John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp, a.k.a. Johnny Cougar, the rock star, resides here in Monroe County, Indiana.

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John Mellencamp was born in nearby Seymour, Jackson County, Indiana, in 1951. After his career led him other places, such as New York City, John ultimately established his main home in the Bloomington area, in Monroe County, Indiana.

John has had significant challenges in life. He was born with spina bifida. He married first at 17-years of age and shortly after became a father. He held a variety of blue-collar jobs to take care of his family.

But, John had always wanted to work in music. He had first joined a band at age 14. By the time he was 24, John finally moved to New York to try to finally establish a career in music.

Success was forthcoming. Johnny Cougar's first Top 40 hit, I Need a Lover was released in 1979. Mellencamp's success continued until he achieved two number 1 hits, Hurts So Good and Jack and Diane.

Incorporating his real name into his stage name, John sang as John Cougar Mellencamp. He continued to have huge success, including such hits as Authority Song and Pink Houses. John began doing headline tours.

John Mellencamp's success continued, and in 1994 his album, Dance Naked, quickly went gold.

But more of life's hardships lay ahead. John had a serious heart attack in 1994. After his recovery, however, he was back at the microphone, continuing to thrill his fans with his music.

Despite his exploding success, John remained in touch with his rural routes. His social conscience was also developing. He joined Willie Nelson and Neil Young in organizing Farm Aid to help farmers.

Most recently, John joined with his wife, Elaine, in composing their Open Letter to America: It's Time to Take Back Our Country.