Ain't That America the Legacy of John Mellancamp | Professor of Rock

John Mellencamp became a leading voice for Americans through the 80s with life changing songs including Jack and Diane, Check it Out, Pink Houses, Small-town and Cherry Bomb. We celebrate John Mellencamp's rise as the troubadour of the working class and top 5 songs.
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​#70s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 70s songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to see our brand new show there.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: In the 80s, they used to call music from John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Bruce Hornsby, Springsteen and like artists "Heartland Rock". What is the greatest "Heartland" song of the 80s?

[@adolfsson2705]

@Anna Trail you read my mine.. Inmediatly i started thinking in that song

[@amyrussell860]

@Anna Trail 'Old time rock and roll'-gotta love autocorrect :/.

[@TheArchangel911]

Won’t back Down by Tom Petty, so iconic.

[@joshnic6639]

The way it is by Bruce Hornsby is probably the best. I love your channel! Is there any way you could cover “hands to heaven” Breathe? Thanks for the nostalgia!

[@jamestate5059]

John Mellencamp -Rain On The Scarecrow

[@joshharrell8785]

I remember meeting John Melloncamp back in the early 80s. At the ripe age of 8, my dad and I went to visit my uncle who lived in Seymour Indiana. My uncle got a phone call during our visit. When he got off the phone he said, “you guys want to go to a cook out?” Well, we ended up at the Melloncamp house. Turns out that Melloncamp and my uncle were friends in high school. John was home visiting family and called my uncle up to hang out. I must have spent 3 or 4 hours sitting at a picnic table while they reminisced about the good ol days. I didn’t know much about music at the time. The only thing I knew was this guy sang JackAnd Diane on the radio. What has stood out the most about this memory is how friendly and down to earth he was. His family home was out home for those few hours.

[@jerryturner2310]

Awesome story, and I'm sure awesome memories as well!

[@heinzkitzvelvet]

I'm from North Vernon and I used to work at Sylvania out in Freeman Field back in the early 90's. Used to work with a woman named Vicky Harrell. Married to Doug Harrell. I'm wondering if you're related.

[@traintools585]

Such a shame you didn't include Rain On The Scarecrow. Maybe it's because I grew up on a farm, but that song had a lot of truth and meaning behind it. The 80s was a rough time for farmers and John Mellencamp showed them that somebody cared.

[@christymarks9586]

One of my faves as well

[@markjastrzebski2065]

Haunting song. Definitely one of of his best

[@Galworld761]

One of my faves. A few years later, Billy Joel released “Downeaster Alexa” depicting the struggling fishermen on Long Island. I always play these songs back to back. I play Pink Houses right before Springsteen’s My Hometown. Rain on the Scarecrow brings a tear to my eye. It evokes deep empathy.

[@evolv.e]

23:59

[@davidpierce9949]

that's my favorite of his

[@ericwilliams1031]

My favorite Mellencamp song is "Ain't Even Done With The Night". Loved that song since it came out when I was around 10 years old.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's a great one... Sam Cooke playing on the radio...

[@stephenhanft1226]

It's my favorite Mellencamp song, too. I'm really glad to see "Ain't Even Done With The Night" getting a lot of mentions in the comment section. John has such an extensive song catalog that I always felt that song tends to get overlooked.

[@scotts8826]

My newlywed and I danced to that song on our wedding night.

[@thewindowguy43]

I thought I was the only one!

[@5roundsrapid263]

Really good one. It’s not played enough these days.

[@Avgdad86]

In the 1980's my mother entered the Pink Houses contest on MTV. She didn't win the pink house but she did win his album!!!

[@billkeithchannel]

No list of great John Mellencamp songs is complete without _Ain't Even Done With The Night._ It caught my ear right away and I was a fan ever since.

[@karieb2260]

THANK YOU

[@marshalbaek5580]

It was his best song and he wasn't proud of it (that's what I read, but don't know if that's true) or some of the other songs on that album like: This Time I Really Think I'm In Love"

[@thegussguy]

He doesn't seem to like it but I think it's one of his best

[@theman4884]

"I Need a Lover" is a very under rated hit.

[@dukecraig2402]

Absolutely, flat out jam.

[@junelawrimore9567]

Yes.I also loved"Play Guitar"

[@theman4884]

@@junelawrimore9567 Yes. I forgot about that one.

[@junelawrimore9567]

Forget all about thar macho - - - -AN LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR!!

[@edryba4867]

“I Need A Lover” is a completely KILLER song!!!! Especially with that ultra-long intro. You’re absolutely right in pointing it out!

