Rock legend John Fogerty expresses his love for music and how it makes him feel good when he plays.
John Fogerty, the renowned rock musician and former frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, has navigated through a tumultuous past to emerge victorious with a new perspective on his music career. Now at the age of 80, Fogerty sits down for an interview in a London hotel, dressed in his trademark attire of light-colored jeans and a dark blue flannel plaid shirt.
With a gentle and apologetic demeanor, Fogerty requests a brief moment to greet his granddaughters before delving into the interview. His voice, once powerful and soul-piercing on stage, now carries a delicate and soothing tone as he reflects on his love for music. “I love music. I dunno… I feel good when I play it and it makes me feel good when I see people happy,” Fogerty shares, highlighting the joy that music brings to his life.
In recent years, Fogerty has released a new album titled “Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years” with Concord Records, marking a celebration of his iconic songs from his time with the legendary rock band. This album, produced in collaboration with his wife, Julie Fogerty, and featuring his sons, Shane and Tyler, has brought a sense of fulfillment and pride to Fogerty as he passes on his musical heritage to the next generation.
Despite the success and acclaim tied to his music, Fogerty’s journey has been riddled with professional and personal challenges. The demise of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1972 left Fogerty embroiled in legal battles over song rights, leading to years of disillusionment and despair. His refusal to play his songs and the betrayal of his former bandmates drove him to a dark place of depression and alcoholism.
Through his memoir, “Fortunate Son”, published in 2015, Fogerty candidly recounts the adversities he faced, including conflicts with bandmates, manipulation by record labels, and the loss of creative control over his music. The commercialization of Creedence’s songs without his consent further deepened the rift between Fogerty and his former colleagues, culminating in decades of estrangement and legal disputes.
Nevertheless, Fogerty’s resilience and determination have enabled him to reclaim ownership of his music and rediscover the joy of performing his iconic songs. As he reflects on his past struggles, Fogerty emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and protecting the integrity of one’s work. Amidst the challenges and setbacks he faced, Fogerty’s unwavering commitment to his music has ultimately brought him a sense of fulfillment and peace in his later years.
With a new album and an upcoming tour, Fogerty continues to captivate audiences with his timeless music and enduring passion for rock ‘n’ roll. As he looks ahead to the future, Fogerty stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to uplift the soul and unite generations in a shared love for the art form.