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John Mellencamp
A hero of heartland rock and blue-collar American roots music, John Mellencamp
was born in Seymour, Indiana, on October 7, 1951. After graduating from
Vincennes University, he adopted the stage name Johnny Cougar and released the
debut album Chestnut Street Incident, which featured a collection of cover
songs. His career accelerated with 1980's Nothin' Matters and What If It Did –
his second album as John Cougar – but he achieved his true breakthrough after
converting to a harder-edged rock sound for 1982's American Fool. The
Grammy-winning "Hurts So Good" and the Number 1 hit "J...