[@paulhiebert1887]

Best mistake that ever happened to me was when I purchased a cassette tape of I think 🤔 it was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at a gas station in Moosomin Saskatchewan. I left back on the highway going to Winnipeg and a couple of miles down the road popped it into my player and the first song I heard sounded vaguely familiar but it definitely wasn't Tom Petty playing or singing. Jack and Diane was just starting to climb the charts in Canada and especially in the prairies. When I heard Ain't Even Done With The Night, I was hooked on whoever it was and as I arrived in Winnipeg I ejected the tape and tuned into 92 CITI FM and Jack and Diane was playing and I made the connection. I later found out that the company in Canada that was distributing the albums from the US had a glitch and mislabeled a number of albums that was distributed primarily to Saskatchewan. It was I believe from an early album called Nothing Matters And What If It Did?

[@61shotbeehive]

I choke up every time you talk about your dad. He is so proud of you, Professor. I had a similar relationship with my dad who passed two years ago. He was a drummer in a mid-1960's Seattle garage band called, The Rebels. They played covers of the Sonics and the Ventures. A true lifelong lover of music who presented songs to me that changed my life. Late in life he rocked the harmonica like no one had ever heard before or since. I miss my dad and I appreciate that you share stories about yours. Keep on keepin' on Professor. You are doing amazing work.

[@imlistening1137]

Wiping tears and tryin’ to type…

[@mem1701movies]

Who was his dad?

[@michaelcousins2526]

John Mellencamp has never reminded me of Springsteen but always more of that of Bob Seger writing about Americana from his own unique perspectives and experiences. Always loved him from 82 forward!

[@Anaris10]

I agree, Springsteen only had one good song, "Born to Run" and then decades later he got "Woke" and went totally kaput.

[@knowhere60]

John Mellencamp was the real deal, came from true working class roots. He makes Springsteen look like a privileged suburbanite.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Michael Cousins ok But Se gart is a wanna be Springsteen himself.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

@@knowhere60 bullshittt he's a totazsl sellout had to change his name three times to succeed.

[@AnthonyP73]

As an Aussie, I don't always relate to every American act you've covered on here Prof, nor do I necessarily know all the tracks. Mellencamp is NOT one of them. His songs speak to me, they always have. The soings are universal and timeless. Thank you for covering this essential artist.

[@m050181]

When I saw him in Perth years ago, he told the audience that Australia gave him his first hit in "I Need A Lover"

[@carolyna4484]

Fellow Aussie here too...adored the Scarecrow album. Saw him live he was amazing.

[@musicmaster83x2]

I’m a black man born in Chicago in the 80s. We moved back-and-forth between Chicago and East Central Indiana most of my childhood. We finally settled in Indiana, and I am mediately fell in love with all of John Mellencamp’s music. I’m just as sentimental about it as yourself

[@burnout3722]

"Hurt So Good"...oh man what a great song!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree 100%

[@DavidGowers]

Easily one of the greatest musical artists of ALL time. His songs are timeless and so profoundly of their time, and he'll never truly age.

[@mrsnookdeb]

What?

[@hallacar]

Hurt So Good was my favorite. I remember listening to American Top 40 every Saturday seeing if it was going to make it to number one and getting so frustrated that it never did. I was so glad that on the year end countdown it placed higher than Jack and Diane.

[@Wonderhussy]

John Mellencamp wrote the soundtrack to the decline and fall of the American dream! I appreciate his music even more after watching this...great video! And loved seeing your dad's pic ❤️

[@floatthecreek]

The Professors' channel is one of my favorites, and so is yours!

[@Aleph3575]

That he did.

[@blebhan8213]

Cherry Bomb really hit home for me in 2005 because the line "17 has turned 35" suddenly became relevant. I was 17 when the song was released.

[@mournblade1066]

His album, _Scarecrow_, is an absolute masterpiece. It makes a great companion piece to Bruce Springsteen's _Nebraska_.

[@austintrousdale2397]

Strong observation. Mellencamp's "Rain on the scarecrow" and Midnight Oil's "Beds are burning" were a 1-2 punch of searing sociopolitoeconomic commentary that knocked me on my teenage butt in the mid-80s. They showed me that protest songs could still work in the age of Reagan and Thatcher.

[@billkeithchannel]

@@austintrousdale2397 Yeah I agree. Those two songs have stood the test of time and I keep going back to them as so meaningful to secure our future. No farms, no food.

[@theberserker5077]

absolutely!

[@sconnieboy1348]

I found your commentary about Cougar firing anyone who called him Cougar relevant. I was listening to a radio interview about a youngish, classically trained violinist who got hired to tour with Mellencamp. The first time the violinist met Mellencamp was backstage before their first show. They were doing a band meeting and the guy was very appreciative and respectful to Mellencamp, told him how he and his music was an inspiration and why he started playing violin in the first place because he never really had heard it on the radio before that. Mellencamp stared at the floor the whole time he talked, wouldn't look the violinist in the eye, then screamed who told this effing effer he could talk to me!? Fire this (bunch of expletives) guy! He said he was allowed to finish the tour but he was never allowed to talk to Mellencamp again or look him in the eye while not on stage. He ended up finishing the interview with "never meet your heroes".

