History of John Mellencamp in Timeline
John Mellencamp is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for his heartland rock style, characterized by traditional instrumentation. He initially gained recognition under various stage names, including Johnny Cougar and John Cougar. Mellencamp's significant contributions to music were acknowledged with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, and later, into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. These honors solidify his lasting impact on American music and songwriting.
20 hours ago : Mellencamp Defends Knicks Fans, Stiller and Esiason Criticize McAfee's Celebrity Comments.
John Mellencamp defended Knicks' celebrity fans against Pat McAfee's criticism. Ben Stiller deemed McAfee 'weird' for his comments on celebrity attendees like Timothée Chalamet. Boomer Esiason also criticized McAfee's remarks on celebrities at Knicks playoff games.
October 7, 1951: John Mellencamp's Birth
On October 7, 1951, John J. Mellencamp, the American singer-songwriter known for his heartland rock, was born. He was previously known as Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, and John Cougar Mellencamp.
1955: Ampex Recording Machine
John Mellencamp used a 1955 Ampex portable recording machine to record his new album titled No Better Than This
1957: Tragedy in Lake Belle Reve, Mississippi
In 1957, a tragedy occurred in Lake Belle Reve, Mississippi, involving the deaths of two brothers and a young girl, which became a local legend influencing the narrative of the Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.
1962: The End of the World
The 1962 Skeeter Davis hit "The End of the World" was performed at the 2003 Town Hall concert, but did not make the final track list, despite the album's press release.
April 1964: Last Mono Release Top 10 Album Before Mellencamp
In April 1964, James Brown's Pure Dynamite! Live at the Royal album peaked at No. 10 and was the last mono-only release to make the top 10 before John Mellencamp's No Better Than This in 2010.
1964: Bob Dylan's Song 'Only a Pawn in Their Game'
John Mellencamp's 2020 song "A Pawn in the White Man's Game" was a re-working of the 1964 Bob Dylan song 'Only a Pawn in Their Game' reflecting on the killing of Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers.
1966: Mention of "Sunshine Superman" hit
In 2005, during the Words and Music Tour, John Mellencamp and Donovan duetted on Donovan's 1966 hit "Sunshine Superman".
1968: Historical Footage in 'A Pawn in the White Man's Game' Video
The video for John Mellencamp's August 2020 song "A Pawn in the White Man's Game" featured footage of protesters and police clashing violently in 2020 and 1968, highlighting the racial conflicts in the U.S.
1970: Marriage to Priscilla Esterline
In 1970, John Mellencamp married Priscilla Esterline.
1972: Attendance at Vincennes University
In 1972, John Mellencamp began attending Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana.
1974: Travels between Indiana and New York City
In 1974 and 1975, John Mellencamp spent 18 months traveling between Indiana and New York City.
1975: Meeting with Tony DeFries
In 1974 and 1975, after 18 months of traveling between Indiana and New York City, Mellencamp met Tony DeFries of MainMan Management, who signed him but insisted on the stage name Johnny Cougar for his first album.
1977: Recording of "The Kid Inside"
In 1977, Mellencamp recorded "The Kid Inside" as a follow-up to "Chestnut Street Incident", but it was not released at the time.
1979: Release of 'John Cougar' Album
In 1979, Mellencamp released the album "John Cougar" in the United States, which included the song "I Need a Lover."
1980: Turning Down the Lead Role in "The Idolmaker"
In 1980, John Mellencamp declined the lead role in the movie "The Idolmaker", fearing that too much financial success would diminish his motivation to create music.
1980: Release of 'Nothin' Matters and What If It Did'
In 1980, Mellencamp released the album 'Nothin' Matters and What If It Did', which was produced by Steve Cropper and featured two Top 40 singles.
1981: Divorce from Priscilla Esterline; Marriage to Victoria Granucci
In 1981, John Mellencamp divorced Priscilla Esterline and married Victoria Granucci.
