In October 1973, “United Artists” and “BGO” labels released “Playin’ Favorites”, the fourth Don McLean studio album. It was recorded in 1973, at “The Record Plant” in New York City, and was produced by Ed Freeman.

Personnel:

• Don McLean – vocals, guitar, banjo
• Buzzy Feiten – guitar, tambourine
• Steve Berg – guitar
• John Hughey – pedal steel
• Ronnie Zito – banjo, tambourine
• Frank Wakefield – vocals, mandoline
• Dave Bromberg – dobro
• Neil Larsen – keyboards, piano
• Chuck Leavell – piano
• Tony Levin – bass
• Rob Rothstein – vocals, bass
• Rick Marotta – drums
• Johnny Sandlin – percussion
• Danny Manselino – percussion
• Mike Mainieri – marimba
• Frank Orsini – fiddle
• Russ Savakus – bass violin
• Albertine Robinson – backing vocals
• Maretha Stewart – backing vocals
• Tasha Thomas – backing vocals
• Frank Hubach – engineer, remix
• Jim Reeves – engineer
• Mike Salisbury – art direction
• Fred Conrad – photography

Track listing:

1. Sitting on Top of the World – Bo Carter, Little Walter
2. Living With the Blues – Brownie McGhee
3. Mountains O’ Mourne – Percy French
4. Fool’s Paradise – Sonny LeGlaire, Horace Linsley, Norman Petty
5. Love O’ Love – traditional, arranged by Don McLean
6. Medley: Bill Cheetham/Old Joe Clark – traditional, arranged by Don McLean
7. Everyday – Charles Hardin, Norman Petty
8. Ancient History – Irene Stanton, Wayne Walker
9. Over the Mountains – Irene Stanton, Wayne Walker
10. Lovesick Blues – Cliff Friend, Irving Mills
11. New Mule Skinner Blues – Jimmie Rodgers, George Vaughn
12. Happy Trails – Dale Evans