[@toddoverby5538]

What a shame. Such a waste of opportunity to be a great human being.

[@francelaferriere6106]

WTH?

[@murraypft]

I was in the USAF during much of John's prime. I swear it helped me get through those times. We had a party about a year after I got out. I swear, 99% of the music played at the party was JM.

[@YvetteArby]

Thank you for your service!! ✌🏼💖

[@gerrygleason9340]

The Mellencamp song that hits me the hardest is 'Minutes to Memories,' I tell my kids it's one of the best story songs ever. "An honest man's pillow is his peace of mind." Powerful. Love his work. Also love the intro to I need a lover, great. Thanks for your work.

[@beaubradley2171]

My favorite of his. Wish he had written it, though.

[@soapytiger]

100% agree! Posted this in my own comment, now scrolling through to see others. That song gets me every time. Full of wisdom.

[@soapytiger]

@@beaubradley2171 Songwriters: George Green / George Michael Green / John Mellencamp

[@sharoncole4868]

My favorite too!!

[@lisamitchell7933]

Also "earned every dollar that passed through my hands", this song tugs at my heart every time I hear it . Makes me try to be a better person.

[@buckijunki8167]

What a great video about John Mellencamp. My college roommate, in the fall of 1979, had the John Cougar album that came out that summer. She played it all the time. If that wasn't enough, we were students at Ohio State, and she met John's older brother, Joe at school. We used to go watch Joe's bar band play at the campus bars. Fast forward to 2020, I was travelling SB on I-65 in Indiana, listening to Jack and Diane on the radio, when we passed the town of Seymour Indiana, I laughed and cried at the thought of listing to John Mellencamp while driving by his hometown. Been a big fan since the fall of 1979.

[@jeffreyallan4525]

"Check It Out" and "Authority Song" are my favorite Mellencamp songs. The latter is relatable to the rebellious teenage years. Plus the guitar in that song reminds me of the style of the Rolling Stones... and even a little bit of "With A Girl Like You" by the Troggs.. .

[@ArtemousJimmy]

John has been formidable in my musical maturation. At 58, I'm a fearless proud Midwestern factory worker/musician. He revealed who I was before I understood it. I hope to write just one song that explains my life experiences, Mr Mellencamp wrote that song over and over again with clarity. Thank you for this video honoring a great American. I appreciate you.

[@gibblespascack1418]

I think the part that makes John great is that he is thinking about the audience. There was a quote a long time ago said about the time that other artist did not want to play their hits and john in an interview said: You have a couple who is coming to the show. "They paid $35 for each ticket, $25 for parking, $50 for the baby sitter, and if I don't play Jack and Diane, they did not have a good time. So I have to play it." Well now 35 years later, just like the Rolling Stones, he has to play about 10 songs that everyone expects to hear for every show. those songs are listed in the other comments and go way beyond the 5 listed in the video.

[@Anaris10]

I had one of his album's and played the Hell out of it BUT I can't stand "Jack and Diane"!.

[@toddbuckler1617]

I’ve loved John’s music since I was real young. I went to see him in concert in the late 90’s with a good friend of mine. We had recently seen Springsteen who was touring his unreleased material at the time. My good friend was so disappointed in Springsteen’s show as he didn’t play a single hit other an unrecognizable version of Born in the USA. My friend was so disappointed in the show. Then the next concert we went to was Mellencamp, and every song he played everyone knew and could sing along with. It was truly a fantastic show. I’m not knocking that particular Springsteen tour, and I feel it had its place for diehard fans, but as far as a good time the Mellencamp show beat it hands down.

[@YvetteArby]

You gotta love a guy who cares about his fans and always plays the songs that the fans love. ✌🏼💖

[@ianrobinson4200]

Honorable mention: I Need A Lover, it's a really fun song to hear when driving with the long buildup until the vocal finally comes in

[@christyler6234]

Back in the 80’s when I was a little guy, Mellencamp and Huey Lewis were the tapes I listened to the most (Uh Huh & Scarecrow mainly). The best part of Scarecrow for me is Grandma’s Theme, the woman sounded so much like my Grandma and fortunately I can still go back and listen to it to remember her voice since she passed away in 89. I’m so thankful for that.

[@OAlem]

Jack & Diane always takes me back to the roller rink. I can hear the PA system. All skate! I can still feel the girl's hand I held that day.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I love John Mellencamp's music. He really captures everyday life so well, with his songwriting. Cheers! ✌️

[@ProfessorofRock]

He really does. Thanks Dwayne!

[@tahoemike5828]

The best advice I ever got in a song, and I wish I'd taken it twenty five years sooner... "Forget about all that macho shit and learn how to play guitar!"