1982: Release of 'American Fool' and Grammy Win
In 1982, Mellencamp released his breakthrough album, "American Fool", featuring the hit singles "Hurts So Good" and "Jack & Diane." "Hurts So Good" won a Grammy Award.
1982: Breakthrough Success in the 1980s
Starting in 1982, Mellencamp achieved significant success with a series of top 10 singles.
1983: Release of 'Uh-Huh' and Band Lineup
In 1983, John Cougar Mellencamp released the Top-10 album 'Uh-Huh', which featured hit singles like "Pink Houses" and "Crumblin' Down". The backing band settled on its core lineup during the recording of this album.
1983: Explanation for Rejecting the Lead Role in "The Idolmaker"
In 1983, John Mellencamp explained to the Toledo Blade his reason for turning down the lead role in "The Idolmaker" in 1980, stating he feared that financial success would diminish his motivation to create music.
1983: Release of Pink Houses
In 1983, Mellencamp released the song 'Pink Houses' which he later expressed annoyance for being taken out of context and used as a patriotic anthem.
1983: Mellencamp's Critique of Early Singles
In 1983, Mellencamp told Record Magazine that his earlier singles were "stupid little pop songs."
1983: Release of 'The Kid Inside'
In early 1983, after Mellencamp had achieved stardom, Tony DeFries finally released "The Kid Inside", an album that was originally recorded in 1977.
1984: Uh-Huh Tour and Cover Songs
During the 1984 Uh-Huh Tour, Mellencamp opened his shows with cover versions of songs he admired, including Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" and The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".
1984: Views on Drugs
In 1984, John Mellencamp shared his views on drugs with Creem magazine, expressing a non-judgmental stance but not advocating for drug use.
1984: Construction of Belmont Mall Recording Studio
In 1984, Mellencamp constructed his own recording studio, jokingly called "Belmont Mall," in Belmont, Indiana.
September 22, 1985: First Farm Aid Benefit Concert
On September 22, 1985, Mellencamp helped organize the first Farm Aid benefit concert with Willie Nelson and Neil Young in Champaign, Illinois.
1985: Founding of Farm Aid
In 1985, John Mellencamp co-founded Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and Neil Young. The first concert was held in Champaign, Illinois to raise awareness and funds for family farms.
1985: Release of 'Scarecrow'
In 1985, Mellencamp released 'Scarecrow', which peaked at No. 2 and spawned five Top 40 singles, including "Lonely Ol' Night" and "Small Town".
1985: Incorporating Folk Instruments
In the mid-1980s, specifically on albums like Scarecrow in 1985, Mellencamp began incorporating folk and roots instruments, which helped pioneer the sound of alternative country.
1985: Adding Lisa Germano to the Band
Prior to the 1985–86 Scarecrow Tour, Mellencamp added fiddle player Lisa Germano to his band.
February 1986: Inspiration for 'Scarecrow' Sound
According to the February 1986 edition of Creem Magazine, Mellencamp aimed to incorporate the sound of classic '60s rock into 'Scarecrow', having his band learn numerous old singles verbatim.
1987: The Lonesome Jubilee Album
Albums like The Lonesome Jubilee in 1987 incorporated instruments more characteristic of folk and roots music—dulcimer, mandolin, fiddle, accordion, dobro, and pennywhistle, among them.
1987: Release of 'The Lonesome Jubilee'
In 1987, Mellencamp released 'The Lonesome Jubilee', featuring singles like "Paper in Fire" and "Cherry Bomb", and defined his signature sound with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, fiddle, and gospel-style vocals.
May 26, 1988: Bruce Springsteen Joins Mellencamp Onstage
On May 26, 1988, Bruce Springsteen joined Mellencamp onstage in Irvine, California, for a duet of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone".
1988: Rolling Stone Praises Mellencamp's Band
In 1988, Rolling Stone magazine called Mellencamp's band "one of the most powerful and versatile live bands ever assembled".
1989: Divorce from Victoria Granucci
In 1989, John Mellencamp and Victoria Granucci divorced.
