in full Hopalong regalia. This sleeve was removed within a year of the album's release. The words to this poem appear on a plaque at the hospital where Boyd died. The Boyd poem and picture tribute do appear on a special remastered 2003 CD. The title track contains references to the death of Buddy Holly (McLean being a 13-year-old paper-boy at the time). The phrase "The Day the Music Died" was used by McLean on this song, and has now become an unofficial name for the tragedy. On the original release, the title of the song "Sister Fatima" is misspelled "Sister Faima" The final track, "Babylon", is a close paraphrase of the 1st Verse of the 137th Psalm. It is based on the canon "By the Waters of Babylon" by Philip Hayes, originally published in 1786. Back-up singers The final chorus of "American Pie" features multi-tracked overdubs, credited in the sleeve notes to the "West Forty Fourth Street Rhythm and Noise Choir". Although the individual choristers have never been publicly named, the album's producer, Ed Freeman, has claimed that the choir included Pete Seeger, James Taylor, Livingston Taylor and Carly Simon. Release and reception The album reached number 1 within two weeks of release and was certified gold within six months, spending almost a year on the Billboard album charts. Its appeal cut across genres in what was becoming a fragmented music scene. Reissue The album was reissued in 1980 without the song "Sister Fatima", and again on June 27, 2003 with the track restored, along with the addition of two bonus tracks. Also the first Spanish issue delivered by Hispavox was released without "Sister Fatima". Legacy In February 2003 George Michael recorded a cover of "The Grave" as a protest against the imminent Iraq War. A cover of the song "Babylon" was included in a scene in the television series Mad Men. It is based on the canon "By the Waters of Babylon" by Philip Hayes. Track listing All songs written by Don McLean except where noted. Personnel Don McLean – vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo Warren Bernhardt – piano ("Crossroads") Ray Colcord – electric piano Tom Flye – drums ("The Grave"), engineering Ed Freeman – string arrangements Paul Griffin – piano ("American Pie") Lee Hays – arranger Mike Mainieri – marimba, vibraphone Roy Markowitz – drums, percussion Gene Orloff – concertmaster Bob Rothstein – bass, vocals David Spinozza –