Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was formed in El Cerrito, California, in 1967. The band consisted of John Fogerty (lead vocals, lead guitar), Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug Clifford (drums). Over their brief but impactful career, CCR released seven studio albums between 1968 and 1972. They also released three live albums and numerous compilation albums. The band’s music, characterized by John Fogerty’s distinctive voice and songwriting, became a defining sound of late 1960s and early 1970s rock, blending elements of rock and roll, swamp rock, and Southern rock.
CCR achieved significant commercial success, with multiple albums and singles reaching high positions on the charts. Their album Green River (1969) and Cosmo’s Factory (1970) both reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. They had numerous hit singles, including “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Green River,” “Down on the Corner,” “Fortunate Son,” “Travelin’ Band,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Many of their songs became staples of American rock radio. Despite their immense popularity, the band never won a Grammy Award, though they have received posthumous recognition, including their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s impact on rock music is undeniable, with their music continuing to be influential and widely appreciated. The band’s discography includes iconic albums such as Bayou Country, Green River, Willy and the Poor Boys, and Cosmo’s Factory. Despite their relatively short career, CCR left a lasting legacy and their songs remain popular with audiences around the world. The band dissolved in 1972 following internal tensions and creative differences, with John Fogerty continuing to pursue a successful solo career.
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL STUDIO ALBUMS
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Released: July 1968
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s self-titled debut album was recorded at Coast Recorders in San Francisco, California, between late 1967 and early 1968. This album introduced the band’s unique blend of swamp rock, blues, and Southern rock, featuring John Fogerty’s distinctive vocals and guitar work. Produced by Saul Zaentz, the album includes the hit single “Suzie Q,” which reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100. The band lineup for this album consisted of John Fogerty on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Put a Spell on You” – 4:30
- “The Working Man” – 3:04
- “Suzie Q” – 8:37
- “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” – 3:39
- “Get Down Woman” – 3:09
- “Porterville” – 2:24
- “Gloomy” – 3:51
- “Walk on the Water” – 4:40
Bayou Country
Released: January 1969
Bayou Country, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s second studio album, was recorded at RCA Studios in Los Angeles, California, from October to December 1968. This album marked the beginning of the band’s peak years, featuring the hit singles “Proud Mary” and “Born on the Bayou.” Produced by John Fogerty, the album reached number seven on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band lineup remained the same, with John Fogerty on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Born on the Bayou” – 5:16
- “Bootleg” – 3:03
- “Graveyard Train” – 8:37
- “Good Golly Miss Molly” – 2:44
- “Penthouse Pauper” – 3:39
- “Proud Mary” – 3:09
- “Keep on Chooglin'” – 7:43
Green River
Released: August 1969
Green River, the third studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, during the first half of 1969. The album produced several hit singles, including the title track “Green River,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Lodi.” Produced by John Fogerty, Green River reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Green River” – 2:36
- “Commotion” – 2:44
- “Tombstone Shadow” – 3:39
- “Wrote a Song for Everyone” – 4:57
- “Bad Moon Rising” – 2:21
- “Lodi” – 3:10
- “Cross-Tie Walker” – 3:20
- “Sinister Purpose” – 3:23
- “The Night Time Is the Right Time” – 3:09
Willy and the Poor Boys
Released: November 1969
Willy and the Poor Boys, the fourth studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, from September to October 1969. The album featured hits like “Down on the Corner” and “Fortunate Son,” both of which became anti-war anthems. Produced by John Fogerty, the album reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band lineup remained unchanged, with John Fogerty on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Down on the Corner” – 2:47
- “It Came Out of the Sky” – 2:56
- “Cotton Fields” – 2:54
- “Poorboy Shuffle” – 2:25
- “Feelin’ Blue” – 5:05
- “Fortunate Son” – 2:21
- “Don’t Look Now (It Ain’t You or Me)” – 2:11
- “The Midnight Special” – 4:14
- “Side o’ the Road” – 3:26
- “Effigy” – 6:28
Cosmo’s Factory
Released: July 1970
Cosmo’s Factory, the fifth studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, from late 1969 to early 1970. The album included a series of hit singles such as “Travelin’ Band,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Run Through the Jungle,” “Up Around the Bend,” and “Lookin’ Out My Back Door.” Produced by John Fogerty, Cosmo’s Factory reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band lineup featured John Fogerty on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Ramble Tamble” – 7:09
- “Before You Accuse Me” – 3:24
- “Travelin’ Band” – 2:07
- “Ooby Dooby” – 2:07
- “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” – 2:31
- “Run Through the Jungle” – 3:06
- “Up Around the Bend” – 2:41
- “My Baby Left Me” – 2:17
- “Who’ll Stop the Rain” – 2:28
- “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – 11:07
- “Long as I Can See the Light” – 3:33
Pendulum
Released: December 1970
Pendulum, the sixth studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, from September to October 1970. The album featured hits like “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and “Hey Tonight.” Produced by John Fogerty, Pendulum reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Pagan Baby” – 6:25
- “Sailor’s Lament” – 3:47
- “Chameleon” – 3:21
- “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” – 2:39
- “(Wish I Could) Hideaway” – 3:53
- “Born to Move” – 5:40
- “Hey Tonight” – 2:42
- “It’s Just a Thought” – 3:45
- “Molina” – 2:41
- “Rude Awakening #2” – 6:19
Mardi Gras
Released: April 1972
Mardi Gras, the seventh and final studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, from 1971 to early 1972. This album was unique in that it featured contributions from all three remaining members after Tom Fogerty’s departure. Produced by the band, Mardi Gras reached number twelve on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band lineup included John Fogerty on lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Stu Cook on bass and lead vocals; and Doug Clifford on drums and lead vocals.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lookin’ for a Reason” – 3:28
- “Take It Like a Friend” – 3:00
- “Need Someone to Hold” – 3:00
- “Tearin’ Up the Country” – 2:15
- “Someday Never Comes” – 4:01
- “What Are You Gonna Do” – 2:53
- “Sail Away” – 2:32
- “Hello Mary Lou” – 2:11
- “Door to Door” – 2:09
- “Sweet Hitch-Hiker” – 2:59