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John Mellencamp

Friday

John Mellencamp reflects on a world estranged on new album 'Strictly a One-Eyed Jack'

John Mellencamp performs during the Farm Aid 2021 music festival at the Xfinity Theatre on Sept. 25, 2021 in Hartford, Conn. Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images

Music News

John Mellencamp reflects on a world estranged on new album 'Strictly a One-Eyed Jack'

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp returns with his first album of original songs in five years, Strictly a One-Eyed Jack.

John Mellencamp reflects on a world estranged on new album 'Strictly a One-Eyed Jack'

Listen · 7:16
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Wednesday

Monday

John Mellencamp On World Cafe

John Mellencamp's new album is Sad Clowns & Hillbillies. Brad Barlet/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Brad Barlet/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe

John Mellencamp On World Cafe

XPN

The singer, songwriter, poet and painter is back with his 23rd album, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies. Hear a taste of the album, plus some personal stories, in this World Cafe session.

John Mellencamp On World Cafe

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Monday

Wednesday

Wednesday

John Mellencamp, Stephen King And T-Bone Burnett On World Cafe

T-Bone Burnett, John Mellencamp and Stephen King are the creative team behind Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a stage show based on a true story of small-town tragedy. Kevin Mazur/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Kevin Mazur/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe

John Mellencamp, Stephen King And T-Bone Burnett On World Cafe

XPN

The venerated entertainers dive into uncharted territory together: a musical 13 years in the making.

Listen To An Interview With The Creators Of 'Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County'

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Saturday

A Rock Star, A Novelist And A Super-Producer Write A Musical

T-Bone Burnett, John Mellencamp and Stephen King are the creative team behind Ghosts of Darkland County, a stage show based on a true story of small-town tragedy. Kevin Mazur/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Kevin Mazur/Courtesy of the artist

Music Interviews

A Rock Star, A Novelist And A Super-Producer Write A Musical

No, it's not the setup to a joke. John Mellencamp, Stephen King and T-Bone Burnett are the creative team behind Ghosts of Darkland County, a stage show based on a true story of small-town tragedy.

A Rock Star, A Novelist And A Super-Producer Write A Musical

Listen · 10:20
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Monday

John Mellencamp On World Cafe

John Mellencamp has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards. Stephanie Pfriender Stylander hide caption

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Stephanie Pfriender Stylander

World Cafe

John Mellencamp On World Cafe

XPN

With multiple Grammy nominations, decades of world-famous music, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the legendary singer-songwriter performs songs from his new album, No Better Than This.

John Mellencamp On World Cafe

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Thursday

The Best Of The Year In Americana

Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Rick Diamond/Getty Images hide caption

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Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Concerts

The Best Of The Year In Americana

Folk Alley

On Sept. 9, the Americana Music Association convened at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., for its ninth annual awards ceremony and an all-star lineup of performances. You can hear the entire show again, featuring everyone from Rosanne Cash to The Avett Brothers, right here.

The Best Of The Year In Americana

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Friday

John Mellencamp: A New Recording, An Old Sound

John Mellencamp has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. He has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Stephanie Pfriender Stylander hide caption

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Stephanie Pfriender Stylander

Music Interviews

John Mellencamp: A New Recording, An Old Sound

Fresh Air

Mellencamp shares the stories behind some of his most famous songs — and sings several in a studio session on Fresh Air.

John Mellencamp: A New Recording, An Old Sound

Listen · 39:36
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Thursday

John Mellencamp: Looking Back While Staying Timeless

At 58, John Mellencamp says his views on time and what's important have changed considerably. Elaine Mellencamp hide caption

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Elaine Mellencamp

Music Interviews

John Mellencamp: Looking Back While Staying Timeless

For his new album, Mellencamp and his band went for an old-fashioned sound, using vintage equipment like a 1950s Ampex tape recorder while also recording in venerable locations like the Sun Studio in Memphis.

John Mellencamp: Looking Back While Staying Timeless

Listen · 7:47
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Wednesday

A White House Concert With Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson And More

Concerts

A White House Concert With Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson And More

President Obama and the First Lady hosted a concert for Black History Month, featuring performances by Bob Dylan, Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Joan Baez, Smokey Robinson and more.

A White House Concert With Bob Dylan, Jennifer Hudson And More

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Tuesday

Studio Sessions

John Mellencamp, The Modern Mortal

Fresh Air

Long a standout purveyor of rootsy, direct "heartland" rock, Mellencamp is in the midst of a folksy, pessimistic streak on his new album. He speaks to host Terry Gross about the spare sound and dark themes of Life, Death, Love and Freedom.

John Mellencamp, The Modern Mortal

Listen · 40:04
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Monday

World Cafe

John Mellencamp: Heartland Rocker Goes Folk

XPN

On Life, Death, Love and Freedom, iconic heartland rocker John Mellencamp distances himself from his musical brand and makes a turn toward rumbling folk and blues. With the help of producer T-Bone Burnett, Mellencamp created a new textured, acoustic sound.

John Mellencamp in Studio on World Cafe 11/11/08

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Friday