I Need a Lover - John Mellencamp (1979) 11/18/21

Books could be written about today's featured artist. Believe me, even his Wikipedia page reads like a comprehensive biography!

My job today, however, is to highlight his first "Great Song."

It's no secret that John Mellencamp thought his original stage name "Johnny Cougar" was ridiculous. In fact, he hated it from day one--when he was told by his record label that if he didn't use the name, they wouldn't release his debut album.

He reluctantly agreed...and...the album tanked. Big time.

It took him years to shake the name, and he worked hard to make his fans forget it.

Unfortunately (for him), those "Johnny Cougar" records are still out there, and that goes for his debut single (and "Great Song"): 1979's "I Need a Lover."

"According to John, "I Need a Lover" was inspired by a friend of his--a college student who had no social life--and the song "Happy" by The Rolling Stones.

Actually, it was first released in 1978, but only in Australia--where it made the Top 10.

When it was FINALLY released in the US in 1979 (off his SECOND album), it reached #28 on the Hot 100...and kick-started a career FULL of "Great Songs!"

Note: In 1980, the song also became the debut single for Pat Benatar, who received extensive radio airplay on album rock stations...and video exposure in the early days of MTV in 1981.

"I Need aLover:" a "Great Song of 1979" by John Mellencamp, and in 1980 by Pat Benatar!

John:

Pat: