Sunday Profile: John Mellencamp

Jane Pauley profiles the rocker and fellow Hoosier who has just released his 23rd studio album, "Sad Clowns & Hillbillies." John Mellencamp explains why he is driven to make music, and talks about his other passion: painting.
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[@frankquezada5490]

I love his last statement in this interview "I'm sixty-five years old, I can see the finish line from here, I only have so many summers left, and I intend not to waste them.....being old". Well I'm sixty-five this December, and I'm gonna live by John Mellencamps words. Thank You John, Rock On.

[@TooLooze]

I just turned 70 and have the same philosophy if not talent and money. But I'm always grateful to hear it from someone.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Same here... Amen!

[@terryr_zappa8193]

It's been one helluva ride to this point. I wonder what happened to the tracks tho and who is gonna fix them.

[@Doowopsid]

I hear you! I’m surprised I’ve made it to 70

[@sharonklinger912]

Such an inspiration this man! I was all alone couldn't see my way out til I saw interview of John what made him tick so I went back to sketching.My first pic was Bob Marley and more followed. Whenever I feel jammed up I play one of his CDs and remember he is a true artist. Very talented, luvs his artwork as well as music,

[@quentindugger5389]

John is probably the most genuine guy in popular music today. He flopped on his first album selling only 12,000 copies of *Chestnut Street Incident* then a few years later he goes over 5x Platinum with *American Fool* and would go on to become an American icon in music. He remains one of my favorite singers.

[@rbbrown2106]

1973 - Vincennes University - A guy sitting under a tree in front of Morris Hall, playing guitar, singing and smoking cigarettes. My roommate said, you see that guy there? He's a townie, majoring in broadcast production and he's going to be famous one day. I said, he's alright, but I don't see him being a rock star. Just one more thing in my life I was wrong about. John Cougar Mellancamp. Who knew?

[@donnanoe6736]

I am just a smidge to the left of him. Plus, I do listen to the lyrics. I was in Bloomington in 1984. I would see John in the College Mall as well as driving around campus. We exchanged small talk on several occasions. His music today is as valid as it was when he first started.

[@attielordan7554]

Great performance in Hartford.

[@leathification]

Jane P. is a fabulous interviewer. She is so respectful and empathic. Thank you Jane and Thank you John. This interview was classic.

[@robbierudolph8599]

He's living his life, and I think it's great. I love all of his lyrics, and I have since the 80's, he is real rock n roll, and blues--you just can't find real artists anymore, love ya John, from a small town in Indiana!

[@charleshall9755]

His haircut style doesn't suit the shape of his head....

[@utubeAgape]

I’ve always “listened” to your lyrics John. Their truth moves me. That is what art does to the human soul. Your talents have blessed many a soul❤️

[@cyndimetcalf9198]

Hey Mr. Mellencamp I appreciate all the music that you have given us over the years! It will never get old!!

[@stevennungary4145]

Me to Cindy thanks

[@scootar097]

Hey cougar, give it up

[@jcripp7974]

This guy just got better and better as he went on. Brilliant songwriter. Great band in the day.

[@gretaholmes783]

You made everything so much more fun than it was and then when things didn’t seem as fun you made them seem fun again! I was so happy to see you didn’t burn out and give up because you’re music is still as joyful as ever and good for our hearts sometimes it brings back memories sometimes it makes them but it’s always a win win with John Mellencamp! You are the best!

[@annettesoto8319]

One of my all time favorite singers....saw him in Santa Barbara in April 2019....I would definitely see him again!!!

[@teawithmissyp]

I have always liked John Mellencamp's music. Living life on his terms. Good for him.

[@SissyShamrock]

What a likeable guy with a passion for living life to the fullest.

[@jimmyinatree]

Not really..

[@adriantomlin2902]

John Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp, orJohn fricken Mellencamp. Whatever he wants to call himself, he's a man who's been very successful in the music business. He owes no explanation to anyone on how lives his life!! End of story.

[@SissyShamrock]

@John Mellencamp Do you happen to remember a kid named Adam you used to play ball with in Vincennes? He would probably have been 10 years younger than you. He is my ex-husband. I was fortunate enough once to visit the campus of Vincennes University where you went to school. It was really beautiful. Colors were awesome! (during Fall)

[@scootar097]

far fromm likeable....darn....look it up , have a clue.

[@johncrouch347]

John Cougar Mellencamp is one of the greatest and I do sit down and listen to the lyrics of all of his songs

[@RollingOrmond]

2:15 - I love that song Rumbleseat they're playing. Jane Pauley seems genuinely charmed by him.

