Creedence Clearwater Revival, commonly abbreviated as CCR or simply Creedence, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California, in 1959. The band consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty; his brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty; bassist Stu Cook; and drummer Doug Clifford. The members had played together since 1959, initially as the Blue Velvets and later as the Golliwogs, before adopting the name Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1967. The band’s most commercially successful period occurred between 1969 and 1971, during which it achieved fourteen consecutive top-10 singles in the United States and five consecutive top-10 albums. Two of these albums, "Green River" (1969) and "Cosmo’s Factory" (1970), reached number one on the Billboard 200. CCR also performed at the 1969 Woodstock festival in New York State.
CCR disbanded in 1972 following internal disputes over artistic control and business matters, as well as conflicts with Fantasy Records and its owner Saul Zaentz. Tom Fogerty had already left the band in 1971. Following the breakup, legal disputes occurred between former members. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, though John Fogerty did not perform with the surviving members. Although the group never formally reunited, John Fogerty has continued to perform CCR material as a solo artist, while Cook and Clifford later performed as Creedence Clearwater Revisited between 1995 and 2020.
CCR’s music remains widely played on classic rock radio in the United States. The compilation album "Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits" (1976) has remained on the Billboard 200 for an extended period and has sold over twelve million copies in the United States.
The band’s origins trace back to Portola Junior High School, where John Fogerty, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook formed a group called the Blue Velvets, performing instrumental covers of artists such as The Ventures and Duane Eddy, along with vocal numbers sung by John Fogerty. They later backed Tom Fogerty before he joined the group. The band released several early singles and signed with Fantasy Records in 1964, an independent label based in San Francisco.
In 1964, Fantasy Records renamed the group Vision and then later the Golliwogs. During this period, Cook switched to bass guitar, Tom Fogerty moved to rhythm guitar, and John Fogerty became the lead vocalist and principal songwriter. The band members used pseudonyms on some releases, and early singles were credited to Wild/Green. In 1966, John Fogerty and Doug Clifford were drafted into military service, although both continued their involvement in music during this period.
By 1967, John Fogerty had assumed creative control of the group, which continued to record under the Golliwogs name. Their final single under that name, "Porterville", did not chart, but the recording was later reused on CCR’s debut album.
In 1967, after Saul Zaentz acquired Fantasy Records, the band adopted the name Creedence Clearwater Revival in January 1968. The name was derived from a combination of personal references and commercial inspiration, including a friend of Tom Fogerty, a beer advertisement, and the band’s renewed commitment to music. Early live performances took place in San Francisco venues such as the Avalon Ballroom and the Fillmore West, followed by national touring.
The band achieved its first major chart success in 1968 with a cover of "Susie Q", which reached number 11 on the US charts. Other early singles included "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins and "Porterville". Their debut album was released in 1968.
CCR’s breakthrough came in 1969 with the album "Bayou Country", which included the hit single "Proud Mary", later widely covered, including a version by Ike & Tina Turner. The album also featured "Born on the Bayou" and other tracks that helped establish the band’s sound. The single "Bad Moon Rising" reached number one in the United Kingdom and number two in the United States.
The album "Green River" became the band’s first US number-one album and included the title track as well as "Commotion". The band continued extensive touring, including performances at Woodstock in 1969. Their set at Woodstock was not included in the official film or soundtrack.
The band’s 1969 album "Willy and the Poor Boys" included songs such as "Down on the Corner" and "Fortunate Son", as well as traditional cover material. The group maintained a high level of commercial output throughout 1969, with multiple hit singles and albums.
In 1970, CCR released "Cosmo’s Factory", which became one of their most successful albums. It included "Travelin’ Band", "Lookin’ Out My Back Door", "Up Around the Bend", and a long version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". The album reached number one in the United States and was their best-selling studio album.
Later in 1970, the band released "Pendulum", which included "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and "Hey Tonight". These releases continued their commercial success, although internal tensions within the band were increasing.
In 1971, Tom Fogerty left the group due to internal disagreements. The remaining members continued as a trio. John Fogerty briefly attempted a more democratic approach to songwriting, allowing Cook and Clifford to contribute material. This period produced the single "Sweet Hitch-Hiker".
The band’s final album, "Mardi Gras" (1972), featured songwriting and lead vocals shared among all three members, along with a cover of "Hello Mary Lou". The album received negative critical reception and weaker commercial performance compared to earlier releases, though it still achieved gold certification. It included the single "Someday Never Comes".
Following declining internal relations and commercial momentum, CCR officially disbanded in October 1972. John Fogerty later expressed dissatisfaction with the group’s internal dynamics and business arrangements, while Cook and Clifford later formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
CCR is widely regarded as an influential roots rock band, drawing on elements of rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues, and contributing to the development of the genre later described as roots rock.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creedence_Clearwater_Revival
Studio albums
Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
Bayou Country (1969)
Green River (1969)
Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
Cosmo's Factory (1970)
Pendulum (1970)
Mardi Gras (1972)