Rock legend attempts to name album after Taylor Swift, but outcome was predictable
John Fogerty, the lead vocalist of Creedence Clearwater Revival, shares a common struggle with Taylor Swift in the music industry – the battle for ownership of their own music catalog. Fogerty, having penned many of the songs in the CCR repertoire, spent years trying to regain control of his work. It wasn’t until 2023 that he finally secured majority ownership rights and full control over his music. Despite his triumph, Fogerty faced a setback when he attempted to name his upcoming album ‘Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years’ in honor of Swift’s own struggle in regaining control of her music. He wanted to title the album ‘Taylor’s Version’ as a nod to her ordeal, but his record label swiftly shot down the idea.
Reflecting on Swift’s situation, Fogerty expressed empathy towards her ongoing battle. He acknowledged her successful career, financial stability, and immense talent, highlighting the injustice of someone else profiting from her hard work and creativity. He drew parallels between Swift’s predicament and his own experiences, likening it to the challenges he faced in navigating ownership rights with Saul Zaentz, the former owner of Fantasy Records. Fogerty’s legal struggles with Zaentz, including a lawsuit for what was deemed ‘self-plagiarism’ in one of his solo works, mirrored Swift’s battles with industry figures who sought to control her music against her wishes.
Swift’s own saga began when she signed with Big Machine Records at the age of 15, releasing six albums with the label before parting ways. Her decision to leave the company resulted in a painful revelation – the loss of the rights to her original recordings, which were acquired by Ithaca Holdings, a company owned by Scooter Braun. Swift likened the sale of her music catalog to a betrayal, feeling that her artistic legacy was being placed into untrustworthy hands. Braun’s association with Kanye West, who had publicly clashed with Swift in the past, added another layer of complexity to her conflict.
The sale of her music rights without her consent prompted Swift to take matters into her own hands. Inspired by Kelly Clarkson’s suggestion, she embarked on a mission to re-record her entire music catalog, offering fans a chance to support her by purchasing the new versions. This decision led to the creation of “Taylor’s Version,” allowing Swift to reclaim her artistry and assert her autonomy in the face of industry challenges.
In a surprising twist of fate, Fogerty and Swift found themselves on parallel journeys towards regaining control over their music, overcoming obstacles, and reclaiming their artistic independence. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to their dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to preserving the authenticity of their musical legacies.