Comment

Jan 07, 2018
I knew some of the back story of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) through the years growing up in the S.F. Bay Area. I recall reading a short interview brother Tom Fogerty once gave to a local publication; in it he gave the origin story of the band's name. This corroborates what John Fogerty has written in this book. I was really struck by John's commitment to his craft and musicianship: He really conveys a sense of being grateful for the opportunity to perform and give the audience what they paid for. He is, and always was, adamant about no drug or alcohol use when performing. He further believes when giving a performance, the artists should walk onto the stage, be ready, and begin their set - no 20 minute tuning sets á la The Grateful Dead. (John Fogerty actually makes this comparison without too much judgment on his contemporaries.) The most revealing part of the book for me is Chapter 19 where he pulls no punches with respect to former bandmates Doug Clifford, Stu Cook, brother Tom, and of course Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz. I was a bit saddened to learn he encountered even further legal battles with Fantasy after releasing his comeback album "Centerfield". The record company claimed at least one song on the latter album was a rip-off of an earlier Creedance work that they (record company) held the rights to. It was an enjoyable and insightful book. Some content was a little sappy and overly glowing about wife Julie, but I was happy to read anything John Fogerty is willing to reveal about his public and private life. A nice bonus is some of the photographs he included: early family photos, early band photos (when they were "The Golliwogs"!), Creedence in their prime, etc.