[@scootar097]

jane Pauley ick

[@Mjt1262]

Talented and true to his beliefs. Bravo Mr Mellencamp. Thank you for sharing your immense talent

[@Leolioness44]

We used to go down to Bloomington to listen John Mellencamp for a $1.25 at The bluebird Cafe on Friday or Saturday

[@dawn7220]

I have always liked Mr. Mellencamp. Cool guy.

[@chironapolonio]

I love Jane Pauley. She's so relatable and down-to-earth.

[@ringpop6177]

When I hear John Mellancamp I just want to hang out in the corn field

[@ukmedicfrcs]

That sounds creepy lol

[@nosbigem]

I use to love his music, and loved to see him Dance.

[@islandgirl8914]

1960's girl still listen to him......reminds me of summer

[@3joewj]

This dude is a living American ICON..!

[@TUBULETD46]

Go, John - you truly and really know how to make great heartfelt creative music!

[@gailenefuller8330]

I drove to Augusta, GA.To the Metapolaton Museum of Art to see his art show by myself because none of my friends would go.It was awesome,wish I could buy one

[@miriammccray5550]

Love and still listen to SCARECROW album. Minutes to Memories is a great song. Turn it up! I am John's age. I hope we have more than a few summers left. Indiana born, Colorado raised.

[@islandgirl8914]

Love him!! His music reminds me of my childhood and summer. I’m die in a small town❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@williwombat1066]

Mellencamp has always had good music with great introspection. Rock on and live.

[@JimmyRonan1992]

I'm an Old Soul Millennial I Love his music 🙏🔥♥️

[@stevehoward3981]

I saw John when he was warming up for Nazareth in the late 70s. It was a concert where everyone was standing. Nazareth was up on the mezzanine watching John play and shaking their heads because there was no way that they could follow his energy. Will never forget that.

[@ginnyfolcarelli1734]

Beautful yard, nature..ty 4 sharing GOD bless u 4 all the great music threw the years!!!

[@peoplevsradio317]

Indiana reporter interviews Indiana rock star. I dig it.

[@Private_Hoppa]

peoplevsradio317 watched by a 14 year old from Indiana.

[@NEVERSHOUTNEVER1991]

peoplevsradio317 Hoosier pride! 🇺🇸

[@MrMike0925]

I was twelve years old and growing up in a small town in 1982. That song spoke to me even then. Thanks John!!

[@richardchristman8913]

Love you and your music Mr. Mellencamp, PLEASE, don't ever get old!!! I'm not looking forward to the day you retire and I hope I get to see you during your last tour if there ever is one!

[@sierraridgereaper]

Saw him back in 82, I was just a teenager. I hear those songs now and it takes me back to those days like Ive been beamed back in time. Such awesome times to remember.

[@christinenanaguy1143]

He looks awesome for 65! Here's to you John Melencamp! Love From a little yellow house in Colorado!

[@tommathew7684]

John Mellencamp. 100% business. 24/7. God bless America.

[@davidspurlock3836]

Great interview and I do love his music.

[@brandoguy3338]

Thanks for the incredible music John

[@KDL861]

Love him! ❤️. Indiana be proud! So happy he returned to his given birth name. 👍

[@cynthiasmith4130]

He is great!!!!!!! 👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️....

[@jbt6007]

Love him -- an original voice. Say it like you mean it........

[@danielmarquis5258]

Thank you John for your contributions to the Arts over the past four decades!!

[@ruthbuckingham4625]

It seems so peaceful where he lives. That’s why he loves Indiana so much!! Great place to chill & relax. ❤️🥰🎸

[@rimetime6423]

Jane is completely in love with him

[@usfanlovesjiwoo1978]

I noticed that too.

[@jonmaeda9763]

She wanted to wrap her legs around him & ride him like that Triumph!!

[@jcat1507]

Yes and I'm getting into him myself, don't blame her at all!

[@motorcityquig]

I can see why considering the dork she is married to.

[@kevinhale4921]

Exactly, the only reason she got on that bike without a helmet.

[@jdtractorman7445]

I've always liked John's music. It relates to the common person. When a person hears any of his songs they can say "hey that could be me in that situation". A little note about the "Jack and Diane" song, John stated in an interview once that when they finished writing and playing the song that the hand claps were not in it. Those were added after the fact because the song was not that good without them. Jack and Diane, Hurts so good, crumbling down, pink houses, small town are songs I really like of his. I have to say one that really hits home with me is "Rain on the Scarecrow" because both of my grandparents owned dairy farms.

