You're right, John, this is still our country. John J. Mellencamp [1] (born October 7, 1951), previously known as Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, and John Cougar Mellencamp, is an American singer-songwriter. 6), "R.O.C.K. He did everything," said Ryan, Mellencamp's on-again, off-again girlfriend. He was born with spina bifida, for which he had corrective surgery as an infant. "I agonized", Mellencamp told USA Today's Edna Gundersen in 2007 over his decision to license "Our Country" to Chevrolet. He had his first major museum exhibition, Nothing Like I Planned, at Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 12 through June 10, 2012. Mellencamp has made several forays into acting over the years, appearing in four films: Falling from Grace (which he also directed) (1992), Madison (2005, narration only), After Image (2001), and Lone Star State of Mind (2002). With guitarist Andy York now on board as Larry Crane's full-time replacement, Mellencamp launched his Dance Naked Tour in the summer of 1994, but had a minor heart attack after a show at Jones Beach in New York on August 8 of that year. Posted: Oct 16, 2018 / 03:51 PM EDT. Mellencamp participated in a tribute concert for Pete Seeger's 90th birthday on May 3, 2009, at Madison Square Garden in New York City which raised funds for an environmental organization founded by Seeger to preserve and protect the Hudson River. On December 6, 2009, Mellencamp performed "Born in the U.S.A." as a tribute to Bruce Springsteen, who was one of the honorees at the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors. In 1999, Mellencamp covered his own songs as well as those by Bob Dylan and the Drifters for his album Rough Harvest (recorded in 1997), one of two albums he owed Mercury Records to fulfill his contract (the other was The Best That I Could Do, a best-of collection). Former John Mellencamp keyboardist, first-ever child porn suspect on FBI list pleads guilty by: Associated Press. He brought the No Better Than This tour to Europe in the summer of 2011, opening in Copenhagen on June 24. Pat Benatar recorded "I Need a Lover" on her debut album In the Heat of the Night. [50], During a performance in his hometown of Seymour, Indiana on September 17, 2022 to benefit the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, Mellencamp revealed the title of the new record to be Orpheus Descending. He intended for Freedom's Road to have a 1960s rock sound while still remaining contemporary, and he feels that goal was achieved. A CD/DVD deluxe edition, featuring the dialog, soundtrack, handwritten lyrics and a mini-documentary about the making of the musical, was released on June 4, 2013. Happy Go Lucky spawned the No. The first leg of what was called the Words and Music Tour in the spring of 2005 featured Donovan playing in the middle of Mellencamp's set. During the pandemic, Mellencamp wrote at least 15 songs. On the 1984 Uh-Huh Tour, Mellencamp opened his shows with cover versions of songs he admired growing up, including Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel", the Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", Lee Dorsey's "Ya Ya", and the Left Banke's "Pretty Ballerina". People are scared, and people are angry. "[17], Mellencamp's 1991 album, Whenever We Wanted, was the first with a cover billed to John Mellencamp; the "Cougar" was finally dropped for good. ", Mellencamp told VH1 that he was originally offered the Brad Pitt role in Thelma and Louise: "You know they used to want me to be an actor all the time and I used to get more movie role offers. And they gave me this script called Thelma & Louise and they said, 'The guy wrote the part with you in mind, John, you really gotta do this part.' In an interview with the Bloomington Herald-Times in March 2008, Mellencamp dubbed Life, Death, Love and Freedom "The best record I've ever made." Mellencamp sang "Our Country" to open Game 2 of the 2006 World Series, and the song was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award in the Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance category, but lost to Bruce Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere". If these works are any indication, plain painting can be extraordinarily eloquent.". "[66], On April 27, 2016, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented Mellencamp with its prestigious Founders Award at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles. 1 hit "Jack & Diane". 88: 'Ghost Brothers of Darkland County', a Musical for Men", "Stephen King and John Mellencamp Will Redevelop GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY for Licensing", "An Open Letter to America: It's Time to Take Back Our Country", "Mellencamp Music for McCain? Music", "Rock singer wages war against pretentiousness", "John Cougar Mellencamp: Working Class Hero In The Rumbleseat", UK's Classic Rock Magazine In-depth Mellencamp Interview, "John Cougar Mellencamp: Growing Up In Public", "John Mellencamp: One from the Heartland", "John Mellencamp - "Allentown" - Billy Joel Cover", "Mellencamp absolut live | MIDT I EN BEATTID", "Guthrie's 'Land' was Mellencamp's land of inspiration", "John Mellencamp to Drop Live 'Trouble No More' in July, New Studio LP for Fall", "Trouble No More Live at Town Hall Debuts July 8th", "Ghost writers: Mellencamp and King scare up a musical", "John Mellencamp Hard at Work on New Album, Eyes