1989: Big Daddy Album
In 1989, Mellencamp released the album Big Daddy. Mellencamp helped pioneer the sound of alternative country or No Depression, music that combines the truth-telling force of hard-core country with the instrumental attack of rock & roll.
1989: Release of 'Big Daddy'
In 1989, Mellencamp released the personal album Big Daddy, featuring tracks like "Pop Singer" and marking the last album to feature the "Cougar" moniker.
1990: Mellencamp's Painting Exhibition
In 1990, Mellencamp's second painting exhibition in Indianapolis featured portraits described as conveying the same disillusionment found in his musical anthems.
1991: Mellencamp Reflects on 'Big Daddy'
In 1991, Mellencamp called 'Big Daddy' the best record he ever made, noting that the songs came from his personal agony.
1991: Release of 'Whenever We Wanted'
In 1991, Mellencamp's album, 'Whenever We Wanted', was released under the name John Mellencamp, officially dropping the "Cougar" moniker.
September 5, 1992: Marriage to Elaine Irwin
On September 5, 1992, John Mellencamp married fashion model Elaine Irwin.
1992: Release of "Falling from Grace"
In 1992, John Mellencamp appeared in and directed the film "Falling from Grace".
1993: Release of 'Human Wheels'
In 1993, Mellencamp released the album Human Wheels, with the title track reaching No. 48 on the Billboard singles chart.
August 8, 1994: Minor Heart Attack
On August 8, 1994, John Mellencamp suffered a minor heart attack after a show at Jones Beach in New York, leading to the cancellation of the Dance Naked tour.
1994: Lisa Germano Leaves Mellencamp's Band
In 1994, Lisa Germano left Mellencamp's band to pursue a solo career, after having joined prior to the 1985-86 Scarecrow Tour.
1994: Release of 'Dance Naked' and "Wild Night" Success
In 1994, Mellencamp's 'Dance Naked' album was released, including a cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night" as a duet with Meshell Ndegeocello, which became a major hit.
1994: Dance Naked Tour and Heart Attack
In the summer of 1994, Mellencamp launched his Dance Naked Tour but suffered a minor heart attack after a show in New York on August 8, forcing him to cancel tour dates.
1995: Return to Concert Stage as Pearl Doggy
In early 1995, Mellencamp returned to the concert stage by playing a series of dates in small Midwestern clubs under the pseudonym Pearl Doggy.
September 1996: Release of 'Mr. Happy Go Lucky'
In September 1996, Mellencamp released the experimental album Mr. Happy Go Lucky, produced by Junior Vasquez, to critical acclaim.
July 1997: Signing with Columbia Records
Following a tour to promote Mr. Happy Go Lucky, Mellencamp signed a four-album deal with Columbia Records in July 1997, though he only made three albums for the label.
1997: Recording of Rough Harvest album
In 1997, John Mellencamp recorded his album Rough Harvest, which included covers of his songs as well as songs by Bob Dylan and The Drifters. The album wasn't released until 1999.
1998: Columbia Records Debut
In 1998, John Mellencamp released his self-titled debut album for Columbia Records, which included singles like "Your Life Is Now" and "I'm Not Running Anymore", alongside standout tracks such as "Eden Is Burning" and "Chance Meeting at the Tarantula". This album came out a day before his 47th birthday.
1999: Billy Joel's Request
In 1999, Billy Joel asked Mellencamp to induct him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Mellencamp had to decline due to another commitment. Ray Charles inducted Joel instead.
1999: Release of Rough Harvest album
In 1999, John Mellencamp released the album Rough Harvest, featuring covers of his own songs as well as those by Bob Dylan and the Drifters. The album was recorded in 1997 and was one of two albums required to fulfill his contract with Mercury Records.
May 2000: Indiana University Commencement Address
In May 2000, John Mellencamp delivered the commencement address at Indiana University, advising graduates to "play it as you feel it!". Following his address, the university awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Musical Arts.
