When heartland rock ruled the airwaves
Summary
Meghna Chakrabarti interviews music journalist Erin Osmond about her book, *Won't Back Down*, which explores the Heartland Rock movement of the 1970s and 80s. They discuss how artists like John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty used anthemic rock to highlight working-class struggles and social issues. The conversation also examines the genre's enduring relevance, its influence on hip-hop, and its legacy in contemporary Americana music.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
John Mellencamp's Pink Houses and Heartland Rock origins
Guest Erin Osman on the timelessness of Heartland Rock
Defining the genre and its key artists
Bruce Springsteen's Working on the Highway
Bob Seger's Against the Wind and subtle messaging
Political context and Mellencamp's Rain on the Scarecrow
Women in Heartland Rock: Bonnie Raitt and Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman's Fast Car and Luke Combs cover
Why Heartland Rock songs became pop anthems
Artists' views on the Heartland Rock label
Progenitors like CCR and the genre's decline
Hip hop's connection to Heartland Rock themes
Legacy of Heartland Rock and closing thoughts
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