The Story Of How Mellencamp Ended Up Jamming With Dylan And Fogerty In A Smoky Backstage Corner

April 2, 2025

It was a cool autumn evening in 1986, and the air was thick with anticipation. The crowd outside the arena in Chicago buzzed with excitement, eagerly waiting for the legendary Bob Dylan to take the stage. But inside, in a smoky backstage corner where the lights dimmed and shadows danced, a different kind of magic was about to unfold. John Mellencamp, a rising star in the music scene with hits like “Jack and Diane” under his belt, found himself soaking in the atmosphere, his heart racing as he caught sight of the rock icons around him.

Just a few years earlier, Mellencamp had been struggling to establish himself. He faced challenges and setbacks, but his love for music burned fiercely within him. Now, here he was, an artist on the brink of greatness, eager to make his mark. As he leaned against the wall, chatting with fellow musicians, he felt a surge of gratitude. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he saw Bob Dylan himself walking in, followed closely by John Fogerty, the unmistakable voice behind Creedence Clearwater Revival. This was a rare moment—a glimpse into the world of his idols.

As the smoke swirled around them, Dylan and Fogerty exchanged warm banter, their laughter mingling with the haze. Mellencamp felt a mix of awe and excitement as he approached them. Summoning every ounce of courage, he introduced himself, and to his surprise, they welcomed him with open arms. “You’ve got a good sound, kid,” Dylan remarked, a crooked smile crossing his face. That simple compliment ignited a fire in Mellencamp’s heart, urging him to share his passion.

Moments later, with an old guitar in his hands, Mellencamp found himself playing alongside the two legends. The sounds of their music intertwined, creating a rich tapestry of melodies that resonated in the smoky air. They jammed on classic tunes, each note bouncing off the walls and pulling them closer together. In that surreal moment, Mellencamp felt like he was part of something much larger than himself. It was a testament to the power of music—a universal language that could bridge generations and genres.

As the night wore on, and the backstage corner became their world, Mellencamp realized this experience would forever change him. The joy of creating music with his idols filled him with renewed energy, and he took their spirit with him when he left. A year later, he would go on to release the album “The Lonesome Jubilee,” which would catapult him to new heights. That jam session had given him not just inspiration but the kind of confidence that only comes from sharing your passion with those you admire.

Reflecting back on that night, Mellencamp understood the importance of perseverance in the face of doubt. It wasn’t just about the fame or fortune; it was about the connections forged through music and the stories shared in those quiet, smoky moments. Both Dylan and Fogerty had faced their struggles, and they had turned those challenges into beautiful melodies. Mellencamp left that night with a sense of hope and a burning desire to continue creating music that resonated with people, proving that with resilience and passion, anything is possible.