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Creedence: Our most timeless classic rock band?
Creedence Clearwater Revival, also known as CCR, was an influential rock band during the 1960s and 1970s. With their raw and blues-inspired songs, such as "Proud Mary" and "Bad Moon Rising," they conquered the music scene and created a timeless soundtrack for an entire generation.
Photo: alamy
Text: Camilla Åsedal
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.
Their music
With a harmonious blend of southern rock, blues rock, and country from the late '60s and early '70s, Creedence Clearwater Revival's music is listened to by people of all ages around the world. Despite their relatively short active years between 1967 and 1972, the American rock band boasts an abundance of recognizable hit songs. If you're part of a younger generation unfamiliar with the band, you've likely heard your dad play "Proud Mary", "Lookin' Out My Back Door," or "Cotton Fields" on an old scratched CD or LP at home. Creedence's music is characterized by its simplicity, rawness, and a deep appreciation for American soft rock traditions.
Creedence album Green river from 1969.
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 hairstyle in front of the microphone, his pipes moving to the rhythm of "Fortunate Son," wearing his blue plaid flannel shirt in classic 70's style and a pair of worn dark blue denim jeans.
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.
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).Selected song trivia
"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.
In an interview from 1985, Fogerty himself tells that "Green River" is his favourite song. "Green river I always thought was the heart and sould of Creedence", he says in the interview with Countdown.
"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.)
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.