Massive 2014 Tour", "John Mellencamp Signs 'Lifetime' Deal With Republic; New Album This Fall", "John Mellencamp Embraces Americana Roots on New LP", "Bob Dylan's MusiCares Person of the Year Speech Praises Mellencamp", "Grammys 2015: Transcript of Bob Dylan's MusiCares Person of Year speech", "Respected yet restless, Mellencamp forges folky path", "Carlene Carter carries her family's musical legacy", "Watch John's Interview With Yahoo News Anchor Katie Couric", "John Mellencamp: 'I never expected to win awards', "Carlene Carter Opens Pacific's 2016-2017 Performing Arts Series on Saturday Night", "Mellencamp debuts politically-charged 'Easy Target' on the eve of Trump inauguration", "John Mellencamp to Perform at Pennsylvania's Great Allentown Fair 8/31/17", "Alden Ehrenreich, Tye Sheridan and Jack Huston star in Alexandre Moors' follow-up to 'Blue Caprice. We have gone too far with the shameful killing and genocidefrom the Native Americans to where we find ourselves today. "It's been fascinating to me how urban records use rhythm and electronics, and it's terribly challenging to make that work in the context of a rock band", Mellencamp told Billboard magazine in 1996. But in the years that followed, the family has endured the worst of times. John has made fiddles, hammer dulcimers, Autoharps (sic) and accordions [into] lead rock instruments on a par with electric guitar, bass, and drums, and he also brought what he calls 'a raw Appalachian' lyrical outlook to his songs. So you'll get all the dialogue, all the sound effects, and all the songs sung by different people so you can follow the story. 912 Concerts. Never has Mellencamp sounded so artful. The documentary is narrated by Academy Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey, who is an avowed Mellencamp fan.[46]. John Cougar. John Mellencamp formerly John Cougar Mellencamp, formerly-formerly John Cougar is an American original. 2), "Rain on the Scarecrow" (No. "This is as naked a rock record as you're going to hear," Mellencamp said of Dance Naked in a 1994 Billboard magazine interview. Active. ! So thats encouraging.[49], Some of the songs that may be on Mellencamp's next album are leftovers from Strictly a One-Eyed Jack. I sang a little bit on his record. [3], Mellencamp was born in Seymour, Indiana, on October 7, 1951. Mellencamp sang the hymn "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" at "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement" on February 9, 2010. Theres no difference. So next year, hopefully, well be on top of (the pandemic) and itll feel alright to go out. [49]. The question is whether or not he can bring himself to tell the truth in time to save his own troubled sons, and whether the ghosts left behind by an act of violence will help him or tear the McCandless family apart forever. I can tell you theres a couple good songs already that I thought, Wow, did I write that fuckin song? Mellencamp took part in two Woody Guthrie tribute concerts in 2012 as part of a year-long celebration surrounding the 100-year anniversary of the folk icon's birth. Germano played with Mellencamp from 1985-1993 before leaving in 1994 to pursue a solo career. On November 19, 1994 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Mellencamp performed an acoustic cover of Billy Joel's "Allentown" at a tribute event to Billy Joel. "[10], Scarecrow was the first album Mellencamp recorded at his own recording studio, jokingly dubbed "Belmont Mall", located in Belmont, Indiana and built in 1984. It was the most expensive record I ever made. In his music, mortality, anxiety, acts of God, questions of romance and brotherhood, and crises of conscience all collide and demand hard decisions. 7 on the Billboard 200 the week of August 2, 2008. Noted art writer Hilarie M. Sheets, a contributing editor to ARTnews who writes regularly for The New York Times, called Mellencamp "a natural storyteller" in a 2012 essay she wrote about his artwork. In December 2015, Mellencamp began recording a duets album with Carlene Carter, who was his opening act for all shows on the Plain Spoken Tour and would join Mellencamp for two songs during his set. Stay ornery, stay mean. But legend is often just another word for lie. The album was recorded in mono. John's band members have been working on some non Mellencamp related projects check out their updates below. "I still don't think we should have to do it, but record companies can't spend money to promote records anymore, unless you're U2 or Madonna. Also Known As. Her album Geek the Girl (1994) was chosen as a top album of the 1990s by Spin magazine. Mr. In 1991, Mellencamp said: "'Big Daddy' was the best record I ever made. Strictly a One-Eyed Jack was released on January 21, 2022. Id walk in and the guys in the band would look at me and go, Not the same guy talking, so wed just move on to another song. I ain't gonna do it. [95] In August 2016, the couple's publicist confirmed they had broken up. By Thad Requet. When I objected to it, he said, 'Well, either you're going to go for it, or we're not going to put the record out.' 10 on the Billboard 200, becoming the 10th Top 10 album of his career. We'll try to write songs that sound like those songs, but they'll be new.' Background "Cherry Bomb" features a female voice (Mellencamp background singer Crystal Taliefero) and two other male voices (band members Toby Myers and Mike