John Mellencamp

Mellencamp had big hits in the '80s, including "Jack and Diane" and "Small Town." He performed "Pink Houses" for Obama's inaugural concert. Mellencamp joins us to talk about his life and music.

Long a standout purveyor of rootsy, direct "heartland" rock, Mellencamp is in the midst of a folksy, pessimistic streak on his new album. He speaks to host Terry Gross about the spare sound and dark themes of Life, Death, Love and Freedom.