Forty-four years ago a band was formed that would make timeless music for generations to come. Forty-three years ago they released their first album. That band and album? Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Though all the boys of CCR were Northern California natives, their sound and lyrics often made them sound as though they were from the South, singing at times about Southern themes and locations (do you know any bayous in Northern California?). Rock and roll as a whole was taking a turn toward the psychedelic and Creedence dipped their musical toes into that water for half of their first album. But they soon realized their real success came when they put out their bare-knuckled rock and roll. They did it well, and they made hits to remain popular today (and likely for generations to come). Their musical talent, and John Fogerty’s ability to take charge and write damn good music has helped launch the band into legendary status.
The band didn’t start off as a success, though. They put in their work for years with bands like the Blue Velvets before they signed to Fantasy, where they then changed their name to the Golliwogs. Even then it wasn’t until John Fogerty took over for his brother as the writer and vocalist for the band that they gained traction. Though John’s command of the band would later be a cause of their breaking up, the five years they recorded together were extremely productive as they managed to release seven albums and various singles.
In 1972 the band split and Mardi Gras would be the last CCR LP. Though there can never be a true reunion since Tom Fogerty’s death in 1990 (three years later they would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), John Fogerty has said he is open to a CCR reunion and you can still hear the band’s recordings. If you’re in the need for something new, John Fogerty is still recording and performing live. Though their time together was brief, the musical impact the band left on America and the world is one to be seen for years to come. To this day it is difficult to go anywhere without hearing a classic Creedence tune. Be it on commercials (which John detests), on the radio, in movies, or in video games, you can bet that you’re going to hear them.
For people just getting into the musical world, or for parents, friends, relatives, co-workers trying to introduce music to those wanting and/or needing to learn, CCR is one of those bands that is a must to be thrust upon people. Their timeless rock with songs about regular folks like you and me make them able to be enjoyed by people with tastes in all musical backgrounds. Even if you were to take their songs without the lyrics, it’d be a masterpiece, outlining what music should be and being an influence for songs to write. And hey, they’ve got plenty of great songs for those of you starting your own bands and need a good cover to add to your repertoire. Check out the links below to celebrate 44 years of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
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