R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Salute to 60's Rock)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Salute to 60's Rock)" by John Mellencamp from his 1985 album Scarecrow. This high-energy track, a tribute to the vibrant rock sounds of the 1960s, almost didn’t make it onto the album. Mellencamp, initially hesitant, felt the song’s upbeat vibe clashed with Scarecrow’s darker themes, like the struggles of American farmers in tracks such as "Rain on the Scarecrow." In a 1986 interview with the Illinois Entertainer, he revealed it was a last-minute decision to include it, spurred by his manager’s love for its infectious energy. Originally planned as a bonus track for cassette and CD versions, Mellencamp ultimately gave in, saying, “Yeah! What the hell!” The gamble paid off, as the song soared to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

The song’s creation was steeped in retro reverence. Mellencamp required his band to master around 100 classic 1960s rock and R&B songs before recording Scarecrow, aiming to capture the era’s raw spirit. The track weaves in subtle nods to hits like The Troggs’ “Wild Thing” and evokes the essence of songs from “La Bamba” to “96 Tears,” as noted by Billboard. Recorded at Mellencamp’s Belmont Mall Studio in Belmont, Indiana, the song features a tight lineup: Kenny Aronoff on drums, Toby Myers on bass, Mike Wanchic and Larry Crane on guitars, John Cascella on keyboards, and Sarah Flint on background vocals. Cash Box dubbed it a “no-holds-barred rocker,” and its 1986 music video, directed by Mellencamp and Faye Cummings using a kinescope camera, added a nostalgic visual flair.

John Mellencamp’s journey to rock stardom began in Seymour, Indiana, where he was born on October 7, 1951. A rebellious spirit from a young age, he formed his first band, Crepe Soul, as a teenager, playing covers in local bars. After a brief stint at Vincennes University, Mellencamp chased his musical dreams to New York in the mid-1970s. His early career was marked by a struggle for identity; his first manager, Tony DeFries, saddled him with the stage name “Johnny Cougar,” a moniker Mellencamp despised. His debut album, Chestnut Street Incident (1976), flopped, but he persevered, honing his craft. The 1979 single “I Need a Lover” cracked the charts, and by 1982, American Fool—featuring “Hurts So Good” and “Jack & Diane”—catapulted him to fame, earning a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Over time, he reclaimed his real name, first as John Cougar Mellencamp, then fully as John Mellencamp by 1991, cementing his heartland rock legacy.

Known for his socially conscious songwriting and traditional instrumentation, Mellencamp became a cornerstone of the heartland rock movement, alongside peers like Bruce Springsteen. His 1985 album Scarecrow, which includes “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” marked a turning point, blending raw rock with folk and roots elements. He co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, reflecting his commitment to America’s heartland. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, Mellencamp has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, with hits like “Pink Houses” and “Small Town” defining his catalog.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Mellencamp’s world online. His official website, mellencamp.com, offers tour dates, news, and exclusive content. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback posts, and glimpses into his creative process—like a 2020 X post celebrating Scarecrow’s enduring relevance. Fans also gather at sites like Mellenclub, an official fan community with exclusive merch and forums. On Facebook, groups like “John Mellencamp Fans” buzz with discussions, rare photos, and concert stories, keeping the Zoo Crew spirit alive.