[@davereed4664]

I love all of John's music, those the Professor mentioned and songs like Lonely Old Night, Get a Leg Up, Rain on The Scarecrow and many more. I saw him in concert in the mid 80's and I can remember him getting upset because the security people wouldn't let anyone stand up and dance. He even stopped during the concert to comment about that saying if you want to stand up and dance do it! Rock on Johnny! 🤘👍✌

[@bethshadid2087]

Authority Song is great too

[@richardlarson9459]

One of the greatest American singer/writer/musicians. One of my favorites is When Jesus Left Birmingham. I saw him live back in the early 80's when he still had the Cougar in his name. He was fantastic.

[@billlambert3832]

Every time I hear Jack & Diane it always takes me back to when I was 15 and just jamming to it over and over and Just feeling care free and having so much fun.. Thanks Professor for unlocking a fun memory 👓🎩 Great story and insight about your Dad Professor..

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@Krullmatic]

John is one of the best artists of all time! Everyone of his songs is killer. The drum breakdown in Jack and Diane, like the drum fill from "In The Air Tonight" by the great Phil Collins, get ones heart pumping with adrenaline! Sidenote: When John does his musical, he should use the original lyrics, and make it about a biracial couple again.

[@BAAWAKnight]

Both songs use the same gated snare technique.

[@Krullmatic]

@@BAAWAKnight Wow okay, thanks for the info!

[@thunderridge4830]

I think it was on Behind The Music. The drummer was asked to come up with a drum solo on Jack and Diane. The drummer being asked about that moment said he was like OMG this is why I am here. I better come up with something. I am paraphrasing but it was funny the drummer explaining the pressure. The drummer was laughing about it as well. Then he nailed the solo.

[@Krullmatic]

@@thunderridge4830 Cool man! Yeah that's a trip lol. The drummer definitely nailed it!

[@timothycormier3494]

The soundtrack of my childhood would not be complete without John mellencamp

[@tnrodgers]

He was the real folk singer of the late 70’s and 80’s. His lyrics were spot in. Pink houses still my #1. Thanks for the great work Adam.

[@kennethlee3200]

Wow as a fellow proud true blue Hoosier. You made me relive my teenage and young adult years of music listening. Really brings tears of happiness and yearning for the invincibility of youth. And the appreciation for what has gone but never ever forgotten

[@ponzo1967]

Seymour is nowhere town, they're very proud of John there. Ain't even done with the night and I need a lover that won't drive me crazy proved his writing skill early on. One of the most consistently great song writers.with a great tone to his voice.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very true.

[@stephenhanft1226]

Don't forget that he gave "I Need A Lover" to Pat Benatar who wound up having a hit with the song.

[@foureyedchick]

@@ProfessorofRock My boyfriend Paul Fischer, a Hoosier born in Indianapolis, called Seymour a town where you see less. (Seymour= see more, pun intended)

[@ponzo1967]

@@foureyedchick not much to see there so I would have to agree LoL

[@rwk1013]

I knew who you talking about just reading the title. I'm a hoosier that loves his music. Great artist with great folk music.

[@miket.220]

I was never his biggest fan, but I love "Lonely Ol' Night", and the video for it was really well done. Definitely captures the feeling and spirit he sings about in the song. Great song.

[@jcripp7974]

Love Mellencamp. He got better and better and deeper and deeper as each record came out. Backed by an absolutely incredibly great band. Saw him twice. Just great. No other way to say it. Truly an American treasure like Petty, Springsteen, Cash, Dylan. He is definitely one of the greats. No doubt about it.

[@davidreay5911]

Always loved John Mellancamp's music , but as always I see the songs in a new light with your video. Around 13.30 when we see that being poor is some people's lot makes me realize that if people work together instead of struggling as separate entities , their lives can change for the better. Thanks Professor Rock.

[@Randy_Smith]

The Lonesome Jubilee tour was my first time getting to see him live and it's an experience I'll never forget. I remember punching redial over and over again on our corded phone trying to get thru to Ticketmaster for seats to the first of five shows that JM did at the old Market Square Arena in Indy. I ended up seeing the first show from nosebleed seats waaaaay up high but I won floor seats from a local radio station that were 6 rows from the stage for the 5th and final show. What a performer. Thanks for taking us all for a very pleasant walk down memory lane

[@rextitus7839]

In 79 I loved "I need a woman", not knowing it was the same guy to come out with "Jack and Diane", it took me several years to put things together!

[@JimRyser]

John was instrumental in shaping both my music and post music career. He had me play on several albums while I was at IU so I could afford tuition! One of my favorite moments was John having me sing at Deer Creek for the third GREAT verse of Pink Houses at a show. Then I got to play violin at the end of the night for Check it Out! He’s a helluva guy no matter how u slice it!

[@timbell3737]

Your music is awesome too!! Love and still listen to " same old look in your eyes".

[@JimRyser]

@@timbell3737 WOW! What a treat to hear that! Thank u!

[@timbell3737]

Also "rain came" was great too!! You're welcome and thanks for the great music!!

