Credit: Marc HauserJohn Mellencamp visited Yahoo!’s The Katie Couric Interview show on Thursday, one day before Donald Trump‘s inauguration, where he introduced a politically charged new song titled “Easy Target.”
The 65-year-old singer/songwriter performed the melancholy folk-blues ballad accompanied by his touring band members Troye Kinnett and Andy York on piano and mandolin, respectively. The song is a reflection on the racial issues in the U.S., including the violent treatment many black people experience at the hands of police.
Prior to the performance, Mellencamp chatted with host Katie Couric to discuss what inspired the new song, Trump’s inauguration and his opinions about the divisiveness in the country.
John also shared details about an upcoming album he’s recording with Carlene Carter, daughter of June Carter and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash. The record, titled Sad Clowns and Hillbillies, is due out in the spring. Mellencamp revealed that he and Carter decided to collaborate on the project while touring together last year. He said that the album will feature duets as well as songs that each will sing solo.
Check out Mellencamp’s performance of “Easy Target” at Yahoo.com. The studio version is available as digital download at iTunes and also available at select streaming services. In addition, you can check out a lyric video for the song at Mellencamp’s official YouTube channel.
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