Book Talk and Performance: Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America with Erin Osmon and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Hear John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane,” Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” or Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” and chances are you begin to hum along. Heartland rock—the soundtrack of grocery stores, pool halls, bowling alleys, flea markets, drug stores, and political rallies—which ruled radio airwaves in the 1980s, is inescapable even today. The Museum’s Erin Osmon’s new book, Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America, tells the story of the origins, chart-topping development, and tangled legacy of this music, which remains instantly recognizable to millions. Her account of heartland rock’s glory days delves into the making of its classic albums and songs, as well as the centrality of often-overlooked women such as Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. Osmon also traces the genre’s connections to country and Americana music and explores the social, political, and cultural developments that fostered the genre. Osmon will discuss the story of heartland rock and Won’t Back Down with the Museum’s Allison Moorer, and lauded country-rock singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr.—who grew up in Mellecamp’s hometown, Seymour, Indiana—will perform. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.

Members may reserve tickets here beginning Thursday, March 25, at 10 a.m.

Non-members may purchase Museum admission here beginning Thursday, March 25, at 10 a.m.