John Mellencamp Born In The USA Bruce Springsteen Tribute

John performs Born In The USA as part of the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Features John backed by his longtime guitarist Andy York and the house band including former Mellencamp band member Kenny Aronoff on drums. Clip includes the end gathering of all of the artists on stage. John went first and was followed by performances from Ben Harper & Jennifer Nettles, Melissa Etheridge, Eddie Vedder and Sting. Visit John's website www.mellencamp.com to learn more.

[@jefferyscism2276]

I saw John in concert at one of the last concerts at Irvine Amphitheater. Bruce was sitting next to me in the seats. He jumped on stage and sang this with John.

[@zigman69ify]

Absolutely love this version. It's outstanding!!

[@bruceduece1]

Anybody who thinks Mellencamp "stunk it up" on this song just doesn't get it. It was meant to be a different treatment, and it was well done to the point of being masterful. The performance was heartfelt and intense. Artists want different takes on their work. It makes them a well spring of creativity. The Boss was proud!

[@w5pda]

A sensible comment spoken with passionate clarity.....well-done.

[@bruceduece1]

Thanks! Really, it would have been an insult to Springsteen to attempt an exact cover, as it would imply that he could do it better.

[@justmissjamey]

bruceduece1 I agree to a point, but as a fan, i really think john should have sung the whole song, with all the words because this song tells a story, and i feel like a lot of that story got cut out of this version. I really wish he would have did the whole song because it would have been great!! And i am sure the world wont get to hear John cover this again

[@bruceduece1]

Justmiss jamey Every cover of a Springsteen song leaves out words. The Pointer Sisters cover of "Fire" and every cover by Manfred Mann, for instance. Bruce uses so many words that the melody can get lost. I know, I have tried to perform his songs. I've concluded that any attempt to do Bruce just like Bruce makes a singer look foolish. His music was born in his soul and expressed through his emotions. Thanks for replying.

[@darkiee69]

Justmiss jamey I don't know if the performers have time restrictions put on them so that the show doesn't drag out all trough the night. But that could be the reason that he didn't do the whole song.

[@cyndie-anjellvernet4114]

Wow, this man took that song & made it his own in such a phenomenal way.

[@runnerlegend7726]

John Cougar Mellencamp deserves a Kennedy Center Honors Tribute.

[@shawnuel]

+Runner legend HELL yes!

[@pamelanerby4634]

hopefully very soon

[@LordViperman]

So true, so true.

[@pamelanerby4634]

goddamm right he does

[@guillermoperdigo8566]

so so so true legend

[@CEKCooking]

We need a John Mellencamp Kennedy Center Honors.

[@jasonblake2918]

One of the greatest singer songwriters ever in my opinion

[@jamisoncarlson6003]

Which one?!?... lol jk Springsteen and Mellencamp are amazing!! I'm happy to see Mellencamp with Kenny Aronoff again covering Springsteen's classic song!! Freaking awesome!!!

[@Terk131]

@@jamisoncarlson6003 these are 2 of my favorites of all time.

[@randy4395]

It applies to both of them.

[@JC-bf5cw]

This song hits you different when John sings it. Here 2022, 30 years old and still listening to these classics.

[@shawnbeasom2542]

Brother, I'm 68. I saw the Boss three times before he ever hit the cover of Time and Newsweek. I think we both feel the same. That's the beauty of it.

[@dennissculaf2740]

wow.... I love the take that Mellencamp brought to this song.......

[@75DrummerBoy]

Great to see Kenny Aronoff and John Mellencamp back together!!!

[@jnadle1]

Yes, a long time drummer for Mellencamp in fact. Seen a lot on the Farm Aid concerts of the 1980s.

[@joecali4245]

That was an incredible cover by Mellencamp. It was powerful and moving.

[@garethlloyd4346]

Just like my cack

[@jasonjones8768]

Little Pink Houses, Jack & Diane - My Home Town (ALL) Born In The USA.. Thank you Mellencamp & Springsteen for years of great awesome music..

[@Boxerlove]

I noticed the word Patriot used in some comments...this is not a song of patriotism for the U.S. it was a protest song about how the U.S. treated Veterans returning from the Vietnam War....which was very bad. Pro Veteran....not pro American Gov't.

