Reference Number
ARC-0903
Level of description
collection
Title
Phil Flannagan Photographs of John Mellencamp
Date
1982
Size
0.07 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Phil Flannagan Photographs of John Mellencamp consist of five 3.5" by 5" color photographs of John Mellencamp and his band performing at the Time Out Bar in Indianapolis, Indiana. The photographs were taken in 1982, prior to Mellencamp's "American Fool" tour in conjunction with the bestselling album of the same name. They depict Mellencamp with various musicians on stage, including two electric guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, and two women who appear to be backup singers (one of whom also appears to be playing keyboards in one photo). The photos help give an overview of the instrumentation, attire, and overall stage environment at John Mellencamp's live shows at this point in his career.
Biography / Administrative History
John Mellencamp is a pure product of middle America. Through a combination of talent, vision, and stubborn determination, he became an authoritative rocker and adroit storyteller. His best songs--including "Pink Houses," "Small Town," and "Rain on the Scarecrow"--symbolize the hopes, fears, and basic decency of America's heartland. He also has captured rock's feisty, independent spirit and dogged pursuit of good times on such numbers as "Crumbling Down," "Authority Song," and "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." Since the 1980s, Mellencamp has ranked among the upper echelon of hard-rocking, often topical American singer/songwriters--a fraternity that also includes Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and Neil Young. Like all those icons, Mellencamp ultimately succeeded by finding and following his own voice. Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Phil Flannagan Photographs of John Mellencamp were received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from Phil Flannagan on February 6, 2017.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Phil Flannagan Photographs of John Mellencamp, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: No linguistic content.
Processing Information: Processed by Lily Korte, Volunteer. Completed May 16, 2019. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through an Access to Historical Records grant from the NHPRC.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects
Creator
