Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the most successful rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s, creating music that continues to be played today. Their iconic music and clothing style were deep rooted in American tradition. Here we delve into the music and style that defined the American band.

Music

With a harmonious blend of southern rock, blues rock, and country from the late '60s and early '70s, Creedence's music is played by people of all ages around the world. The American rock band has an abundance of recognisable hit songs, despite their relatively short active years between 1967 and 1972. If you belong to a younger generation who, by chance, are unfamiliar with the band, you have most likely heard your dad play "Proud Mary," "Looking Out My Back Door," or "Cotton Fields" on an old scratched CD or LP at home. Creedence and their music is characterised by simplicity, rawness, and a fascination for American soft rock traditions.

The Origin of the Band Name

In colloquial terms, we refer to them as "Creedence" or simply abbreviated as CCR. However, their actual name, which is likely familiar to you if you've chosen to read this article, is Creedence Clearwater Revival. The brothers Tom and John Fogerty initially formed the band under the name The Blue Velvet, then changed it to The Golliwogs, and finally settled on Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1968. The name originated from three sources of inspiration: a friend of Tom's named Credence, a TV commercial for Olympia Brewing Company ("Clear Water"), and the four members' renewed commitment to their band (Revival).

Clothing Style

The clothing style of Creedence Clearwater Revival was relatively simple and understated compared to many of their contemporary music peers. The band members typically dressed in casual clothes such as jeans, t-shirts, and flannel shirts, often combined with a leather or denim jacket.

Envision John Fogerty with his characteristic pompadour hairstyle in front of the microphone, his pipe moving to the rhythm of "Fortunate Son," wearing a blue plaid flannel shirt in classic 70s style and a pair of worn dark blue denim jeans. The shirt he often wore was a Pendleton wool shirt, a popular brand among outdoor enthusiasts and lumberjacks in the Pacific Northwest. Fogerty's Pendleton shirt became so closely associated with him that it was later included in an exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The other members of the band, including bassist Stu Cook, drummer Doug Clifford, and guitarist Tom Fogerty, also dressed in simple, practical clothing. However, we also see patterned shirts and suede vests in the 70s fashion. The band's clothing choices reflected their roots in the San Francisco Bay area, where the hippie culture was less prominent than in other parts of the country.

CCR's clothing style was a reflection of their music: unpretentious, straightforward, and rooted in American traditions. Their choice of attire helped establish the band's image as down-to-earth and authentic, and it remains an important part of their legacy.

Selected Favourite Songs

"Bad Moon Rising" (Green River, 1969)
A song that, according to Fogerty, is about an apocalypse, inspired by the film "The Devil and Daniel Webster." It has been recorded by notable artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and the esteemed Emmylou Harris (who possibly elevates it even further). The lyric "there's a bad moon on the rise" was a common Southern expression meaning that troubles were coming.

"Hey Tonight" (Pendulum, 1970)
Despite its upbeat sound, "Hey Tonight" carries a darker meaning. John Fogerty has revealed that the song was inspired by his struggle with insomnia and the feeling of being unable to escape his own thoughts. The lyrics serve as self-encouragement to let go of worries and enjoy the moment. The distinctive high-pitched "whistling" in the intro of "Hey Tonight" was created when John Fogerty blew into a beer bottle. The sound was captured on tape and later incorporated into the song, adding to its unique sound and charm.

"Up Around the Bend"(Cosmo's Factory, 1970)
The song is about leaving city life behind and seeking adventure in the countryside. It has also been covered by several other artists, including Elton John and Hanoi Rocks. The song emerged from a jam session where they experimented with different riffs and chords until they found the distinctive guitar riff that opens the song.

"Lodi"(Green River, 1969) Named after an area in California that Fogerty had never been to but sings about because it has "the coolest sounding name." (Also recorded by Emmylou Harris, who, once again, possibly takes it to another level.)