[@brin57]

John is not just all memories. Some of his more recent work, while not chart material, are some of the best songs written. Listen to 'Longest Days" for a good example..

[@metalguru67]

The lyrics of 'Check it Out' are very meaningful to me, an underrated lyricist and if its possible for a platinum artists to be underrated than Mellencamp is that artist

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love Check it out. Very meaningful indeed.

[@williamtriplett1274]

One of the best shows you’ve done! You’ve certainly done some great ones! Mellencamp is an icon, imo, his music is timeless and his lyrics are unique and personal to a midwesterner, northwesterner, or an old Appalachian (Apalaaaatchen lol) boy like myself! Thanks for the great breakdown!

[@williamtriplett1274]

Minutes to memories is a great and underrated tune btw!

[@danielevans5864]

@@williamtriplett1274 ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@marshallmcdonald7309]

When I see retrospectives like this, it always makes me smile & chuckle. John & I both graduated from the VU Broadcast Production Tech program. Although years apart. Seeing him in the class of 73 group photo on the wall of the old broadcasting building would put a smile on your face... platform shoes & pompadour hair, piled high. 😉 When you've grown up in the same area of Indiana, you just don't think of him as the great American small town troubador he's come to be honored as. He's just John. I've seen him at Assembly Hall & small clubs back in the day. Heck, you were likely to see him around town at McDonald's on east 3rd or White Castle picking up some fast food in his Jag... and no one cared. Or cares. He's just John. & he likes it that way. Bruce Springsteen came to his place a few weeks ago to do some recording at his studio. & no one cared. Small towns will bring you right back down to earth if you get feeling too uppity. Funny that's one thing someone who shall go unnamed did not like about Bloomington. No one cared who she was. It's so snail town, one of my good friends works for John as his housekeeper.

[@staceyn2541]

I have lived in Bloomington for 20 years and never seen him. Bloom had an amazing article about international celeb types who live here and it was eye opening. I love it here, but then I am from Seymour/Brownstown area so this is big city to me. I just love the idea that anyone can be anonymous here and just live their life. It was a large part of why I chose to move back. That, and it's just home. Though I am still pretty upset about them destroying downtown and the Chocolate Moose.

[@cosmicvixxonalice6795]

Excellent! I was 15 when Jack and Diane came out. When I heard, "Hold on to 16 as long as you can..." I took his advice. To have been a teen as his albums and hits came out was a gift. He gave us so much and I completely agree he stands with the best of the best. I look forward to your future contributions here on him and his music! Keep up the great work!

[@garthleckey9797]

My brother hated that song because he misheard the lyrics: he thought it said “Hold on to the sixties as long as you can…”. We had many a fight about that until we found the lyrics online.

[@timothywettlaufer8107]

... then you tern 63.

[@timothywettlaufer8107]

Then you tern 63.

[@flilguy]

I keep "American Fool" in my truck's CD player. I grew up on a farm in the 1980s. I was so upset about my father having to declare bankruptcy in 1986 that I didn't want to listen to the songs about farming like "Rain On The Scarecrow." I watched the video for the song and it makes me pretty sad. I suppose I should have more gratitude about it. We didn't receive any payments from FarmAid and my father would most likely have turned it down if offered. My parents owned around 400 acres. That was his share of my grandfather's land. Not a big farm by today's standard. The ground was auctioned off for $200 to $300 per acre. Today that land sells for over $5,000 per acre. My father was in debt of around $100,000 the bank foreclosed on the farm because we didn't have additional collateral to secure the loan. We were making the required payments although we weren't making a profit. Without going into a lot of detail that farm would be worth over $1,500,000 in today's money. I was under 18 years old and didn't have much of a say in it. The smartest thing we did was when they served us with foreclosure papers my dad found a good lawyer. If my dad would have just signed the papers they would have taken everything. The world was complex at the time. They had just done "We Are The World" around a year before this. When they auctioned my father's farm equipment off there were people from South America at the auction and some of that equipment was shipped down there. My father had other skills as he was a trained mechanic and a machinist. He also drove heavy equipment and had a degree in electronics. My father lived through bankruptcy and auction in 1986. He passed away from cancer in 1989. I think it took more of a toll on him than we will ever know.

[@johnlosert922]

John Mellencamp was all over the radio in the eighties. I was in bands back then and we always included some of his songs in our set lists. One of the greatest artists of that era.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure.

[@slydale]

Been listening to Mellencamp through every stage in life, jammed with a cover band to "Hurts So Good", and karaoke'd as well... A truly timeless talent.

[@mannyfran8024]

Pink Houses. My personal favorite. Reminds me of my dad who came here with nothing. Raised 4 kids. Nice house and a cabin st the lake. Showed us all anything is possible if you work hard!

