Did John Mellencamp Die?

John Mellencamp is an iconic American singer-songwriter born on October 7, 1951 and currently 72 years old.

Mellencamp is an acclaimed rock musician known for playing traditional instrumentation-driven heartland rock music. Beginning at an early age by joining local bands Crepe Soul, Snakepit Banana Barn, and Mason Brothers. As soon as he married and fathered at 19 he put a hold on his music career to focus on raising his family.

Mellencamp was born with spina bifida, and underwent corrective surgery as an infant to overcome this birth defect that causes protrusion of his spinal cord. Although at first this was believed to be fatal, Mellencamp managed to overcome his condition thanks to cutting edge surgical technology.

After becoming well-known in his local music scene, Mellencamp was signed by RCA Records and began recording his debut album in late 1973. This debut, entitled simply Mellencamp, yielded two top 10 Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks singles: “Jack and Diane” and “Hurts So Good.” Mr. Happy Go Lucky followed with hits like “Paper In Fire” and “Check It Out,” culminating with another top 20 hit, Scarecrow in 1985.

Mellencamp released his two-disc career hits retrospective Words & Music: Greatest Hits in 2004. Additionally, he participated in the Vote for Change tour to encourage voters in October’s U.S. presidential election and encouraged their turnout at polling places across America. Alongside his musical career, Mellencamp is also an accomplished artist renowned for his paintings which have been displayed at both solo and group exhibitions throughout his lifetime.

Mellencamp’s 1990s paintings primarily included portraits of himself and his family. Often these subjects were featured against simple yet shadowy backgrounds with intense eye contact between subject and artist. Mellencamp was heavily influenced by Rembrandt as well as Chaim Soutine and Otto Dix; these artists who are widely seen to have greatly impacted his style of painting.

Mellencamp is also known for his community initiatives. In particular, he is passionate about supporting farmers’ efforts and founded Farm Aid in 1986 to raise money for family farms. He is an advocate for LGBT rights and has donated considerable funds to fight human trafficking. Additionally, he appears frequently as a guest on talk shows and commercials for various brands. Mellencamp is also a staunch Democrat and has donated to various Democratic candidates throughout his career, as well as supporting organizations like the American Red Cross and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, he has taken an interest in rejuvenating Seymour; contributing significantly towards revitalizing its historic district as well as funding public libraries and parks as part of a revitalization project; receiving numerous awards and honors over time for these endeavors.