Mellencamp, an American singer-songwriter and musician, has sold over 60 million records worldwide throughout his career, with approximately half of them being sold in the United States. He gained fame in the 1980s for his exceptional skills in the genre of “heartland rock.” Additionally, he has been known by the name John Cougar Mellencamp. Currently, John Mellencamp’s net worth is estimated to be $30 million.
Personal Life
Mellencamp had a romantic relationship with skincare expert Jamie Sherrill. In April 2020, it was reported. He was also briefly connected to former supermodel Christie Brinkley in the autumn of 2015. They confirmed in November 2019 that they had ended their engagement and separated once again. The two parted ways in the ’90s but reconciled and got engaged in November 2018. He has also previously been in a partnership with actress Meg Ryan. He tied the knot with model Elaine Irwin in September 1992 and the couple divorced in 2011. Mellencamp was wedded to Victoria Granucci from 1981-1989. He and Priscilla ended their marriage in 1981. His daughter Michelle also became a mother at the age of 18, making Mellencamp a grandfather at 37. When he was merely 18, he married his pregnant girlfriend Priscilla Esterline. Mellencamp has been married three times and has five children.
On of John’s daughters, Teddi Jo Mellencamp, is a reality television star who has appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”.
Breakthrough
Mellencamp performed as John Mellencamp after abandoning the Cougar nickname, which was the final album to showcase it, “Big Daddy” released in 1989. “The Lonesome Jubilee” was his subsequent album, released in 1987. His personal recording studio in Belmont, Indiana was where he recorded “Scarecrow,” his album released in 1985 that reached the second position and produced five top 40 singles, including “Small Town,” one of his most iconic anthems that he has performed at numerous political events throughout the years. On the tour for the album, Mellencamp commenced his shows with cover versions of songs he admired in his youth. “Uh-Huh” was released by John Cougar Mellencamp in 1983, a top-10 album that produced the top 10 singles “Pink Houses” and “Crumblin’ Down,” along with “Authority Song.” With these commercial triumphs in his repertoire, he had enough influence to incorporate his real surname, Mellencamp, to his stage name. “Hurts So Good” proceeded to win a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. This album contained his classics “Hurts So Good” and “Jack & Diane,” which held the No. 1 position for four consecutive weeks. Mellencamp’s groundbreaking album, “American Fool,” was released in 1982.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS.Output: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS.
Mellencamp only ended up producing three albums for the record label. However, in 1997, he signed a four-album contract with Columbia Records. The song reached its highest position at No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart and became his most successful track in several years, introducing him to a new generation of fans. Mellencamp’s album “Dance Naked” in 1994 featured a rendition of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night.” In 1993, he released “Human Wheels,” with the title track peaking at No. 48. The album produced five Top 40 hits and received significant radio play, marking the beginning of 1991 with the release of “Wherever We Wanted.”
At his Belmont Mall recording studio, Mellencamp’s official social media accounts verified that he is currently working on a brand new album. In February 2020, he was officially recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In June 2018, he was officially acknowledged by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He currently holds the record for the highest number of songs by a solo artist to reach the top spot on the Hot Mainstream Rock Track chart. He has been honored with a Grammy Award and has received nominations for 12 others. He has also achieved 22 Top 40 hits in the United States. Mellencamp’s album sales have surpassed 40 million copies worldwide.
Early Life
Mellencamp was born on October 7, 1951, in Seymour, Indiana. He formed his first band, called Soul Crepe, at the age of 14. He attended Vincennes University and played in various local bands. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he stated that during this time, he abused alcohol and drugs. He graduated from college and traveled to New York City to attempt a record deal. He sobered up and stated that he had surgery as an infant for corrective purposes and was born with spina bifida.
Other Ventures
His artworks have been showcased in multiple exhibitions throughout the country. In addition to his published books featuring his paintings, Mellencamp is a dedicated and exceptionally skilled painter. He declined the part that Brad Pitt portrayed in the movie “Thelma and Louise.” Furthermore, he has also appeared in the films “Falling from Grace,” “Madison,” “After Image,” and “Lone Star State of Mind.” Farm Aid, an annual concert that began in 1985, has successfully generated over $45 million in funds. John played a crucial role in establishing Farm Aid, an organization that promotes awareness and provides financial support to family-owned farms.
Early Career
Top 40 singles – “This Time” and “Ain’t Even Done with the Night.” Mellencamp put out in 1980. In the United States, the album was not released, but it produced a top five hit in Australia with “I Need a Lover.” Mellencamp relocated to London for almost a year to record, promote, and tour for 1978’s “A Biography” at Gaff’s request. Mellencamp caught the attention of Rod Stewart’s manager Billy Gaff and was signed to Riva Records label. DeFries decided not to release the album, and Mellencamp was let go from the label in 1977. He recorded “The Kid Inside.” The album only came out in 1983, after Mellencamp had gained worldwide fame. The album was a commercial disappointment and only sold 12,000 copies. His first album “Chestnut Street Incident” was released under the name Johnny Cougar, at his manager’s insistence. He attracted the interest of Tony DeFries from MainMan Management. Mellencamp traveled back and forth between Indiana and New York City, performing wherever he could, searching for someone open to his sound between 1974 and 1975.
Real Estate
Mellencamp utilizes a 1,800 square foot loft in the SoHo neighborhood in New York City, which he acquired, as his art studio. Additionally, he possesses a holiday residence situated on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. Mellencamp resides on the shores of Lake Monroe, approximately five miles away from Bloomington, Indiana.
John paid $2.45 million in early 2020 for a 6-acre property in Santa Barbara, California. The same year, he listed the home for sale at a modest renovation cost of $4.5 million.
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