[@staceyn2541]

I was born in Seymour, my family goes back to the early 1800s there. John was buddies with my uncle and went to school with my parents. His videos, especially for Small Town, are hard for me to watch. I haven't lived in Seymour for decades. Small Town just kills me because my very beloved grandma was buried in the graveyard from the end of the video in 1999 and I just lose it every time. I have lived in Bloomington for the last 20 years now. John's kids are a bit of a problem, but he is much loved around here. I love John's music but it hits me in all the deepest parts of my heart. The nostalgia and longing for my grandma and my childhood is just intertwined with all of his music. I remember discovering MTV in 1982 while I lived in Houston. One of the videos I really remember has John on a bar, singing and barely dancing. It blew my mind that my parents knew him. I never thought people from my town could be famous or do anything great. I used to love Small Town, and I have a lot of good feelings from high school and later related to this song. The video shows buildings that are gone now. I wrote articles with my grandfather about their history. I have lived many places in America, but this is home to me, and has been since 1830 or so. It's hard to explain that kind of comfort and familiarity, despite being very blue in a ruthlessly red state. I was born in that small town, and I will die in a small town, and that's all right.

[@heavychevy4616]

love john cougar mellancamp! "warmer place to sleep" is one of my personal favorites! thanx professor

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good one. Thanks!

[@fivestring65ify]

China Girl is a great one too.

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

That crazy drum sound that Phil Collins got, was actually something that they stumbled upon by accident. They were tracking drums and they left the talkback mic on, and captured the heavily compressed signal along with the drums. I saw an interview with Kenny Aranoff, and he said that the drums were actually supposed to be removed, and were only left in there as a time keeper for the a cappella vocals in the break. He said that they forgot to remove them and they ended up in there on the final mix. I don’t know which story is accurate, that’s just what Kenny said.

[@scottstalcup6980]

Grew up with Bloomington in my backyard and between Q95 and WTTS, it was REALLY easy to burn out on Mellencamp. I moved up near Chicago where my Mom's side came from for grad school, heard "Smalltown" on the PA in Da Jewel one day and... yep. You nailed it, Adam. Don't like the town I went to school in, but my friends and family still there? Nailed it.

[@masonbechtol5312]

As a Hoosier and a Mellencamp fan, I was going to be upset if Check It Out wasn't on your list... And as usually, you didn't disappoint.

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

I stopped for gas at a tiny store in Seymour Indiana and I went inside and john was sitting inside talking to the old guys inside playing cards. I said hello mr mellencamp and he looked around and said. I thought my dad was here. Just call me john. I still have the hood off of the car I was driving hanging in my garage cause he signed it for me really big. Lol. It's a 73 maverick grabber hood. Wish I could post pictures of it on here. If you ever talk to him ask him about it. He couldn't forget signing a hood. Lolol. That was right after the scarecrow album came out. About a year after

[@JWCFB]

He has smoked his once good voice in to Oblivion, sad. He was a brilliant songwriter and painter. Has a great band. I'm from Indiana, he is a legend at my house. Minutes to Memories makes me think of my dad, the hardest working man I knew. It makes me cry. Pink houses is an American Masterpiece. Uh Huh and Scarecrow were his best work and American Fool is awesome. Uh Huh rocks, it sounds like the stones, only heavier and better. Scarecrow didn't sound very good but it had some brilliant songs. Minutes to Memories, Between a Laugh and a Tear, Justice and Independence, You Gotta Stand for Somethin. The man can write and perform with the best of them. God bless John Cougar, the Indiana Legend

[@MrPhilm00r]

Cherry Bomb is my favorite out of all that you mentioned. The use of the accordion is perfect and the backing vocals are so, so good. Wonderfully nostalgic song.

[@JiminTennessee]

"Scarecrow" got me trough MANY road trips from Normal, IL to Terre Haute, IN for 4 years of back and forth visits to the gal I was seeing at the time, who I ended up marrying when I was 24, and while it didn't last...those were some of the best days of my life. There are songs on that album that still make me tear up. His songwriting is incredibly insightful and soul searching. The memories tapped listening to his music are unmatched in my personal life experience. Thanks for reminding me of this. Peace.

[@williamslifko4222]

Mellencamp debuted at a time when I was in the Navy, mostly away from the US and never back there long enough to become familiar with current music. It wasn't until he came out with Scarecrow that I was back in the States and bought that CD on a whim. I was blown away by the depth of meaning in his lyrics in every song. Many albums if not most have fluff fillers on them that are generally crap lyrically or musically but Mellencamp seemed to put maximum effort into every song. He quickly became one of my favorites and continues to be my highway companion more often than not. His stuff is true Americana.

[@edwardbeaty8899]

Not only did John Mellencamp have great music, his videos were excellent! Great singer and songwriter!

[@theberserker5077]

I'm 64 y friend and I am so glad you do this work. John is one of my favs, if not the one, and I sing him daily. Oh. I sing many others but god he makes e feel so damn good,. YOU and your show do too. I had shelved so much of my past and especially the 80s as it was such a crazy time but when you take out the nutty destructive crap what remains is still amazing and you bring me back in a special way. Mellencamp too and he will always be in my life Thanks dude. I'll be out here rockin away and will stay tuned to U!