August 2000: "Live in the Streets: The Good Samaritan Tour"
In August 2000, John Mellencamp performed a series of unannounced free concerts in major cities on the East Coast and in the Midwest, as a way of giving back to fans. Dubbed "Live in the Streets: The Good Samaritan Tour," the lo-fi setup featured Mellencamp with an acoustic guitar, an accordionist, and a violist.
2000: Collaboration with Stephen King on Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
In 2000, John Mellencamp began collaborating with horror author Stephen King on a musical titled "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County."
2000: Honorary Doctorate from Indiana University
In 2000, John Mellencamp received an honorary doctorate from Indiana University Bloomington. He also donated $1.5 million to the school to build an indoor athletics training facility, which was named John Mellencamp Pavilion.
2000: 2000 U.S. Presidential Elections
John Mellencamp released the song 'To Washington' in 2003 amidst the impending U.S. invasion of Iraq, which was critical of the war and the 2000 U.S. Presidential elections.
2001: Appearance in "After Image"
In 2001, John Mellencamp appeared in the film "After Image".
2001: Cuttin' Heads Tour
In the summer of 2001, John Mellencamp embarked on the Cuttin' Heads Tour, before the album of the same name was even released. He opened each show on the tour with a cover of "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones and played a solo acoustic version of "Women Seem."
July 2, 2002: Singing at Timothy White's Funeral
On July 2, 2002, John Mellencamp sang the gospel song "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" at the funeral of his friend, Timothy White.
October 2002: Benefit Concert Performance
In October 2002, John Mellencamp performed Robert Johnson's "Stones in My Passway" at two benefit concerts. These concerts were held in honor of his friend, Timothy White, who passed away that year.
2002: Appearance in "Lone Star State of Mind"
In 2002, John Mellencamp appeared in the film "Lone Star State of Mind".
July 31, 2003: Trouble No More Performance
On July 31, 2003, John Mellencamp performed every track from his 2003 Trouble No More covers album in addition to a rendition of "Highway 61 Revisited" by Bob Dylan and reworked versions of three of his own songs at Town Hall in New York City.
2003: Public Opposition to the Iraq War
In 2003, John Mellencamp was among the first entertainers to publicly oppose the Iraq War, alongside Sheryl Crow and the Dixie Chicks.
October 2004: Vote for Change Tour and Release of Greatest Hits Album
In October 2004, John Mellencamp participated in the Vote for Change tour leading up to the 2004 U.S. presidential election. He also released the two-disc career hits retrospective Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits, featuring 35 radio singles and two new songs.
2005: Narration in "Madison"
In 2005, John Mellencamp provided narration for the film "Madison".
2005: Words and Music Tour
In 2005, John Mellencamp toured with Donovan and John Fogerty on the Words and Music Tour. The tour featured Donovan playing in the middle of Mellencamp's set in the spring, and Fogerty co-headlining during the summer.
September 2006: Licensing "Our Country" for Chevrolet Commercials
In late September 2006, John Mellencamp allowed Chevrolet to use his song "Our Country" in Chevy Silverado TV commercials, reversing his long-held stance against using his music for commercial purposes.
2006: Spring Tour and "Our Country" single
During John Mellencamp's 2006 spring tour, he played "Our Country" as the opening song. Little Big Town, the band that opened for him, recorded harmonies on the studio version of "Our Country" and seven other songs on Freedom's Road.
2006: Performance at the World Series
In 2006, John Mellencamp sang "Our Country" to open Game 2 of the World Series.
January 23, 2007: Release of Freedom's Road Album
On January 23, 2007, John Mellencamp released Freedom's Road, his first album of original material in over five years. He aimed for a 1960s rock sound that remained contemporary.
April 2007: Performance at Walter Reed Medical Center
In April 2007, John Mellencamp performed for wounded troops at the Walter Reed Medical Center. Joan Baez was barred from performing a duet with him.