[@rhondaeverett8284]

Exactly as it should''ve been done by Mr. Mellamcamp! Bravo!!!

[@aprilrusso3082]

Am I the only one that heard this, that truly got what he did here? He didn't just do it "his way". He did it in the only way he could have done it. Both Bruce and John had a song that was often misunderstood and misinterpreted to be a "patriotic song" when in fact they were not. Bruce had "Born in the USA" and John had "Pink Houses". Those 2 songs share the same spirit, as soulmates. What John did here in this performance, was sing "Born in the USA" in the spirit of "Pink Houses". Go listen to the acoustic version of "Pink Houses" and then come back and listen to this one again, and you will hear it. He could not have made it any more obvious unless he made it a medley.

[@philipmarino2347]

April Russo Exactly. A truly brilliant honoring of this Bruce song, in the only way John could. A touch of the heartland, with the more traditional Bruce cover version. A real nice touch.

[@McDagger90]

April Russo Very beautifully said

[@RetroSoulGirl]

Daniel Ramnauth WOW I cant believe I'm the only one who understands this either!!!!!!

[@genemynahan554]

A spot on observation April, thank you!

[@1969ryson]

+April Russo You aren't the only one. Brilliant rendition in my opinion.

[@timdavisfitness]

He’s one of the best drummers of all time...not a question

[@musicfanhawk4523]

Not really

[@mc76]

@@musicfanhawk4523 I have seen Aronoff play since we both were at IU in the the late 1970s. In college, he played in a prog-rock band and could hold his own with Bruford and Peart. He next stint was in a jazz-rock fusion band in which he gave the likes of Billy Cobham and Lenny White a run for their money. His work with Mellencamp rivaled Charlie Watts for its metronomic economy. Smashing Pumpkins did not miss a beat-literally-when he replaced Jimmy Chamberlain. He has backed acts from virtually every genre on myriad awards shows and events honoring musicians. You could not be more incorrect in your assessment. And, yeah, I'm a drummer.

[@lindawillis4868]

@1:13 when Bruce reaches back and grabs his wife's hand for moral support is EVERYTHING! LOVE THAT!!!

[@Supahdave1000]

Absolutely flawless. Melloncamp and Springsteen have always been two of my favorite artists. They sing from the heart, they sing from the soul.

[@cheek238]

I see and hear John's respect for his peer musician in this rendition. Nice.

[@DroneLifeRC]

Love this version of the song. John Cougar just Rocks 👍👍

[@subsubsubsub5413]

Very powerful....made it his own....he did just enough to make us want more....genius

[@toriboy25]

people are smoking crack to think that sucked! Loved every tribute to Bruce that night!

[@mc76]

So good to see John and Kenny playing together again.

[@jonathanjenkins70]

Kenny Aronoff loved smashing that kit to that song, one of the few who can go toe to toe with mighty max !!!

[@randallreid424]

I’m a die hard Bruce fan and I love it Bruce isn’t the easiest to cover bc his writing is incredible and a lot of people don’t get it

[@Feebackfive]

outstanding from another great American singer/songwriter!

[@1Rockdad]

Good to see Kenny drumming with his old mates again. For you that don't know Kenny has been at the top of the drum world for years now. I about soiled myself many years ago when he was drumming for Elton John big production

[@onewink]

This was one of the best things I've seen on tv in years. The whole show was amazing. I laughed and cried. Music is a powerful thing.

[@sandeerusso]

John or Bruce can't choose. Love both and both are American rock music icons. I'm from NJ so Bruce gets a very slight edge :)

[@frankschurer-behrmann2230]

But I love John, he had a harder path

[@zzyyxxo]

wow. I love how he sang this. He made the song shine.

[@seelenbalsam9308]

My two Heros in the song of my youth time. I love it!!!!

[@catia512]

Pure goosebumps. What a tribute to the best musicians in the world. Phantastic!

[@stammorai]

Nothing pays more than the proud smile the Boss has in his face...

[@stephenmccollum1391]

Incredible artistic rendition.

[@MrCohan13]

JOHN WAS DOING THE SONG HIS WAY!! loved his rhythmic vocals , just sittin' on a diff accent of lyrics! thought is was justice to the song, how else do all of you think that great hoarseness in cougar's voice would come through!!

