Small Town (Acoustic Version)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew are spinning a classic for you today with Small Town (Acoustic Version) by John Mellencamp from his iconic 1985 album Scarecrow. This stripped-down take on the heartland rock anthem gives you all the raw, soulful vibes of small-town life. Did you know John wrote this song in the laundry room of his old house? He told Rolling Stone in 2013 that he wanted to show you don’t need to chase big city dreams to live fully, saying, “I just valued having a family and staying close to friends.” The acoustic version, added as a bonus track on the 2005 remaster, has been called the album’s “best moment” by reviewers for its intimate, reflective tone.

Here’s a fun tidbit: while writing Small Town, John used an electronic typewriter that beeped every time he misspelled a word, which cracked up his friends upstairs. He shared this story with The Wall Street Journal, noting how they laughed until he played the finished song for them, and then they were floored. Posted on X in 2016, John highlighted this quirky moment, giving fans a peek into his creative process. The song’s music video also pays homage to his Indiana roots, featuring nods to Seymour, where he was born, and Bloomington, where he lived. It’s a love letter to the small towns that shaped him.

Let’s talk about how John Mellencamp got his start. Born on October 7, 1951, in Seymour, Indiana, he was a rebellious kid with a passion for music, influenced by the ‘60s sounds of The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. He started playing in local bands as a teenager, and by the early ‘70s, he was gigging around Indiana. His big break came in 1976 when he signed with MCA Records, though they saddled him with the stage name “Johnny Cougar,” which he hated. His early albums didn’t make waves, but he hit gold with 1979’s I Need a Lover. By 1982, American Fool skyrocketed to number one with hits like Jack & Diane and Hurts So Good, cementing his place in heartland rock.

Mellencamp’s career evolved as he embraced his real name and leaned into socially conscious songwriting. The Scarecrow album marked a turning point, showcasing his knack for storytelling about the American Midwest. He co-founded Farm Aid in 1985, inspired by the struggles of farmers he sang about in songs like Rain on the Scarecrow. With over 40 million albums sold and 22 Top 40 hits, John’s been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2008) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2018). Beyond music, he’s a painter, with his art exhibited at places like IU’s Eskenazi Museum.

Want to keep up with John? Check out his official website at mellencamp.com for tour dates, art, and news. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, like his recent posts about his sculpture unveiling at Indiana University. Fans can connect on the John Mellencamp Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to share their love for his music. You can also dive into fan-driven content at Mellencamp’s official fan club for exclusive goodies.