John Fogerty is an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). Born on May 28, 1945, in Berkeley, California, Fogerty played a key role in shaping CCR’s distinctive sound, which blended elements of rock and roll, swamp rock, and roots music.
Some of CCR’s most famous hits include “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Fogerty wrote most of the band’s songs and was known for his gritty vocals and memorable guitar riffs.
After CCR disbanded in 1972, Fogerty embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several albums that further showcased his songwriting talents. His solo hits include “Centerfield,” “The Old Man Down the Road,” and “Rockin’ All Over the World.”
Fogerty’s influence on rock music is profound, and he remains a revered figure in the industry. He’s known for his distinctive voice, catchy melodies, and socially conscious lyrics.
1. Fortunate Son
“Fortunate Son” is one of the most famous songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), written by John Fogerty. It was released in 1969 as a single from their album “Willy and the Poor Boys.” The song quickly became an anthem of protest against the Vietnam War and the social inequality present in American society at the time.
With its powerful lyrics and driving rhythm, “Fortunate Son” criticizes the idea that wealthy or privileged individuals could avoid the draft for the Vietnam War through connections or influence, while those less fortunate were sent to fight and die. The song’s chorus, “It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son,” became particularly iconic, expressing a sentiment of refusal to be complicit in the inequality and hypocrisy of the time.
“Fortunate Son” remains highly relevant and has been used in various forms of media to represent anti-establishment and protest sentiments. Its message continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the rock genre.
2. Proud Mary
“Proud Mary” is another iconic song by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), written by John Fogerty. It was released in 1969 as a single from their album “Bayou Country.” The song’s distinctive rhythm and catchy melody have made it one of CCR’s most enduring and beloved hits.
“Proud Mary” tells the story of a narrator who reflects on their experiences traveling on the Mississippi River aboard a paddle-wheel steamboat named “Proud Mary.” The song’s lyrics evoke images of life along the river, with references to working on the docks, rolling on the river, and contemplating what the future holds.
The song’s chorus, with its refrain of “Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river,” is instantly recognizable and has become a classic sing-along anthem. Over the years, “Proud Mary” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its place as one of the most enduring and influential songs in rock music history.
3. Bad Moon Rising
“Bad Moon Rising” is a song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), released in 1969 on their album “Green River.” It was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, John Fogerty. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo, despite its ominous lyrics.
“Bad Moon Rising” is often interpreted as a song about impending doom and the sense of foreboding that comes with it. The lyrics mention various natural disasters and events, such as hurricanes and lightning strikes, leading to the belief that something sinister is on the horizon. The refrain, “There’s a bad moon on the rise,” reinforces this sense of impending danger.
Despite its dark subject matter, “Bad Moon Rising” became one of CCR’s most popular and enduring songs. It reached the top of the charts in several countries and has since been covered by numerous artists across different genres.
The song’s infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and driving rhythm have made it a classic in the rock music canon. It has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as one of CCR’s signature songs.
4. Have You Ever Seen the Rain
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a song by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), released in 1970 on their album “Pendulum.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, John Fogerty.
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is often interpreted as a reflection on the turmoil and uncertainty of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The lyrics speak of encountering hardships and challenges, even in the midst of sunny days and clear skies. The rain in the song serves as a metaphor for life’s struggles and adversity.
Despite its somber theme, the song features an upbeat tempo and catchy melody, with memorable guitar riffs and vocal harmonies. Its optimistic tone and universal message have made it one of CCR’s most enduring and beloved songs.
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a staple of classic rock radio playlists. Its timeless appeal and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
5. Centerfield
“Centerfield” is a song by John Fogerty, released as a single in 1985 from his album of the same name. It’s one of Fogerty’s most famous solo tracks and has become an enduring anthem in sports culture, particularly baseball.
The song celebrates the joy and excitement of baseball, with lyrics that evoke the imagery and atmosphere of the game. Fogerty, a baseball fan himself, sings about the anticipation of playing in centerfield, the thrill of catching fly balls, and the camaraderie of the sport.
“Centerfield” features a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and energetic guitar riffs, capturing the spirit of America’s favorite pastime. It’s often played at baseball stadiums and has become a staple during games, as well as a popular choice for sports-related events and commercials.
The song’s chorus, with its refrain of “Put me in, coach, I’m ready to play today,” has become particularly iconic and is widely recognized by fans of both baseball and rock music. “Centerfield” remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a timeless sports anthem.