[@jillhbaudhaan]

the perfect person to do this song

[@Hallstat72]

Still two greatest musicians John and Bruce!!!! I always wanted to take a part in John´s consert . Unfortunately I had to mis his Copenhagen concert because my mother died after true fight against cancer.

[@SageOftheSubway]

Mellencamp rocks. Great tribute to the Boss.

[@CodyWolfeVevo]

Kenny Aronoff Jr. Rock N' on the drums he's a great guy and one heck of a drummer!

[@Zapisocki]

So nice to see them together again

[@hipfan5306]

Song done with love for Springsteen. And they all knew it.

[@toddjmcguire]

that was brilliant!

[@veritasetlibertas7889]

Great interpretation which conveyed the real pathos of the song.

[@maryjaneferguson9432]

And, this my friends....is a tribute....John Mellencamp rocks.

[@sharptownlady]

My own parents were flaming arseinines and thought that the Kennedy Center would never have long hairs and any of that damn loud rock music in it! Another reason I'm glad to be an American orphan! What a fantastic video, thanks!

[@RitaAnne]

@nackerly I totally 110% agree with you. I remember seeing this when it was on and when JOHN M. walked out I said Here comes "Born in the USA"!

[@grrwuff4099]

...perfect cross over, Mellencamp - Springsteen.... NOW, let's have Springsteen tribute to Mellencamp, right?.....

[@susanlester4175]

Bruce won't do it! John ROCKS!!!

[@ingajonsson2359]

Thanks.

[@ingajonsson2359]

👍

[@frankderudder7290]

Mbee bob seger 2 !!

[@Kurtsg10]

John Mellencamp really nailed this song.

[@Tom811976]

Great song and a great artist

[@Hallstat72]

I just dont understand you americans, you have two world class artists and you use your time arguing which one is best instead of enjoyin both of them. Bruce is great and John is great. Ask them and i think both of them will agree. greetings from a fan from Finland.

[@TheMrjjd2]

Your all over analyzing the concert. I proud to be an American and I am also proud to show it!!! We all should be so proud!!!!

[@hermievalencia2445]

How awesome is this version ;) very surprising twist, Bruce ;) impressed John Is Bruce's friend of course he's good. They all are. Thank you

[@antonioj.molinaq.8370]

This song is an American classic by Springsteen and was performed different and masterfully buy an another great American icon and legend. Both represent American culture and please observe The Bosses expression on his face…..RESPECT

[@TOP-GUN]

True respect for the Boss. An honor by John to Bruce Truthful tribute to the real deal of the words of this song

[@LutherAmosHouse]

One of the favorite artists my dad introduced me to(mellencamp). This version of the song hits a bit different, I like it.

[@JDHart]

The man is a genius.

[@kuroame6679]

Great job. The original belongs to Springsteen. Nice tribute

[@JCarlosMois]

awesome! long live the Boss,well done John

[@antonioj.molinaq.8370]

Just take as look on The Boss’s face ad it reflects the utmost respect for Mellencamp. WOW

[@ritahorvath8207]

To watch Bruce' face was the most interesting thing to do .

[@lorigibbs2379]

this song resonates.. so many of my family served in Vietnam..

[@rosewillis6018]

it was awsome!!!

[@joakimlindberg9962]

I'd never thought I'd see old Mellencamp sing Born In The USA. Great tribute! Also, awesome to see Kenny and John on the same stage again. Didn't knew about that back in '09 when I first saw this, I didn't really get into Mellencamp until recent years. It's also pretty interesting that Mellencamp choose to do this, have Bruce and John done ANYTHING togheter? Not that it matter but since Springsteen and Mellencamp are heavily related to eachother in terms of genre and lyrics you'd think they should have done more stuff togheter throughout the years.

[@jrawk4140]

They did now, Bruce is on John's new album 3 times.

[@MikeKelsoJr]

Only John could come up with his own style and make it work !! 👍😊🎤🎸🥁

[@kaywallace6139]

Amazing version

[@paulvandyke8923]

After reading the lyrics 30 years ago, not once did I think this was a patriotic song!

[@PaulGoodeK]

People did, though. Reagan even tried to use it as a campaign theme. That's one reason why the Boss performed it for years it as a cutting blues-folk number.

[@BX0207]

It`s not.. and no one thinks it is..