[@larryhall2805]

John M spoke with that subtle Hoosier accent. A national treasure, really. Fred Ward nailed the accent in his portrayal of Gus Grissom in the movie The Right Stuff'. I loved his Key West Intermezzo best. The lyric 'a loud Cuban band is crucifying John Lennon' makes chuckle. I bet John L would've liked it, too.

[@coltspop]

John Mellencamp, excellent composer, awesome lyricist. Two of my favorites from John are "Check it out" and Minutes to Memories. Professor keep up the great work, your passion of music is unsurpassed. I love your channel and the stories you recite express your true sentiment of the arts Thank You!!

[@danielevans5864]

Minutes to Memories!!! 👏👏👏

[@loveistruth5713]

My favorite song by John Is.. I need a lover.. one of my favorite long introductions.

[@GenX1964]

"Minutes To Memories" is almost like a prequel to Check It Out. Overlooked underrated gem about the generations from the Scarecrow.

[@scottstalcup6980]

Can I just give you a standing ovation for pronouncing "Vincennes" correctly? Oh, the ways that town's name has been mangled!

[@adamvangesen9166]

I had scoliosis surgery when I was 15. In the hospital and while recovering at home I listened to my Scarecrow cassette over and over. I had just got it before the surgery and it literally carried me through. I love John, he is vastly underrated imho. My #1 will always be Authority Song. 🖖✌️

[@TheStrykerProject]

Wow Professor! This episode has my mind going 100 mph. John Mellencamp's songs, especially the ones I grew up with, just bring out so many emotions and musings that I'd have to write a whole essay to express myself. Suffice to say, I *totally* agree that those who think he's a 'lesser' singer/songwriter than Bruce Springsteen are completely wrong.

[@counterpuncher01]

"Can't tell your best buddy that you love him."...THAT's the line that chokes me up.

[@soapytiger]

I’m from the heartland and Mellencamp is pure gold. 5. I Need a Lover (That Won’t Drive Me Crazy) 4. (Everyone Needs) A Hand to Hold Onto 3. (Is This Your Life) Jackie Brown 2. Rain on the Scarecrow 1. MINUTES to MEMORIES (which hits me harder than any in his catalog. So rich, painting broad swaths across the midwestern background, articulating the connective tissue between generations. Full of wisdom. One line I’ve relied on in my adult life; “An honest man’s pillow is his peace-of-mind”. It’s at the top of my list. Love all the songs you chose as well, but those are mine.)

[@barrel42]

I'm a 6th decade American Hoosier living in France. I come from a similar small town in Indiana, Greenfield. JM is with me in music and part of me is always home in Indiana. May JM live long and continue to prosper, sharing his dreams with us on the journey of life - just like Johnny Cash.

[@counterpuncher01]

YES ADAM! "Check it out " #1....one of my favs of all time, any band, any genre...this song makes me cry sometimes....We love you!!!!

[@judithgoulding8046]

John's songs always seem to take you back to the heartland. Genuine in his story telling style and his songs have such a nostalgia feel. Scarecrow is stacked with some of his best! An album that brings back the best of memories! Loved this....Love John!.❤️ Thank you Professor!!

[@DanieVargas]

I’ve loved John Mellencamp’s voice ever since I can REMEMBER! I Need a Lover…. I must’ve been 10? His voice… wow! But it wasn’t until I met a VERY close friend, Barry Brawley, who was FROM Paragon IN (yet another small town in Indiana.). I can remember the 2 of us discussing Mellencamp’s music INDEPTHLY!! Paragon was SO SMALL, they didn’t have a grocery store. They didn’t have MAILBOXES ON THEIR HOUSES!! As far as I could tell, the town of Paragon consisted of 6 blocks of single family homes, a CLOSED IGA supermarket and it was either a gas station or a liquor store, don’t remember well anymore) Everyone lived 10 mins “down the road” from Martinsville, that’s where everything was. The post office, the grocery store, all the schools…. And Martinsville was pretty damn small too!! Martinsville was 20-30 mins “down the road” from Bloomington! Barry took me home with him and showed me what Smalltown America was like! I grew up in a suburb of Washington DC. I lived 20 mins NW of the White House!! So when he showed me HIS town, I was UTTERLY overwhelmed with CULTURE SHOCK!! His family home backed up to a CORN FIELD!! I was the literal “City Slicker”…. But everyone was so friendly to me! Had a “moment” of just how small this town was…. Barry was showing me Martinsville by walking around the “town square” it was literally a town that grew up around the town hall.. THIS SCENE WAS COMPLETELY REMINDING ME OF BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Right down to the town hall with the clock tower!! The only exception was that their clock still worked!! And EVERYONE would say hello to each other! MIND BLOWN!! Barry finally says to me “you need to say hi back to people! You’re being rude!” Wha-what?! I DONT KNOW THESE PEOPLE!! I was raised NOT to talk to strangers!! This one moment sticks out to me…. But I digress. The first time I heard Smalltown by John Mellencamp, it screamed out to me that this was Barry’s song!! It blatantly shouted out Smalltown America!! TO THIS DAY it still reminds me of Barry….