6. Who’ll Stop the Rain
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” is a song by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), released in 1970 on their album “Cosmo’s Factory.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, John Fogerty.
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” is often interpreted as a commentary on the social and political turbulence of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The lyrics describe the disillusionment and unrest felt by many during this period, as well as the search for hope and stability amidst chaos and uncertainty. The rain in the song serves as a metaphor for the difficulties and challenges faced by society at the time.
Musically, “Who’ll Stop the Rain” features a memorable guitar riff and a melodic, folk-inspired sound. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its somber lyrics, creating a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.
“Who’ll Stop the Rain” became one of CCR’s most popular and enduring songs, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries. Its themes of social commentary and introspection, combined with its infectious sound, have made it a classic in the rock music canon.
7. Down on the Corner
“Down on the Corner” is a classic song by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), written by John Fogerty. It was released in 1969 as a single from their album “Willy and the Poor Boys.” The song’s upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and catchy lyrics have made it one of CCR’s most enduring and beloved hits.
“Down on the Corner” tells the story of a fictional band called Willy and the Poor Boys who play music on street corners for spare change. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the band’s performances and the colorful characters who gather to listen and dance.
With its memorable chorus of “Down on the corner, out in the street, Willy and the Poor Boys are playin’,” the song captures the spirit of Americana and the joy of music-making. Its infectious energy and sing-along appeal have made it a favorite among fans of rock music.
“Down on the Corner” has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its place as a classic in the rock genre.
8. The Old Man Down the Road
“The Old Man Down the Road” is a song by American rock musician John Fogerty, released in 1984. It was included in his album “Centerfield,” which marked his return to the music industry after a decade-long hiatus.
The song is notable for its catchy guitar riff and driving rhythm. Lyrically, “The Old Man Down the Road” tells the story of a mysterious old man who possesses supernatural abilities and warns the narrator of impending danger. It’s been suggested that the song’s lyrics were influenced by Fogerty’s legal battles with his former record label, which prevented him from releasing new material under his own name.
“The Old Man Down the Road” became a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its energetic rock sound and memorable hook contributed to its popularity, making it one of Fogerty’s most well-known solo songs.
Despite its success, the song also sparked controversy when Fogerty was sued by his former label for allegedly plagiarizing his own earlier work with Creedence Clearwater Revival. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, but it highlighted the complexities of copyright law in the music industry.
Overall, “The Old Man Down the Road” remains a fan favorite and a staple of John Fogerty’s live performances. Its driving rhythm and memorable guitar riff continue to captivate audiences, cementing its status as a classic rock hit.
9. Lookin’ Out My Back Door
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” is another classic song by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), written by John Fogerty. It was released in 1970 as a single from their album “Cosmo’s Factory.” The song’s whimsical lyrics and upbeat melody have made it one of CCR’s most recognizable and beloved tracks.
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” features surreal and nonsensical imagery, with references to a parade with animals playing instruments, dancing elephants, and a statue wearing high heels. The song’s cheerful and carefree vibe, along with its catchy chorus, captures a sense of childlike wonder and imagination.
Despite its seemingly nonsensical lyrics, “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” has been interpreted in various ways by listeners over the years. Some see it as a reflection of the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, while others simply enjoy its whimsical charm and infectious melody.
The song remains a favorite among fans of CCR and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in the rock genre.
10. Rockin’ All Over the World
“Rockin’ All Over the World” is a song originally written and recorded by American rock band John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). It was released as a single in 1975 and appeared on Fogerty’s self-titled solo album. The song has a lively tempo and is characterized by its energetic rock sound and catchy chorus.
However, the song became widely known through its cover by the British rock band Status Quo. Status Quo’s version was released in 1977 on their album of the same name, “Rockin’ All Over the World.” Their rendition of the song became a major hit, reaching the top ten in several countries and becoming one of Status Quo’s signature songs.
“Rockin’ All Over the World” is an anthem of rock and roll celebration, with lyrics that express the joy and excitement of playing music and performing for audiences around the world. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a popular choice for live performances and sporting events.
The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and adaptations by other artists over the years, further solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem. Whether through Fogerty’s original version or Status Quo’s cover, “Rockin’ All Over the World” continues to be enjoyed by fans of rock music worldwide.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
