John Mellencamp: "Freedom Road" Era

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Billboard.com:

** John Mellencamp celebrates his highest-debuting album ever, as "Freedom's Road" opens at No. 5 on The Billboard 200. The set -- his first top 10 album in 10 years -- moved 56,000 in its first week. That's more than what his last studio set, 2003's "Trouble No More," started with (No. 31; 32,000), but it's less than what 2001's "Cuttin' Heads" (No. 15; 73,000) sold ...

"Freedom's Road" is Mellencamp's 18th album to reach The Billboard 200, dating back to 1979's "John Cougar." It's his eighth top 10 album and only his third set to start in the top 10 ...

Last week, Mellencamp played two nights on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (Jan. 24-25). Meanwhile, the album's single (and Chevy jingle) "Our Country" sits at No. 41 on Hot Country Songs and moves 18-17 on the AC/Adult Contemporary chart ...

"Freedom's Road" was available last week for less than $10 at Target, Best Buy, Circuit City and Kmart. Best Buy's edition came with four extra acoustic tracks, Circuit City's version only got one bonus cut and Wal-Mart's set included a DVD. At the Apple iTunes Music Store, the set came bundled with two bonus tracks and a music video.

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2/10/07 chart:

5 Mellencamp, John - Freedom'S Road 55,938 *Debut*

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3/3/07 chart:

4 UNJM 37 43 58 MELLENCAMP*JOHN FREEDOM'S ROAD 19,332 -10 21,427 119,724

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USA Today: John Mellencamp's tune: 'Forgiveness, understanding'

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3/17/07 chart:

6 UNJM 58 79 108 MELLENCAMP*JOHN FREEDOM'S ROAD 7,485 -31% 10,891 138,100

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Billboard:

ARTIST: JOHN MELLENCAMP

SINGLE: THE AMERICANS

During the last decade, boundaries between country and rock have blurred, so it's no surprise that veteran rockers are trying to connect with country. The Van Zant brothers took time off from gigs fronting 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd to record a well-received country album, while Bon Jovi hit No. 1 with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and has a forthcoming CD targeting the genre. Mellencamp's heartland roots rock perfectly fits the format, and in serving up a song about American pride and values, he speaks the language of this audience. The lyric is positive, thoughtful and while not as strident as some patriotic anthems, there's enough meat to make Toby Keith proud. Working with Nashville super-producer Tony Brown, Mellencamp crafts a solid single that will make him the newest member of the country club.

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Jun 11, 12:57 PM EDT
Mellencamp to Perform With Boston Pops

NEW YORK (AP) -- John Mellencamp will celebrate Independence Day with the Boston Pops.

Mellencamp will join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops for the annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks show on the banks of the Charles River.

He will perform some of his hits during the concert, said a statement on Mellencamp's Web site. The 55-year-old rocker's hits include "Jack and Diane" and "Pink Houses."

The "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular," hosted by Craig Ferguson of "The Late Late Show," will air live on CBS.