August 13, 2007: Recording of Life, Death, Love and Freedom Album
On August 13, 2007, John Mellencamp began recording his 18th album of original material, titled Life, Death, Love and Freedom.
October 2007: "Jena" Video Introduction
In October 2007, John Mellencamp introduced the video for his song "Jena" on his website.
2007: Vanity Fair on The Lonesome Jubilee
In 2007, Frank DiGiacomo of Vanity Fair wrote about The Lonesome Jubilee, describing it as the album in which Mellencamp defined his now signature sound.
2007: Hidden Track 'Rodeo Clown' on Freedom's Road
In 2007, John Mellencamp's album 'Freedom's Road' included a hidden track called 'Rodeo Clown,' which was a direct reference to George W. Bush.
2007: Review of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County Rehearsal
In the fall of 2007, Ryan D'Agostino of Esquire reviewed a New York rehearsal of "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County", describing it as a musical written by men for men and highlighting its unique and haunting sound.
February 8, 2008: Request to Stop Using Songs in McCain Campaign
On February 8, 2008, John Mellencamp's camp requested that the John McCain presidential campaign stop using his songs, including "Our Country" and "Pink Houses," during campaign events.
March 10, 2008: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On March 10, 2008, John Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2008 in New York City. Billy Joel, a close friend, inducted him, highlighting Mellencamp's significant impact on music.
March 2008: Mellencamp Discusses Life, Death, Love and Freedom
In March 2008, John Mellencamp discussed his album Life, Death, Love and Freedom in an interview with the Bloomington Herald-Times.
May 3, 2008: Performance at Hillary Clinton Rally
On May 3, 2008, John Mellencamp performed "Our Country" at a rally for Hillary Clinton in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the Democratic presidential primaries, though he did not endorse either candidate.
June 9, 2008: "My Sweet Love" Video Filming
On June 9, 2008, a video was filmed in Savannah, Georgia, for John Mellencamp's song "My Sweet Love", featuring Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town.
July 15, 2008: Release of Life, Death, Love and Freedom Album
On July 15, 2008, John Mellencamp released his album Life, Death, Love and Freedom, which was produced by T Bone Burnett.
August 2, 2008: Life, Death, Love and Freedom Album Debut
On August 2, 2008, Life, Death, Love and Freedom debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, becoming John Mellencamp's ninth Top 10 album of his career.
September 23, 2008: Filming A&E Biography
On September 23, 2008, John Mellencamp filmed a concert at the Crump Theatre in Columbus, Indiana, for a new A&E Biography series called Homeward Bound.
December 11, 2008: A&E Biography Air Date
On December 11, 2008, the A&E Biography series episode featuring John Mellencamp aired, including an in-depth documentary about his roots.
2008: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2008, John Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
2008: Grammy Nomination
In 2008, John Mellencamp's "Our Country" was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance category but did not win.
January 18, 2009: Performance at We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration
On January 18, 2009, John Mellencamp performed "Pink Houses" at We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.
May 3, 2009: Pete Seeger Tribute Concert
On May 3, 2009, John Mellencamp participated in a tribute concert for Pete Seeger's 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He performed solo acoustic renditions of "If I Had a Hammer" and his own "A Ride Back Home."
June 15, 2009: Production Begins on Ghost Brothers of Darkland County Soundtrack
On June 15, 2009, T Bone Burnett, the musical producer for "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County", began laying down tracks in Los Angeles for the songs John Mellencamp wrote for the project.
December 6, 2009: Tribute to Bruce Springsteen at Kennedy Center Honors
On December 6, 2009, John Mellencamp performed "Born in the U.S.A." as a tribute to Bruce Springsteen at the Kennedy Center Honors.
January 29, 2010: Neil Young Tribute
On January 29, 2010, John Mellencamp performed "Down by the River" in Los Angeles in tribute to Neil Young, who was honored at the 20th annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala.
February 9, 2010: Performance at the White House
On February 9, 2010, John 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."