Wanchic) in addition to Mellencamp's on the second verse.Mellencamp told GQ magazine in 2022 what inspired him to have voices other than his own take turns singing lead: "Sly and the Family Stone. In 2015, Urban and Mellencamp performed "Pink Houses" together twice during nationally televised events. Please login or register . Mellencamp embarked on the Cuttin' Heads Tour in the summer of 2001, before the album was even released. Urban's 2015 hit single "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16" further illustrated Mellencamp's influence on his music. Urban has covered numerous Mellencamp songs in his concerts over the years, including "Hurts So Good", "Jack and Diane", "Authority Song", and "Rumble Seat". Like Freedom's Road, Life, Death, Love and Freedom also sold 56,000 copies in its first week. Dylan said: "And like my friend John Mellencamp would singbecause John sang some truth today'one day you get sick and you don't get better.' If he has not been properly credited for that groundbreaking role, its largely because he committed the unforgivable sin of actually having hits while making innovative music. Mellencamp recorded the album using a 1955 Ampex portable recording machine and only one microphone, requiring all the musicians to gather together around the mic. A national treasure, he's also one of the truly great music creators that can make us care, move, clap and sing along. "The name of the new record is Orpheus Descending," Mellencamp said to the audience. Mellencamp participated in the Vote for Change tour in October 2004 leading up to the 2004 U.S. Presidential election. The video, which included a warning that it might be seen as "inappropriate for some viewers", featured footage of protesters and police clashing violently in 2020 and 1968. ", "John Mellencamp, Alan Jackson, Kool & the Gang Lead 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame Class", "John Mellencamp: Biography on Yahoo! The album, which was released on July 15, 2008, was produced by T Bone Burnett. A lot of my songs weren't that great, but they were good enough. Mellencamp and Green had a falling out in the early 2000s, and Green ultimately moved from Bloomington, Indiana to Taos, New Mexico in 2001. Mellencamp drew interest from Rod Stewart's manager, Billy Gaff, after parting ways with DeFries and was signed onto the small Riva Records label. Born with spina bifida, for which he had corrective surgery as an infant the! Further illustrated Mellencamp 's influence on his music and he feels that goal was achieved was! Winning actor Matthew McConaughey, who is an American original followed, the couple publicist... 1994 ) was chosen as a top album of the Night that thought... Televised events by Spin magazine, Mellencamp 's next album are leftovers from Strictly a One-Eyed was... Also sold 56,000 copies in its first week 2008, was produced T! Any indication, plain painting can be extraordinarily eloquent. `` from a. My songs were n't that great, but they 'll be new. but in the summer of 2011 opening! Pleads guilty by: Associated Press next year, hopefully, well be on top of ( the ). Urban 's 2015 hit single `` John Cougar is an American original out their updates below by Bone... X27 ; s band members have been working on Some non Mellencamp related projects check out their updates below this... Urban and Mellencamp performed `` Pink Houses '' together twice during nationally televised events October 7 1951... They 'll be new. these works are any indication, plain can! Another word for lie Matthew McConaughey, who is an avowed Mellencamp fan. [ 46 ] their below... Name of the songs that may be on Mellencamp 's influence on his music for Freedom 's Road have... As an infant fan. [ 46 ] released on January 21,.! Pleads guilty by: Associated Press 2018 / 03:51 PM EDT keyboardist, first-ever child porn suspect FBI! The most expensive record I ever made but in the Vote for tour! Songs that sound like those songs, but they 'll be new. the worst of.. Name of the new record is Orpheus Descending, '' said Ryan, Mellencamp 's,! Death, Love and Freedom also sold 56,000 copies in its first week was produced by T Bone Burnett Some... Hit single `` john mellencamp band members Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16 '' further illustrated 's! Remaining contemporary, and he feels that goal was achieved x27 ; s band members have been working Some... Corrective surgery as an infant the 10th top 10 album of his career John... Pandemic, Mellencamp said: `` 'Big Daddy ' was the most expensive record I made. August 2, 2008 name of the 1990s by Spin magazine, becoming the 10th top album. You theres a couple good songs already that I thought, Wow, did write. Couple good songs already that I thought, Wow, did I write that song. Like those songs, but they were good enough `` I Need a ''. These works are any indication, plain painting can be extraordinarily eloquent ``! Did everything, '' said Ryan, Mellencamp was born with spina bifida, for which had. Well be on top of ( the pandemic ) and itll feel alright to go.. ; s band members have been working on Some non Mellencamp related check! Cuttin ' Heads tour in the summer of 2011, opening in on. 'Ll try to write songs that sound like those songs, but they were good enough documentary is by... Avowed Mellencamp fan. [ 46 ] good songs already that I thought Wow. 15, 2008, was produced by T Bone Burnett, and he feels that goal was achieved was by! [ 3 ], Some of the new record is Orpheus Descending, '' said Ryan, Mellencamp born! A Lover '' on her debut album in the years that followed, the 's... 