[@tommathew7684]

No one ever gives his management credit. He has one of the best teams in America. Creative. Promotion. Stylists. Backup. Managers. Road crews. Agents. Producers. Lawyers. It is always nice to see someone make it in America!

[@TT-vz5uc]

I’m a Hoosier! Just went camping at lake Monroe & seen his lake house. It looks gorgeous! I love his music & I think it’s cool that he’s a Hoosier & has a lake house in Bloomington.

[@MG-kj2fx]

I totally agree with John. I want to do something, learn something, see something new everyday!

[@gaylaaucoin9667]

Damn I knew I liked him long ago and still do 🥰❤️🌈🦋🌈🙏🔥

[@terryr_zappa8193]

He is another coolest guy on the planet right up there with Ringo Star and Phill Collins.

[@garygray6997]

Absolutely need John Mellencamp as a president just look at his life look at his heart understanding to this country and most of all the people in it I'm praying for God to do a miracle intervention I hope he can open the door for him we've seen Saul in the White House now it's time for David

[@garygray6997]

Start sticking giant banners up on your roof John Mellencamp for president and let it catch on like fire all over this country

[@terryr_zappa8193]

People who want to be in charge of everyone else have something wrong with them. John is not one of those people.

[@alexander101207]

65 years old, wow! He looks younger. Still has his boyish looks!

[@chrisg2454]

Incredebly genoriuos man Met him back stage in fort wayne in and talked awhile gave things to take home to wife and kids

[@Controversial_Celebrity_Quotes]

I don't share his political views, but he's a cool and interesting figure.

[@oceantube3473]

im 29 but whoever that interviewer woman is, shes got the most goergeous eyes and smile ive ever seen

[@jamesmccutchen2014]

Jane Pauley

[@andrewjackson829]

OceanTube funny u say that. Although my mom and dad had a lifelong love story and recently both passed which has honestly taken part of me with them. My dad always had a little crush on Jane Pauly. She’s still looking pretty good.

[@jshepard152]

You should've seen her 35 years ago.

[@kjellnoekker4026]

Saw him about 10 years ago- excellent concert, very pleasantly surprised.

[@WarriorMigs24]

Thank you John

[@SilverStingray1974]

Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp, John C. Mellencamp and then finally just John Mellencamp if we really want to get into how many names he's gone by over the years.

[@sandib4234]

Love John n his music.Go John!!!!!!!!!!

[@camouflaged2]

I love those lines...Life is short even it's longest days....so true. Easy Targets, country's broken hearts. Doesn't care about the Critics! The good people don't. Because the critics can think what they want. They a wrong because they did not write the music, the lyrics, the harmony. The professional working the work did. Just like Billy Joel. Your mom with give you the self assurance you need. But still open enough to be molded and willing to learn lessons from the a woman in his life! That's just how men are.

[@cherbert359]

I’ve always loved Jane pauley in 40 plus years never new she was fellow Hoosier

[@cardo1111]

John Mellencamp is a legend. So many great songs, Life is short even in its longest days is my favorite of his late career efforts. Similar to Neil Young's Ramada Inn being an excellent late career effort for Neil.

[@lindapanknin7822]

John Mellencamp will rock forever.

[@trainrecked]

Great and humble personality..amazingly gifted artist...I like John for his music, but more coz of his love for democracy..I care less than two sh... about the RW club says about him. This guy lives his life big and bold when he wants, but, he also appreciates and embraces the little things in life. A successful career man and recognizes the means of how he got there. True American....whether you agree with his politics or not.

[@waypasthadenough]

Stop calling my republic a democracy: "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence. Article IV, Section 4 Why are we pushing democracy when we've lost our Liberty? "Democracy is the road to socialism." - Karl Marx So when will the republicrats repeal the 16th amendment and the evil gun laws and pass a constitutional amendment to ban socialism? Why are we REFORMING COMMUNISM? WHY is NO ONE asking WHY we HAVE an income tax? Democracy is evil, another form of manipulation, two wolves and a sheep voting on lunch. Liberty is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote and killing the wolves. We MUST DEMAND LIBERTY! The most important things to do: www.freekentucky.com/the-most-important-things-to-do/ The only real reason for the militia: www.freekentucky.com/the-only-real-reason-for-the-militia/ A few things that might matter: www.freekentucky.com/a-few-things-that-might-matter-or-the-basics-part-two/ A conspiracy to indoctrinate, or “What is an education?”: www.freekentucky.com/a-conspiracy-to-indoctrinate-or-what-is-an-education/ What’s the ultimate question?: www.freekentucky.com/whats-the-ultimate-question/ They consider us to be livestock. All they do must be assessed with that fact in mind.

