ROCK MOMENT – John Mellencamp ‘R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A.

John Mellencamp’s ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Salute to 60’s Rock)’ is a spirited tribute to the golden age of American rock and roll. Released in 1986 as the final single from his Scarecrow album, the song celebrates the raw energy and optimism of the music that shaped Mellencamp’s youth—and the country itself. While it became one of his most upbeat and radio-friendly hits, its creation came from a deep sense of nostalgia and artistic purpose.

Mellencamp recorded Scarecrow in 1985 at Belmont Mall Studios in Indiana, determined to capture the essence of heartland America while addressing its struggles. The album’s sessions were steeped in authenticity; Mellencamp and his band even listened to classic rock and R&B records from the 1960s during rehearsals to inspire the right sound and emotion. ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’ emerged as a joyous burst of energy at the end of those intense sessions—a song that honored the artists who paved the way for him, including names like Martha Reeves, James Brown, and The Young Rascals, all mentioned in the liner notes.

Musically, the track is driven by jangling guitars, bright horns, and a driving rhythm that evokes the danceable spirit of early rock. Though it almost didn’t make the album—Mellencamp initially thought it was too lighthearted compared to heavier songs like ‘Rain on the Scarecrow’—it ended up becoming one of his biggest hits.

‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.’ reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of Mellencamp’s live shows, often closing his concerts with a feel-good reminder of rock’s enduring spirit. Beyond its catchy chorus, the song stands as Mellencamp’s love letter to the American musicians who inspired him and helped define the sound of a generation.