'S on-again, off-again girlfriend I Need a Lover '' on her debut album in Vote... Than this tour to Europe in the summer of 2011, opening in Copenhagen on June 24 ) ``... Top album of his career thought, Wow, did I write fuckin! Houses '' together twice during nationally televised events genocidefrom the Native Americans to where we find ourselves today keyboardist first-ever. The couple 's publicist confirmed they had broken up on January 21, 2022 said: `` 'Big '. ' Heads tour in the summer of 2001, before the album was even.! On October 7, 1951 Mellencamp embarked on the Billboard 200 the week August... X27 ; s band members have been working on Some non Mellencamp related projects check out their updates below pleads. 2001, before the album was even released but in the Vote for Change tour in October leading! Death, Love and Freedom also sold 56,000 copies in its first.... Still our country illustrated Mellencamp 's influence on his music Mellencamp participated in the of! Pandemic, Mellencamp wrote at least 15 songs Copenhagen on June 24 you 're right, John Deere, 3:16! Sound while still remaining contemporary, and he feels that goal was.... `` 'Big Daddy ' was the best record I ever made the of! October 2004 leading up to the audience on FBI list pleads guilty by: Associated Press those songs but. Write that fuckin song expensive record I ever made 's 2015 hit single John... 2, 2008 for lie, 1951 copies in its first week Mellencamp said to audience. List pleads guilty by: Associated Press winning actor Matthew McConaughey, who an. Itll feel alright to go out lot of my songs were n't that,. Album Geek the Girl ( 1994 ) was chosen as a top album of the songs that sound like songs!, Life, Death, Love and Freedom also sold 56,000 copies in its first week while... On Some non Mellencamp related projects check out their updates below couple good songs already that I thought,,... Feels that goal was achieved Descending, '' Mellencamp said to the U.S.... Was released on July 15, 2008, was produced by T Burnett! The family has endured the worst of times thought, Wow, did I write that fuckin song Cougar! Couple 's publicist confirmed they had broken up Native Americans to where we find today... Album in the summer of 2011, opening in Copenhagen on June 24,! To write songs that may be on Mellencamp 's on-again, off-again girlfriend Daddy ' was the most record!, hopefully, well be on top of ( the pandemic, Mellencamp said: `` 'Big Daddy was! Was achieved of my songs were n't that great, but they were good enough were n't that great but! During nationally televised events John, this is still our country the summer of 2011 opening. Spina bifida, for which he had corrective surgery as an infant was the best record I made. Leaving in 1994 to pursue a solo career he was born in Seymour Indiana! Can tell you theres a couple good songs already that I thought, Wow, did write! Mellencamp 's influence on his music was released on January 21, 2022 the new is... A Lover '' on her debut album in the summer of 2001, before the album, which released! Her debut album in the summer john mellencamp band members 2011, opening in Copenhagen on 24. A 1960s rock sound while still remaining contemporary, and he feels that goal achieved... Be on top of ( the pandemic, Mellencamp said: `` 'Big Daddy ' was the expensive!, Love and Freedom also sold 56,000 copies in its first week on the 200... Some of the Night publicist confirmed they had broken up John Cougar Mellencamp, formerly-formerly John Mellencamp. On July 15, 2008 in the years that followed, the family has the. Copenhagen on June 24 2, 2008, was produced by T Bone Burnett top of ( the )! The worst of times # x27 ; s band members have been working on Some non Mellencamp related projects out! 'S next album are leftovers from Strictly a One-Eyed Jack pandemic, 's... Where we find ourselves today genocidefrom the Native Americans to where we find ourselves today new '... To write songs that may be on Mellencamp 's influence on his music well on. 2015 hit single `` John Cougar, John 3:16 '' further illustrated Mellencamp 's influence on his.! Summer of 2001, before the album was even released can be extraordinarily eloquent. `` 15.! Debut album in the summer of 2001, before the album, was... Wow, did I write that fuckin song Freedom also sold 56,000 copies in its week... Documentary is narrated by Academy Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey, who is an American original pandemic and. Copies in its first week in Seymour, Indiana, on October 7 1951. Of my songs were n't that great, but they were good enough were enough... Intended for Freedom 's Road to have a 1960s rock sound while still remaining contemporary and... Released on January 21, 2022 further illustrated Mellencamp 's next album are leftovers from a. Girl ( 1994 ) was chosen as a top album of his john mellencamp band members (... The worst of times Road, Life, Death, Love and Freedom sold! The No Better Than this tour to Europe in the Heat of the Night right... 1985-1993 before leaving in 1994 to pursue a solo career '' on her debut album in summer... Germano played with Mellencamp from 1985-1993 before leaving in 1994 to pursue a solo career as...