Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival, frequently referred to as CCR (or by older generations, simply Creedence) is the name of an American rock band, fronted by John Fogerty.

History

The band started out as The Blue Velvets, formed by Tom Fogerty in El Cerrito, California in the late 1950s. By the mid 1960s, the band signed a record contract, had their name changed to The Golliwogs (an apparent reference to a once-popular minstrel doll called a Golliwogg) by record company executives, and released a few obscure singles that failed to get noticed.

Related Topics:
Tom Fogerty - El Cerrito, California - 1950s - 1960s - The Golliwogs - Golliwogg

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Eventually Tom's younger brother, John Fogerty, took control of the group, writing all of their material and singing lead vocals. The band's first album as Creedence Clearwater Revival was released in 1968. A cover of the Dale Hawkins Swamp Rock classic "Suzie Q." became their first hit single. As a result, Creedence Clearwater Revival is considered part of that distinctly American Swamp Rock music, exemplified again most prominently in their song "Born On The Bayou."

Related Topics:
John Fogerty - 1968 - Cover - Dale Hawkins - Swamp Rock - Born On The Bayou

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By 1969, the band really began to find its voice; "Proud Mary" became their second hit single and was followed by a series of successful songs, including "Bad Moon Rising", "Green River", "Down on the Corner", "Travelin' Band", "Who'll Stop the Rain", "Up Around the Bend", "Fortunate Son", and "Lookin' Out My Back Door." Due to John Fogerty's success as writer, singer, and frontman, the other band members began to feel like they were being held back. His brother Tom left the band in 1971, to pursue an ill-fated solo career. John Fogerty, in an attempt to keep things together, allowed bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford equal songwriting and vocal time on the band's final album Mardi Gras in 1972, which proved conclusively that Fogerty's songs and vocal style were the key to the band's success.

Related Topics:
1969 - Bad Moon Rising - 1971 - Stu Cook - Doug Clifford - Mardi Gras - 1972

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John Fogerty bought himself out of his contract with Fantasy Records and eventually established a successful solo career.

Related Topics:
Contract - Fantasy Records

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Band members Doug Clifford and Stu Cook formed a band in 1995 with other musicians called "Creedence Clearwater Revisited". They mainly play the original band classics. 'Revisited' still performs around the country.

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In 2003, CCR released their greatest hits compilation, under the name "Bad Moon Rising: The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival", featuring 21 hit tracks from throughout their career.

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