"American Pie" is said to be the name of the Beachcraft Bonanza that Holly, Vallenz, and Richardson were flying in. The plane is also known as a Doctor Killer by some plane pilots because it was fast, affordable by some(Doctor's and Lawyers), sexy looking, and it wasn't forgiving.

I always thought of the song as a nostalgic time line of music after the death of Buddy Holly. Crique Alley by The Momma's and The Poppas had a similar feel altho' it only documents the history of Mom and Pops.

Don