John Mellencamp: Life and music
John Mellencamp personifies Midwestern American ideals: creativity, responsibility, and rugged patriotism.
His southern Indiana roots are now famous, and after three decades in the music business, Mellencamp's latest album draws upon music that typifies the American experience.
CBS News correspondent Russ Mitchell sat down with the artist once known as "John Cougar" to talk about his latest work and his life outside music.
Born in Seymour, Ind., Mellencamp now calls a 56-acre property outside Bloomington home. He lives there with his wife of 11 years, model Elaine Irwin, and their two sons. Mellencamp's home is a woodsy escape, complete with a rustic barn. The barn has become like his sanctuary.
"I write songs up here. I talk on the phone up here. I do all kinds of business up here," he says.
Songwriting is not the only longtime passion Mellencamp indulges in. He also uses the barn for painting, which he says involves a similar creative process to music.
"I come up here with a vague notion of what I'm going to do and then … it goes it's own way and takes you on this road of kinda like this mini-discovery each time you do it," he says.
This process of discovery drove Mellencamp back into the studio to explore the roots of American music. Listening to recordings from as far back as the 1920s, Mellencamp took the opportunity to put his own mark on songs he says tell the stories of our country.
The result? A critically acclaimed album called "Trouble No More." Quite a nice complement to his 12 multi-platinum albums and his 18 Grammy nominations, with smash hits like "Pink Houses" and "Small Town."
In spite of his popular success, Mellencamp refuses to sway from his ideals. He will not license his music for commercials. He has been openly vocal against the Bush administration and the war in Iraq, even going so far as to write a song about it, entitled, "To Washington." He's been in the business since his teen years and he's not afraid to speak his mind.
"You know, for me it was like, 'Wait a minute. This isn't my third album, you know? And I don't care what you say.'"
Mellencamp also helped found FARM AID, a non-profit organization designed to help the disappearing family farmer, almost 20 years ago. At this year's annual FARM AID concert, Mellencamp voiced some of his political concerns and played "To Washington" to a mixed reception — some cheers, some boos.
Mellencamp takes solace in his family: his wife and two sons, as well as his three daughters from previous marriages. Mellencamp also tells Russ Mitchell how he developed a close relationship with his dad, out of a volatile one.
But Mellencamp is far from done. Not even a heart attack at 42 slowed him down, although he's had to make some lifestyle changes. He plans to continue writing music.
"You know, I still haven't made the album that I think—is the quintessential Mellencamp record. Still struggling."
