John J. Mellencamp is an American musician, singer, and songwriter born on October 7, 1951. He is best known for his heartland rock sound and his use of traditional instruments. Mellencamp is also known for having 22 Top 40 hits in the U.S. and being a 13-time Grammy nominee. With over 60 million records sold worldwide, and 30 million in the U.S. alone, Mellencamp is a world-class star and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He’s crazy talented and worth celebrating every day. So, join us to celebrate Mellencamp’s special day today!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
John J. Mellencamp
Nickname:
Johnny Cougar
Birth date:
October 7, 1951
Age:
73
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
5' 7"
Relationship Status:
In a relationship
Net Worth:
$30 million
Background
John J. Mellencamp is an American musician who wears several hats. He’s also a singer-songwriter, actor, painter, and film director who is well-deserving of fame and success. Mellencamp was born in Seymour, Indiana, on October 7, 1951. He has German ancestry. He formed his first band called Crepe Soul at age 14. He went to Vincennes University in Indiana and played in several local bands. After graduating from Vincennes, a two-year college, he decided to pursue a music career. Mellencamp traveled to New York with hopes of a recording contract.
In 1976, Mellencamp released his debut studio album, “Chestnut Street Incident,” as Johnny Cougar. The album only sold 12,000 copies, and he was soon dropped from M.C.A. records. In 1982, he released his breakthrough album, “American Fool,” which spawned the singles ‘Hurts So Good’ and ‘Jack & Diane.’ At the 25th Grammy Awards, ‘Hurts So Good’ won the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance Grammy Award. A year later, he included his surname, Mellencamp, in his John Cougar moniker. In 1989, he released the album “Big Daddy” and in 1991, “Whenever We Wanted.” The latter was his first album as John Mellencamp. In 1997, he signed a four-year recording contract with Columbia Records. In 2007, Mellencamp released “Freedom’s Road.” The following year, he dropped “Life, Death, Love, and Freedom” and got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The musical genius has released 24 studio albums, the most recent being “Strictly a One-Eyed Jack” (2022).
Mellencamp is a musical genius who has given the world the gift of his unique music. He lives a private life. He has been married thrice: to Priscilla Esterline from 1970 to 1981, to Victoria Granucci from 1981 to 1989, and finally to Elaine Irwin from 1992 to 2011. The musician has five children from his three marriages, and he’s also a grandfather. Mellencamp shares his success with family and friends.
Career timeline
Mellencamp releases “Chestnut Street Incident” as his debut studio album.
Mellencamp releases “American Fool,” which includes the Grammy award-winning single ‘Hurts So Good.’
Mellencamp releases his first album as John Mellencamp, “Whenever We Wanted.”
Mellencamp releases the album “Freedom’s Road.”
Why We Love John Mellencamp
He’s a philanthropist
Mellencamp has contributed to several causes in his lifetime. He helped organize the first Farm Aid benefit concert, which helps farmers keep their lands.
He’s crazy-talented
Mellencamp can do it all — act, sing, play instruments, produce records, you name it. He’s a veritable musical genius!
He’s hardworking
Mellencamp is very hardworking. He’s either on stage or creating music.
5 Surprising Facts
He was born with spina bifida
Mellencamp was born with spina bifida and had to undergo corrective surgery as an infant.
He got married at 18
Mellencamp married Priscilla Esterline when he was only 18.
He installed telephones
Mellencamp used to work as a telephone installer before finding success.
He was addicted to drugs
While at university, Mellencamp abused drugs and alcohol.
He was a grandfather at 37
Mellencamp’s daughter made him a grandfather at the age of 37.
John Mellencamp FAQs
What is John Mellencamp’s most-popular song?
Mellencamp’s most-popular song is ‘Jack & Diane.’
Where does John Mellencamp live?
He lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
Who is John Mellencamp’s new girlfriend?
As of 2021, Mellencamp was dating Natasha Barrett.
John Mellencamp’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | October 7 | Tuesday |
2026 | October 7 | Wednesday |
2027 | October 7 | Thursday |
2028 | October 7 | Saturday |
2029 | October 7 | Sunday |