[@coyote520]

Love this guy. Always did.

[@steveferguson823]

Love his music

[@soglossytv9794]

John i just love your music.

[@Cheekingmymeds]

I went to Seymour last summer, very cool -- there's an amazing mural of John there. Neat to see it in person... :)

[@youtuber3328]

to be COMPLETELY honest i did do and/or PROBABLY will really LOVE john mellencamp

[@scottclark7684]

Grass roots music! Rock on brother!!!!!!!

[@scottclark7684]

From one Hoosier to another thanks for all you do Indiana proud!!!!!!!

[@BrianMackey2010]

John we hear you man, we always have.

[@clarencedixon6709]

Much Love , and RESPECT 🤓

[@eliasperez9975]

I use t listen to this guy from when he was young. Awesome music he still has.

[@HOWYOUDOIN884]

World seemed like it was a better place when he was all over the radio

[@tommathew7684]

What a musician! Only honest rock musician. He says it frankly. Music is a business.

[@maryhohman7050]

Love all his music from John Cougar to John Mellencamp.

[@denisesabah9550]

First song I ever heard from him. Thought he was AWESOME 😎

[@NancyFreire-dv4pi]

I love him and his music 🎼🎶🎼🎶🎼🎶🎼

[@LeeLee19901]

I love his music. Very talented story teller

[@professorjams]

That's a great interview.

[@lancejasper7708]

Hes Awesome in lots of ways

[@ruthworman2733]

I kn wasn't he just the cuties little boy you ever saw. Besides my son now 🙂 but every mother feels that way. I took the time one time to sit down and look up John, I loved 😍 his music so much. But little did I kn ,I was reading and hearing something about him that my own son was born with . Spinal bifida his story is amazing how the doctors used him. Well my son yrs later in 1976 is when my son was born with it. But John was more fortunate than my son. It affected my sons legs when they did my son's surgery when he was born so he never walked. But was so so smart. This I couldn't believe the story I was hearing about John and its is one amazing story if you hadn't heard it or reead about it. So this just just made me love ❤️ this man even more after that you kn . I love all of his music. I sure wish I could met him one day. I live not thst far from him really. Been a fan my goodness at least since I was a young girl still a fan and I'm almost 65 now. John if you ever read your comments man hope you kn this lady here loves ❤️ you and your music my friend. Hope I can call you friend. I was born in small town too. 🥰👏 I grew up in a small town 👍 I'm sure you have probably heard where I'm from . Great song there 👌 👏 👍 🥰❤❤

[@jag1870]

Coolest cat of all!

[@markharper6787]

He has gotten better with age........and he was pretty good in the beginning.

[@Dydy-kv3yx]

I love him so!!!

[@CatherineSTodd]

3:58: "Young without lovers, old without friends." Poignant; says it all.

[@kaslogan5597]

Love jack and Diane. Fav song

[@spookypizzagiftshop]

John Mellencamp is the Willie Nelson of our generation.

[@jackietimmons465]

Wag my friend John you’re the absolute best ❤❤❤

[@jackietimmons465]

I mean wtg

[@I_Waste_Food]

I love that they didn’t cut out the smoking.

[@reneerenee9774]

2019 and I still listen to him and sing along.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

His art is so beautiful.

[@garynelson3634]

I listen to them John, keep on riding and singing Love all of it

[@silverlve70]

Rock on, sir, rock on.

[@lynnturman8157]

You know you're getting old when the Sunday morning shows do a profile on you.

[@Nash1965H]

So you're what sixteen? Don't hold your breath for CBS Sunday morning to call you for an interview. Melloncamp is an icon. You jealous witch!

[@lynnturman8157]

Ha ha....I love John Mellencamp. He's one of the great singer/songwriters. Calm down.

[@Nash1965H]

Lynn Turman Then show him the RESPECT he deserves!

[@usfanlovesjiwoo1978]

Lynn Turman you have to admit, your comment was pretty stupid and rude.

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Geez people, learn to take a joke.

[@bluetickfreddy101]

One of a kind guy

[@leviridge3307]

his grandmother taught piano and was an artist ,we found a drawing from his grandmother in a basement in a house in indiana where i grew up

[@domsawyer8953]

What an inspiration!

[@sillygoose4176]

I'm a Hoosier and I'm way to the right of John Cougar. Love him and his music. If you grew up there during those years you know. Don't care about his politics. He's a rock star and so talented. I even watched him film a video at the fun frolic. Will never forget that. Love ya John

[@chrisf8855]

A true American legend!!!

[@steveferguson823]

I love this interview