American folk music legend Don McLean decided on a list of songs that he was going to perform at the annual Jeopardy! staff Christmas party, a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the musician at the request of the late Alex Trebek.
The longtime Jeopardy! host knew he didn’t have much time left as his cancer was terminal. Seeing McLean perform live was one of his final wishes.

When McLean arrived at Vitello’s in LA on December 18 he found that Trebek had prepared his own list of songs that he wanted him to perform.
“Anyone who knew Alex would know what a stickler he was about timing. When I arrived at the restaurant, I told Alex what I was planning on performing and without hesitation, Alex pulled out a sheet of paper that he hand wrote my songs on with their lengths, in which, he wanted me to stick to,” says McLean.
What does one do for a fan who admires you so much that he’s willing to put you on his “things to do before I die” list? McLean says, “I, of course, obliged and told him it was his show and I would do whatever he wanted me to. I kept that setlist and here it is today!”
- Castles In The Air – 4:00
- Crying – 4:00
- Wonderful Baby – 2:40
- Vincent – 4:00
- Driedel – 4:00
- American Pie – 8:30
What is, Anything you want to hear, for 500, Alex?
by Cherryl Bird – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Twitter @ladycbird | Instagram @cherrylbird
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