Feature Photo: Fantasy Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Creedence Clearwater Revival, often abbreviated as CCR, was a band that epitomized the spirit of American rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Formed in El Cerrito, California, the group initially consisted of John Fogerty (lead vocals, lead guitar), Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug Clifford (drums). Originally performing as the Blue Velvets and later as the Golliwogs, the band underwent several name changes before adopting Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1967. This name change marked the beginning of their meteoric rise in the music industry.
CCR’s journey into stardom began in 1968 with their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit single “Suzie Q.” This track introduced their swamp rock sound, a distinctive blend of rock, blues, and country, despite the band members hailing from Northern California. Their sophomore album, Bayou Country (1969), solidified their place in rock history with the iconic track “Proud Mary,” which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of their most enduring hits.
Throughout their career, Creedence Clearwater Revival released seven studio albums, each marked by their signature sound and socially conscious lyrics. Albums like Green River (1969), Willy and the Poor Boys (1969), and Cosmo’s Factory (1970) produced an astonishing string of hits, including “Bad Moon Rising,” “Down on the Corner,” “Fortunate Son,” “Travelin’ Band,” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” Cosmo’s Factory became their most commercially successful album, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and showcasing their ability to craft timeless songs.
Despite their success, tensions within the band led to significant changes. Tom Fogerty departed in 1971, leaving CCR as a trio. The remaining members released two more albums, Pendulum (1970) and Mardi Gras (1972), before disbanding later in 1972. Mardi Gras received mixed reviews and marked the end of a brief but prolific career. While internal conflicts contributed to their breakup, the music they created during their peak remains influential and celebrated.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s accolades include multiple gold and platinum certifications, as well as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. They were known for their ability to address themes of war, social justice, and the American experience in a way that resonated across generations. Songs like “Fortunate Son” became anthems of protest and are still relevant today, reflecting the enduring power of their lyrics and sound.
Beyond their studio recordings, CCR’s live performances were legendary. They played at iconic events such as Woodstock in 1969, where their set demonstrated their raw energy and musical precision. Despite disputes that arose after their breakup, including legal battles between John Fogerty and the remaining members, their music continued to thrive, ensuring their legacy.
Outside of music, members of the band pursued various ventures. John Fogerty enjoyed a successful solo career, continuing to create music that carried the spirit of CCR. Stu Cook and Doug Clifford formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited, performing the band’s classic songs to fans around the world, keeping the CCR spirit alive for new audiences.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s impact on rock music cannot be overstated. With a catalog of songs that continues to inspire artists and listeners alike, they remain a quintessential example of American rock and roll. Their ability to blend poignant lyrics with unforgettable melodies has ensured their place as one of the most beloved bands in music history.
(A-H)
“45 Revolutions Per Minute” – Pendulum (40th Anniversary Edition) (2008)
“Bad Moon Rising” – Green River (1969)
“Before You Accuse Me” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Bootleg” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Born on the Bayou” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Born to Move” – Pendulum (1970)
“Broken Spoke Shuffle” – Green River (40th Anniversary Edition) (2008)
“Call It Pretending” – Non-album single, B-side of “Porterville” (1967)
“Chameleon” – Pendulum (1970)
“Commotion” – Green River (1969)
“Cotton Fields” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Cross-Tie Walker” – Green River (1969)
“Don’t Look Now (It Ain’t You or Me)” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Door to Door” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Down on the Corner” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Effigy” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Feelin’ Blue” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Fortunate Son” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Get Down Woman” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“Gloomy” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“Glory Be” – Green River (40th Anniversary Edition) (2008)
“Good Golly, Miss Molly” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Graveyard Train” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Green River” – Green River (1969)
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” – Pendulum (1970)
“Hello Mary Lou” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Hey Tonight” – Pendulum (1970)
(I-R)
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“I Put a Spell on You” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“It Came Out of the Sky” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“It’s Just a Thought” – Pendulum (1970)
“Keep on Chooglin'” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Lodi” – Green River (1969)
“Long as I Can See the Light” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Lookin’ for a Reason” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“The Midnight Special” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Molina” – Pendulum (1970)
“My Baby Left Me” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Need Someone to Hold” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“The Night Time Is the Right Time” – Green River (1969)
“Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“Ooby Dooby” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Pagan Baby” – Pendulum (1970)
“Penthouse Pauper” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Poorboy Shuffle” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Porterville” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“Proud Mary” – Bayou Country (1969)
“Ramble Tamble” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Rude Awakening #2” – Pendulum (1970)
“Run Through the Jungle” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
(S-Z)
“Sail Away” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Sailor’s Lament” – Pendulum (1970)
“Side o’ the Road” – Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
“Sinister Purpose” – Green River (1969)
“Someday Never Comes” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Suzie Q” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“Sweet Hitch-Hiker” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Take It Like a Friend” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Tearin’ Up the Country” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Tombstone Shadow” – Green River (1969)
“Travelin’ Band” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Up Around the Bend” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“Walk On the Water” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“What Are You Gonna Do” – Mardi Gras (1972)
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
“(Wish I Could) Hideaway” – Pendulum (1970)
“The Working Man” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
“Wrote a Song for Everyone” – Green River (1969)
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Creedence Clearwater Revival articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Complete List Of Creedence Clearwater Revival Albums And Songs
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Best Song On Each Studio Album
Complete List Of Creedence Clearwater Revival Band Members
Creedence Clearwater Revival Broke Up 50 Years Ago Today
Top 10 Creedence Clearwater Revival Songs
Creedence Clearwater Revival Albums Ranked
Top 10 John Fogerty Songs
John Fogerty’s Biggest Hits Of His Solo Career
Complete List Of John Fogerty Albums And Discography
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