shared a new version of her 2019 festive track ‘Christmas Tree Farm’ – listen to the ‘Old Timey Version’ here.
The new version of the song, released as an Amazon Original, was recorded alongside an orchestra at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios, and sees strings and horns pepper the track, making it a grander affair than the original.
Speaking of the new version, Swift said: “This new version is amazing because it feels like it’s that more… sort of laidback Christmas feel of doing all your shopping and relaxing by a fire. Y’know, it’s definitely a little bit more of that old-school Christmas song feel.”