The artists inspired by John Mellencamp have picked up on different ingredients in his mix of heartland rock ‘n' roll grit, singer/songwriter intensity, and earthy Americana. His influence can be found in the panoramic classic rock redux of The Wallflowers, the dusty desert troubadour vibe of James McMurtry (whose debut Mellencamp co-produced), the poetic alt-country of Whiskeytown, and much more.