[@ismaelarevalo863]

Love Bruce Springsteen for a moment I thought I was looking at Robert DeNiro that was nice performance

[@mitchellweiner4990]

This is a lovely tribute to Bruce. I’m glad John made it his own. Obviously,I prefer the original but this is great!

[@THEDONHUGO1]

Absolut geile Version 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ritahorvath8207]

. Mich hat's auch umgehauen . .

[@petervandenbrink2595]

So Great!!!

[@aydananderson3323]

I'm nuts about both of them. They are in great spirits when they perform..

[@KMeehan5150]

Two of my favorite artists.

[@susancooper7168]

Great version of a great song

[@emanuelefebo4372]

"Born in the ..." is one of those songs that came to my mind to thoughtfully.

[@MrCohan13]

HAPPY 63 JOHN , ENJOY YOUR DAY!

[@bandolero5068]

Nice version, well played.

[@suewalsh1883]

Kenny Aronoff is an incredible musician!

[@kaywallace6139]

Amazing.

[@joannelarose8198]

I saw this tour in Toronto! So amazing!

[@57jtl]

Great to hear Kenny and John back together again!

[@anelladambrosio2513]

Un grande tributo a Bruce !; Grandissimo John!! 🤗🤗🤗💔💔💔💝💋

[@kalikrates71]

Yo no nací en los Estados Unidos, pero me quito el sombrero ante tan grandes músicos y buena música.

[@aletei1556]

no importa de donde son, sino los que nos dan! unicos e imprencidibles en la musica.

[@dr.ostbahn7773]

this is awesome. sounds like a Mellencamp song!!

[@shawnmurphy9667]

Always love John Mellencamp one of my all-time favourites sad to see cigarettes ruined his voice

[@keetahbrough]

his voice suits. everyones voice changes as they accumulate time... its not ruined. Why be critical. Be complimentary.

[@amandasmith5921]

Wow I like song really pretty good ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@lenniegordon6414]

Never seen that before ..fuckin classic Mellencamp ..I love Bruce both r icons ..100 %

[@Ace911-k1h]

Beautiful

[@dianamcilroy3312]

He's just an out of this town Best everything .... freaking love him.... Saw him in 2017 .... this guy sound's the same as back in the 80's he is priceless 🎶🌞😘❌⭕🙋👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦😍😍😍😍🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹💖💖💖

[@jrhansen99]

Rockers of that generation understand.

[@MarkMaywood]

great - thank You, John Mellencamp! God bless You! Love and light on Your way! Reverend Markus Maiwald/ Meitingen/ Bavaria/ Germany

[@Allagi22]

Born down in a dead man's town The first kick I took was when I hit the ground You end up like a dog that's been beat too much Till you spend half your life just covering up Born in the U.S.A. Got in a little hometown jam So they put a rifle in my hand Sent me off to a foreign land To go and kill the yellow man Born in the U.S.A. Come back home to the refinery Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me" Went down to see my V.A. man He said "Son, don't you understand" I had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off the Viet Cong They're still there, he's all gone He had a woman he loved in Saigon I got a picture of him in her arms now Down in the shadow of the penitentiary Out by the gas fires of the refinery I'm ten years burning down the road Nowhere to run ain't got nowhere to go Born in the U.S.A. I was born in the U.S.A.

[@UCqkdtMiE5ZquD_lF9prae4Q]

👍💓

[@Tunnelof]

Great version by Mellencamp

[@Yoshikarter1]

I think America is great (even though the politicians suck), and I was born in Asia. American patriotism is a passion of mine, and yet I don't feel any more foolish than the alcoholic neighbors that live down the road. There is no shame in showing pride for your country. Everyone has a right to express their love for their home, regardless of age.

[@johnrunion]

that was great. thanks for posting.

[@emadinah]

Wow!! Amazing!!🔥🔥❤️

[@whataboutrob442]

Very cool and different. You can tell Bruce gets it. The stylistic difference.

[@anelladambrosio2513]

La commozione di Bruce e palpabile!! 😍😍💔💔💓💓😘😘💋

[@MrNv2012]

this is AMERICA all the way my very favorite people

[@grahamallen934]

Nice work

[@wallyschlager7281]

both are great both my time

[@dirtyharry140]

John did Bruce proud!

[@countrynuno]

Great music by great performers