AOTM: John Mellencamp Exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Mellencamp is more than a songwriter. He is also an accomplished painter. Photo courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Singer-songwriter. Painter. Farm Aid pioneer. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. John Mellencamp’s career has always been on his own terms and his art has always focused the everyday man. This is what has helped him connect the most with his fans. Now fans will have an opportunity to see some of John Mellencamp’s favorite possessions up close at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame presents a special exhibit focused on the life and art of John Mellencamp. Started back in November 2016, the exhibit displays items from Mellencamp’s own personal collection. Visitors will enjoy seeing over 100 pieces including:

His 1966 Silver Honda Scrambler 305 motorcycle
Personal photographs and ephemera
Original handwritten lyrics to “Small Town,” “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “Cherry Bomb,” “Pop Singer,” and “”Longest Days” (“Life Is Short”).”
Mellencamp’s main Dove acoustic guitar used in his songwriting sessions and live performances from the 70s through 90s.
Items related to the recording of his most successful song “Jack & Diane”
Performance outfits
Six of his original paintings
Selections from an exclusive multi-hour interview with Mellencamp done specifically for the exhibition

A wide shot of the John Mellencamp exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fans can visit the exhibit until September 2017. Photo courtesy of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Mellencamp wants people to know he has lived his life on his terms. The exhibit helps them get a glimpse into that amazing life. He says, “I would like this exhibit to let people know, or discover, that I really have spent my entire life living the way that I want to live, and doing what I want to do. And, that I consider myself the luckiest guy in the world for being able to do that (rockhall.com).” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizes Mellencamp as the embodiment of rock-n-roll: rebellion, being true to yourself, and making great music (rockhall.com). The exhibit is at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame until September of 2017.

John Mellencamp has lived his life on his own terms and portions of that life are on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fans of the artist can see over 100 items; many from Mellencamp’s own personal collection. Working with Mellencamp to create the exhibit, the Hall of Fame understands that he embodies what rock-n-roll stands for. Fans have a couple more months to visit the exhibit before it closes.

~Jenna Jakes, WOGB

Related Links:

The Soundtracks of John Mellencamp

Mellencamp’s Farm Aid Sells Out on First Day

John Mellencamp, Americana Rocker and Accomplished Painter

Listen to John Mellencamp Sing “Dark as a Dungeon”

WOGB Artist Spotlight: Rob Anthony Revisits His Musical Roots

WOGB Exclusive Interview: Kip Winger