Creedence Clearwater Revival – Down On The Corner
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival takes its name from a joining of three words: Creedence is named after Creedence Nuball, a friend of Tom Fogerty. Clearwater, from the TV commercial for a beer called Olympia; Revival, which was about bringing the band back to life.
John Fogerty is one of those singers who, thanks to catchy music and honest lyrics, connected many generations and was remembered by millions. The source of his strength can be found primarily in his nasal voice and style, which time does not take away any of its nobility.
His real fame came from the band Creedence Clearwater Revival, which he founded in 1967 with his older brother, Tom, and two childhood friends: Doug Clifford and Stu Cook.
Although both Fogerts were vocally talented, it was decided that the younger brother would take over the vocal stick and Tom would take over the guitar.
In the second half of the 1960s, two CRR members, John and Doug, were drafted into the army. Though they never reached the main front in the end, the Vietnam War had a tremendous impact on them. Creedence Clearwater Revival lyrics have become a manifesto against the participation of US troops on the Vietnamese front. The band played on the Woodstock stage calling for peaceful actions, and in later years their songs appeared in the background of war films.
Despite the growing fanbase and millions of albums sold, the group’s streak did not last long. In 1971, Tom Fogerty decided to leave CRR due to his younger brother’s growing position. Even so, John demanded that the band’s remaining members – Stu Cook and Doug Clifford – participate in recording material for the new album, “Mardi Gras.” Doug and Stu protested that “this shouldn’t be a CCR album anymore.” This conflict became a touchstone of the mood in the team, and it was only a matter of time before it was over.
Eventually, the album “Mardi Gras” saw the light of day, but garnered such bad reviews that it became the nail in the coffin of the cult band. Creedence Clearwater Revival announced their dissolution in 1972. Nevertheless, their music had a huge impact on contemporary culture for many years after that.
Songs sung by John appear to this day in the best series (“Dexter”, “My name is Earl” or “Not of this world”) and great cinema productions (“Glass trap 4.0”, “Big Lebowski”, “The Expendables”). Thanks to this, CRR’s music is experiencing a second youth, and ensures its former members fame and “immortality”.