[@staceyn2541]

Drove through Paragon a couple years ago when they were working on the road between Martinsville and Bloomington. I think it's even smaller now! Btw, in Spencer, IN there's a Wal-Mart surrounded by cornfields. They butt right up to the parking lot. Spencer is kinda southwest of Paragon. Your comment made me laugh. I have been to DC, drank at someplace called the Crowbar? Local friend was terrified my brother was gonna talk to the crackheads outside and get mugged. We aren't quite as clueless as that, but I like the contrast to your experience in my neck of the woods! :)

[@DanieVargas]

@@staceyn2541 Going to Paragon for a weekend was a LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE I have never forgotten… (33 years ago)

[@truthsleuth271]

I want Professor of Rock to speak at my funeral. Nobody does a better job at putting thoughts and feelings into words.

[@sherrychastain2920]

Thank you, Larry Cranes guitar tech for the last 30.years.totally enjoy your work ,you Sir .have a gift. Greg c....

[@christopherallen9580]

Larry still performs? Cool!

[@dandavidson424]

"Check It Out" is my favorite John Mellencamp song, too. It's amazing how moving and meaningful this song is, now that I'm in my late 40s, the same as when I was in my early teens.

[@lisamitchell7933]

Rolling through Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia on the way to Florida for spring break in 87, Chevy diesel 4x4 with a camper on it blasting Lonesome Jubilee. Three Canadian kids living our best lives. Always takes me back. One of my favourite artists for sure

[@somerandommom5030]

I always loved "Lonely Ol' Night"--the part at the end where he yells out to a friend driving by without realizing he was still being filmed is hilarious. "Rumble Seat" is another favorite.

[@rjonboy7608]

Most of the girls at my HS loved JCM. That's how we called him. Playing his tapes on the car radio was the key on a date. R.O.C.K. was brilliant. Great song to dance to in the moonlight.

[@davidcarroll4058]

Nice collection of songs from a great American songwriter... Your father must be very proud of you sir ... You honor the music that he loved ... And in the process; you deeply honor him. God bless.

[@mrbniederer]

Cherry Bomb reminds me of The Sugar Shack in National City where my grandma and grandpa had a cottage at Sand Lake. I learned a line dance when I was about 14 with Stefanie Brandemoor. Great memory.

[@charlesc7950]

My 5'er 1. Small Town 2. Jack and Diane 3. Pink Houses 4. Rain on the Scarecrow 5. Crumblin Down

[@brownhornet541]

@Professor I always love the nostalgic way you reminisce about your dad and what an influence he had on your musical taste. It gives your channel a truly honest and tangible feel.

[@kencurtis7322]

The man sings what is in his heart, to the ears of those who choose to listen!!!

[@-.Steven]

Summer 1980, I hear the song, I need a lover, by John Cougar. Been a fan ever since!

[@maureenbennett1933]

I am a fellow Hoosier, my Dad was transferred when I was 6, I was proud of anyone from Indiana making it!

[@ronaldmccloskey8850]

He’s also an incredible live performer.

[@johnathansaegal3156]

"Pink Houses" was a powerful song about poverty and loss of that dream. I never heard that song as some rah-rah, hooray song... because those old crazy dreams just came and went. The video captured the song quite well.

[@jameskipp1657]

The best concert I have ever seen John Mellencamp the Lonesome Jubilee Tour in San Diego, CA, 1988

[@GMCKINST]

I always loved John’s music because I could sit down with my guitar, put in his tape or CD and play along and the music and it went together. It sounded good.

[@Jimc4007]

Best live show I ever went to, saw him in 85-86ish.

[@bergie67]

I think Lonesome Jubilee was the right album at the right time when it was released. I was about 20 and living in small town New Zealand. There were more than a few singles off that album on the jukebox in our local pub and I can tell you, they got played a lot. It took me until I was in my early 40s to get to see John Mellencamp live and what an entertainer he is with stories of how he came up with his songs.

[@SamIamIam]

My son bought me tickets to see him live, about 2 years ago we had a great time and a great concert. My son did not know he sang the songs, but knew the songs.

[@larrymelroy5687]

I grew up in a small town in Nebraska my good friend live right across from our town swimming pool ,in the summer we would take his sansui stereo system and the huge speakers he had just built outside set up lawn chairs and blast john Cugar hurts so good man what great time and I know all the kids at the pool enjoyed it 😀

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great memory. Thanks for sharing.