John Mellencamp is just one of the many musicians who have thrown their support behind Barack Obama in the form of public endorsements and songs. Click below for the story behind why Obama stirs so many artists to action — and what it will mean for his campaign. Also check out the RollingStone.com-curated list of the top Obama-inspired songs (including Will.i.Am’s “Yes We Can” and J.J. French’s “I Want Barack”), the historical gallery of musicians getting chummy with presidential candidates and the complete conversation with Barack Obama from the current issue of Rolling Stone.

• Artists Lend Voices to Obama Campaign

• Barack and Roll: The Best Songs Inspired By Barack Obama

• Photo Gallery: Rock on the Campaign Trail

• A Conversation With Barack Obama