August 17, 2010: Release of No Better Than This
On August 17, 2010, John Mellencamp released No Better Than This, which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, becoming his 10th top 10 album. It was the first mono-only release to make the top 10 since 1964.
October 29, 2010: No Better Than This Theater Tour Launch
On October 29, 2010, John Mellencamp launched the No Better Than This theater tour in Bloomington, Indiana. The tour was preceded by a Kurt Markus documentary about the making of the album.
December 30, 2010: Separation from Elaine Irwin
On December 30, 2010, John Mellencamp announced his separation from Elaine Irwin after 18 years of marriage.
2010: DeCurtis on Mellencamp's Influence
In 2010, Anthony DeCurtis wrote about Mellencamp's influence on the No Depression movement in the liner notes to Mellencamp's box set On the Rural Route 7609.
2010: Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage
In 2010, after John Mellencamp's music was used by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) at events opposing same-sex marriage, he instructed his publicist to send a letter to NOM requesting they not use his music in the future, as his views on same-sex marriage are at odds with NOM's agenda.
August 12, 2011: Divorce from Elaine Irwin finalized
On August 12, 2011, John Mellencamp's divorce from Elaine Irwin was finalized, with an amicable settlement reached.
November 19, 2011: Final US Shows of No Better Than This Tour
The No Better Than This Tour, returned to the U.S. for one final round of shows from October 25 to November 19, 2011
2012: Woody Guthrie Tribute Concerts
In 2012, John Mellencamp participated in two Woody Guthrie tribute concerts as part of a year-long celebration surrounding the 100th anniversary of the folk icon's birth.
2012: Debut of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County in Atlanta
In the spring of 2012, the musical "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County," a collaboration between John Mellencamp and Stephen King, debuted at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, running from April 4 through May 13.
2012: Conclusion of No Better Than This Tour in Canada
John Mellencamp's No Better Than This Tour finally concluded with a tour of Canada in the summer of 2012.
2012: Completion of No Better Than This Tour
John Mellencamp's No Better Than This theater tour, which launched in October 2010, continued through the summer of 2012 and covered the United States, Canada, and much of Europe.
June 4, 2013: Release of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County CD/DVD Deluxe Edition
On June 4, 2013, a CD/DVD deluxe edition of "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" featuring the dialog, soundtrack, handwritten lyrics, and a mini-documentary about the making of the musical was released.
October 2013: New Album Announcement
In October 2013, John Mellencamp revealed that he was working on a new album, which would ultimately be titled Plain Spoken.
January 2014: Recording Plain Spoken
In January 2014, John Mellencamp began recording the project that would be titled Plain Spoken, his 20th album of original material.
July 8, 2014: Release of Performs Trouble No More Live at Town Hall
On July 8, 2014, John Mellencamp released a new live album called Performs Trouble No More Live at Town Hall without any advance notice.
September 23, 2014: Release of Plain Spoken
On September 23, 2014, John Mellencamp released his 20th album of original material, Plain Spoken.
2014: Ghost Brothers of Darkland County U.S. Tour
In the fall of 2014, "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" toured an additional 18 cities across the U.S., continuing its performance run.
2014: Reported breakup with Meg Ryan
It was reported that in the middle of 2014, John Mellencamp and actress Meg Ryan broke up after dating for over three years.
September 2015: Reported Dating Christie Brinkley
In September 2015, John Mellencamp reportedly started dating former supermodel Christie Brinkley.
2015: Tribute to Bob Dylan
In 2015, John Mellencamp paid tribute to Bob Dylan at the annual MusiCares Person of the Year event by performing a piano-and-vocal rendition of "Highway 61 Revisited".
April 27, 2016: ASCAP Founders Award
On April 27, 2016, John Mellencamp was presented with the ASCAP Founders Award at the 33rd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles, recognizing his exceptional contributions to music as a pioneering songwriter.
May 6, 2016: Meg Ryan Q&A at Bentonville Film Festival
On May 6, 2016, following a screening of the movie Ithaca at the Bentonville Film Festival, Meg Ryan praised the film's music, noting that John Mellencamp wrote every note for the film.
