In Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America (out April 28, 2026) acclaimed music journalist Erin Osmon takes a deep, clear-eyed look at the music that dominated American airwaves in the 1980s and the cultural forces it reflected and resisted. The book traces the rise of heartland rock from its grassroots origins to its chart-topping peak, unpacking how songs woven into everyday life also carried ideas about identity, power, and belonging. Osmon approaches the genre with curiosity and nuance, balancing affection for the music with a sharp critical lens.
The book revisits landmark works including Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind,” John Mellencamp’s “Small Town,” and Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” while widening the frame beyond familiar narratives. Osmon foregrounds the contributions of artists often left out of the conversation, including Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, and Lucinda Williams, and explores how figures like Prince pushed the genre’s boundaries. The writing has been met with strong enthusiasm for its insight, storytelling, and ability to complicate a well-worn musical myth.
Beyond albums and personalities, Won’t Back Down situates heartland rock within the political and technological shifts of its era. Osmon examines the impact of MTV, the transition to CDs, and the genre’s unexpected role in opposing ’80s conservatism while supporting labor movements, environmental causes, and LGBTQ rights. The result is a layered portrait of music that resonated with people who felt unseen, revealing why heartland rock’s echoes remain so persistent today.