Reference Number
ARC-1238
Level of description
collection
Title
John Mellencamp Collection
Date
1959, 1975-1986, undated
Size
0.07 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The John Mellencamp Collection is dated 1959, 1981-1984, and contains undated materials. The collection consists of handwritten and typed lyrics for "Cherry Bomb," R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A," and "Small Town." It also contains studio tracking sheets, chord charts, reel-to-reel audiotape, two photographs, and Mellencamp's second-grade report card. The collection is arranged alphabetically by format. This collection will be of use to researchers interested in John Mellencamp during the early part of 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.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The John Mellencamp Collection was received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from John Mellencamp on September 9, 2020.
Citation: [Identification of Item], John Mellencamp Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: Collection is in English.
Processing Information: Processed by Crystal Matjasic, Technical Services Archivist. Completed September 14, 2021. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
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
