John Mellencamp

Photograph – John Mellencamp and Pete Seeger, backstage during Clearwater Festival Benefit, 2009.

Photo by Kevin Mazur.

Courtesy of John Mellencamp.

 

Photograph – John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, and Pete Seeger, Farm Aid 2013.

Photo by Sharon Carone.

Courtesy of John Mellencamp.

Photograph - John Mellencamp at the 2018 Woody Guthrie Prize event honoring his work in continuing Woody's legacy.

Photo by Tim Bonea.

Guitar – John Mellencamp’s Gibson Dove guitar with “Fuck Fascism” carved on the face.

Courtesy of John Mellencamp.

John Mellencamp refers to Woody Guthrie as "a slugger." As an artist who follows in Woody's footsteps, Mellencamp champions the rights of the common people. His commitment to social justice has never wavered, and in 2018, Mellencamp's work was recognized with the awarding of the Woody Guthrie Prize. Because his songs are often heard during political campaigns, Mellencamp is vigilant in addressing misuse of his work without permission, especially for political campaigns that are contrary to his values and belief in equity.