Creedence Clearwater Revival: New Documentary & History - You Need To Know!
Can a band, hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, truly encapsulate the heart and soul of American roots music while simultaneously spearheading the counterculture movement? Creedence Clearwater Revival, with their signature blend of rock and roll, swamp rock, blues, and country, did precisely that, leaving an indelible mark on the late 1960s and early 1970s music scene.
In 2022, Netflix released the documentary "Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival Live at the Royal Albert Hall." Directed by Bob Smeaton and narrated by Jeff Bridges, the film provides a captivating chronicle of the band's history, culminating in their legendary 1970 concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and concluding with a recording of the electrifying performance. The documentary serves as a fitting tribute to a band that, for a brief but incandescent period, dominated the airwaves and captured the spirit of a generation. The history of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) stretches back to 1959, originating in El Cerrito, California, near San Francisco. It started with teenaged guitarist John Fogerty, who formed an instrumental rock and roll cover band with bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford. These four individuals had been playing together since 1959, starting as the Blue Velvets and later evolving into the Golliwogs before ultimately adopting the name Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1967. Their journey demonstrates a dedication to honing their craft and, of course, the formation of a musical identity that would soon reverberate across the world.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Cameron Fogerty |
| Born | May 28, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Berkeley, California, USA |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Musician |
| Associated Acts | Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Blue Velvets, The Golliwogs |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Piano |
| Genres | Rock and Roll, Swamp Rock, Blues Rock, Country Rock |
| Spouse(s) | Marcia (m. 19651973), Julie (m. 1990present) |
| Children | Shane Fogerty, Kelsy Fogerty, Tyler Fogerty |
| Years Active | 1959present |
| Education | El Cerrito High School |
For those interested in further exploring John Fogerty's career and musical achievements, the official website provides detailed information: John Fogerty Official Website
Creedence Clearwater Revival's music, a potent fusion of rock and roll, swamp rock, blues, and country, resonated with a uniquely American aesthetic, even though the band originated from the San Francisco Bay Area. Their sound was an authentic interpretation of American roots music for the counterculture. In 1969, the group achieved an extraordinary feat, charting with three separate albums. Their self-titled debut, "Creedence Clearwater Revival," reached number 52 on the charts. However, it was "Bayou Country" that truly propelled them to stardom, peaking at number 7, largely thanks to the monster hit single "Proud Mary." That iconic tune soared to number 2, beginning a long history of the band's songs being kept from the top spot on the charts. Known for a swamp rock sound that updated American roots music for the counterculture generation, Creedence Clearwater Revival notched nine top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 from 1968 to 1971. The band was arguably at their zenith when they performed at Woodstock, having released their third album, "Green River," just two weeks before the festival. Joni Mitchell's lyric in her song honoring the famous festival, "By the time we got to Woodstock, we were half a million strong," could summarize Creedence Clearwater Revival's presence at the event. The band's popularity was undeniable.
While the rest of the rock scene was tripping through the turn of the decade, embracing hallucinogenic glasses and pushing musical boundaries in all directions, Creedence Clearwater Revival took a different path. They focused on producing thoughtful records that resonated with a wide audience. Derided by many rock critics at the time as merely a "singles" band, Creedence Clearwater Revival proved to be masters at making thoughtful records that sold, appealing to a broad audience. The bands impact was such that, for three years between 1969 and 1971, Creedence Clearwater Revival were arguably the hottest band in America.
The band consisted of John Fogerty, the lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter; his brother Tom Fogerty, on rhythm guitar; Stu Cook on bass; and Doug Clifford on drums. The formation of the group, as an instrumental rock and roll cover band in 1959, showcases their dedication. An early influence on Clifford's playing was The Beatles, with their appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in February 1964 being of particular significance. In 1995, Clifford and Cook formed the band Creedence Clearwater Revisited, performing live versions of Creedence Clearwater Revival songs, continuing the legacy of their music. "Bad Moon Rising" is a song written by John Fogerty and performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was the lead single from their album "Green River" and was released on April 16, 1969, four months before the album. The release of "Cosmo's Factory" on July 8, 1970, marked another significant milestone, with six of the album's eleven tracks being released as singles in 1970, all of which charted in the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. The band's first live album, "Live in Europe," captured their 1971 European tour performances, released after the band's breakup and featuring live renditions of some of their biggest hits. "No Creedence Clearwater Revival" list would be complete without this track, which thoroughly deserves its revered place in the band's history.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, often shortened to CCR or simply Creedence, became an American rock band from California, United States. The group achieved widespread popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The bands impact can be quantified through the sale of 26 million albums in the United States alone, with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 solidifying their legacy. Much of Creedence Clearwater Revival's music had been written and arranged by John Fogerty, who has not participated in Creedence Clearwater Revisited. John Fogerty had exercised artistic control over the earlier band, and he even sued to try to stop the newer revisited band from using its similar name, arguing that the name would confuse the public into thinking it was a continuation of the original band.
The bands success also underscores how they were able to achieve such broad appeal. Their music was a blend of styles, but it was also accessible, with the band's ability to craft incredibly catchy, well-produced, and thematically strong music. The lyrics often tapped into the American experience, speaking to the concerns and aspirations of the people. This combination helped them become one of the most successful bands of their era.
In the world of rock and roll, Creedence Clearwater Revival stands as a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and authentic musical expression. They didn't just ride the wave of the times; they created a wave all their own. Their music continues to resonate with listeners. With "Creedence Clearwater Revived" today, we can still enjoy the sound and the soul of Creedence Clearwater Revivals music. Though Creedence Clearwater Revival today is only a memory, it remains one of the most representative Californian bands of the "on the road" culture in the sixties and seventies; as well as one of the greatest American bands and a truly important rock'n'roll group.
The discography of American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, who released their first album and singles in July 1968, includes 7 studio albums, 5 live albums, 43 compilation albums, and 29 singles, with songs like "Travellin' Band," "Up Around the Bend," and "Long as I Can See" remaining timeless classics. The depth of their catalog and the enduring appeal of their music speak to their enduring impact.
