Creedance Clearwater Revival: DYK?
The Untold Story of Creedence Clearwater Revival: Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Tales of a Legendary Band
Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is one of the most iconic rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With hits like "Bad Moon Rising," "Proud Mary," and "Fortunate Son," their music became the soundtrack of a turbulent era in American history. But beyond the well-known hits and the familiar swamp rock sound, CCR has a history filled with interesting stories and lesser-known facts that even die-hard fans might not know. Let’s dive into the untold story of Creedence Clearwater Revival and uncover some fun facts that make this band truly legendary.
1. The Band's Name Wasn't Always Creedence Clearwater Revival
Before they became CCR, the band went through several name changes. Originally formed in 1959, they started as The Blue Velvets, performing mostly instrumental tracks. Later, they changed their name to The Golliwogs, a name chosen by their record label in an attempt to make them sound more British and capitalize on the British Invasion trend.
It wasn't until 1967 that the band settled on the name Creedence Clearwater Revival. The name is a combination of three elements: "Creedence" comes from a friend of Tom Fogerty’s named Credence Newball (with an extra "e" added for style), "Clearwater" references a TV commercial for Olympia beer with the slogan "Clear water," and "Revival" symbolized the band's commitment to returning to their roots and revitalizing their sound.
2. John Fogerty’s Remarkable Creative Streak
John Fogerty, the band’s frontman, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter, was a prolific and driven musician. During a period of just two and a half years (1968-1970), Fogerty wrote, composed, and produced an astonishing number of hit songs. CCR released seven studio albums in five years, five of which were released between 1968 and 1970 alone.
Fogerty’s creative streak is even more impressive considering that he was the band's only songwriter. He wrote classics like "Born on the Bayou," "Green River," and "Down on the Corner," all while maintaining a grueling touring schedule. Fogerty’s intense work ethic helped CCR to become one of the most successful bands of their time, despite their relatively short career.
3. The Band Never Had a Number-One Hit in the U.S.
Despite their incredible popularity and numerous top 10 hits, CCR never had a single reach the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. They came close several times, with songs like "Proud Mary," "Bad Moon Rising," and "Green River" all peaking at number two. In fact, CCR holds the record for the most number-two hits without ever reaching number one—a total of five.
This near-miss history only adds to the band's legacy, as they remain one of the most influential and beloved rock bands despite never claiming the top chart spot.
4. The Feud That Tore the Band Apart
Behind the scenes, tension was brewing within the band, primarily between John Fogerty and the other members, including his brother Tom Fogerty. John’s control over the band’s creative direction and business decisions led to growing resentment. Tom Fogerty left the band in 1971 due to these tensions, pursuing a solo career that never reached the same heights as CCR.
The remaining members—John, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford—recorded one final album, Mardi Gras, in 1972. However, the album was poorly received, and the band officially disbanded later that year. The bitterness between the members lingered for years, and unfortunately, the Fogerty brothers never fully reconciled before Tom’s death in 1990.
5. John Fogerty’s Long Battle for His Music Rights
After CCR disbanded, John Fogerty faced a long and bitter legal battle over the rights to his own music. CCR’s record label, Fantasy Records, retained the rights to the band’s music, which meant that John Fogerty did not own the rights to the songs he had written and performed.
In the 1980s, Fogerty was sued by Fantasy Records for allegedly plagiarizing his own song, "Run Through the Jungle," with his solo hit "The Old Man Down the Road." Fogerty won the case, and in a landmark decision, the court ruled that an artist cannot plagiarize themselves. It wasn’t until 2004 that Fogerty finally regained the rights to his CCR songs, after Fantasy Records was sold to Concord Records.
6. The Legacy of CCR’s Music
Despite the internal strife and relatively short lifespan of the band, Creedence Clearwater Revival's music has endured and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Their songs have been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, and they remain a staple of classic rock radio.
CCR’s music, with its blend of rock, blues, country, and a dash of swampy Louisiana flavor, captured the American spirit in a way that few other bands have. Their songs often addressed social and political issues, reflecting the turbulent times in which they were created. "Fortunate Son," for example, became an anthem of protest against the Vietnam War and continues to be a powerful symbol of anti-establishment sentiment.
The Enduring Impact of CCR
Creedence Clearwater Revival may have been a band plagued by internal conflict and missed opportunities, but their music left an indelible mark on the world. The band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics, all wrapped in a uniquely American sound, has made them timeless. From their humble beginnings as The Blue Velvets to their rise as one of the most influential rock bands of all time, CCR’s story is one of passion, creativity, and resilience.
For aspiring musicians, the story of CCR offers several lessons: the importance of creative control, the potential pitfalls of internal band dynamics, and the lasting power of music that speaks to both the heart and the times. Despite their challenges, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s music continues to inspire and entertain, proving that great art truly can stand the test of time.
One of the most memorable quotes attributed to Creedence Clearwater Revival, specifically from their frontman John Fogerty, is:
"It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son."
From the song "Fortunate Son"
This lyric from their 1969 hit song "Fortunate Son" became an anthem of protest against the Vietnam War and a powerful expression of anti-establishment sentiment. The line captures the essence of the band's stance on social and political issues, and it remains one of the most iconic quotes associated with CCR. The song speaks to the disparity between the wealthy and powerful who could avoid the draft and the common people who were sent to fight.