August 2016: Breakup with Christie Brinkley Confirmed
In August 2016, John Mellencamp and Christie Brinkley's publicist confirmed that they had broken up.
September 9, 2016: Release of Ithaca in Theaters and On-Demand
On September 9, 2016, the Meg Ryan movie "Ithaca", featuring a score by John Mellencamp, was released in theaters and on-demand by Momentum Pictures.
July 2017: Reunion with Meg Ryan
In July 2017, it was reported that John Mellencamp and Meg Ryan had reunited and were dating again.
2017: Inclusion of 'Sugar Hill Mountain' on 'Sad Clowns & Hillbillies' Album
In 2017, a re-recorded version of the song "Sugar Hill Mountain", which Mellencamp wrote for the movie Ithaca, was included on his album "Sad Clowns & Hillbillies".
2017: CBS News Sunday Morning Interview
In a 2017 CBS News Sunday Morning interview, John Mellencamp discussed the backlash he faced from conservative fans for criticizing President George W. Bush.
January 2018: Purchase of Loft in New York City
In January 2018, John Mellencamp purchased an 1,800-square-foot loft in the Soho district of New York City for $2.3 million, which he uses as an art studio.
October 2018: Broadway Licensing Redevelops Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
In October 2018, Broadway Licensing announced that they had redeveloped "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" and made it available for worldwide licensing starting in 2019.
November 2018: Engagement to Meg Ryan
In November 2018, John Mellencamp and Meg Ryan became engaged.
2018: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 2018, John Mellencamp was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy as a prominent songwriter.
June 2019: ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award
In June 2019, John Mellencamp received the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award from WhyHunger, acknowledging his dedication to social justice and efforts in combating hunger worldwide.
October 30, 2019: End of Engagement to Meg Ryan
On October 30, 2019, it was reported that Meg Ryan had ended her engagement with John Mellencamp.
2019: Worldwide Licensing Availability of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
Starting in 2019, the redeveloped version of "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" was made available for worldwide licensing by Broadway Licensing.
April 2020: Reported Dating Jamie Sherrill
In April 2020, it was reported that John Mellencamp had been dating skincare expert Jamie Sherrill since the beginning of the year.
August 2020: Release of 'A Pawn in the White Man's Game'
In August 2020, John Mellencamp released "A Pawn in the White Man's Game," a re-working of Bob Dylan's 1964 song, with new lyrics reflecting on racial conflicts in the U.S. following the murder of George Floyd. The video was later removed by YouTube.
2020: Support for Michael Bloomberg Presidential Campaign
In 2020, John Mellencamp supported the Michael Bloomberg presidential campaign by taping a campaign ad featuring him singing "Small Town."
January 2021: Breakup with Jamie Sherrill
People magazine confirmed in January 2021 that John Mellencamp and Jamie Sherrill had broken up.
January 2022: Production Begins for "The Legend of Jack and Diane"
In January 2022, production commenced in Los Angeles for the film "The Legend of Jack and Diane", which was inspired by John Mellencamp's song "Jack & Diane". The filmmakers were reportedly in discussions with Mellencamp's team regarding music for the film.
January 2023: Dating Kristin Kehrberg
Since January 2023 John Mellencamp has been dating movie producer Kristin Kehrberg.
June 2023: Release of 'Orpheus Descending'
In June 2023, John Mellencamp released his latest album of original songs, titled "Orpheus Descending".
October 18, 2024: Statue Unveiling at Indiana University
On October 18, 2024, a statue of John Mellencamp was unveiled on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, honoring his contributions and connection to the university.
2024: Farm Aid's Continued Impact
As of 2024, Farm Aid has raised nearly $80 million to support family farms, continuing its annual concerts and mission since its founding in 1985.
2024: Son Hud runner-up on 'Claim to Fame'
In 2024, John Mellencamp's son, Hud, was the runner-up on season three of the show "Claim to Fame".
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