What was John Fogerty’s first number one hit song?
John Fogerty, the creative genius behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, had a remarkable journey to his first number one hit. Between 1968 and 1972, the band produced an impressive string of top ten singles like ‘Bad Moon Rising’, ‘Up Around the Bend’, ‘Proud Mary’, and ‘Down on the Corner’, showcasing their diverse musical influences of roots rock, swamp rock, blues rock, country rock, and blue-eyed soul. Despite disbanding in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival earned a well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, a testament to the impact of their music.
Although the band achieved a number one album with ‘Green River’ in 1969, they never clinched a number one single due to Fogerty’s restrictive recording contract with Fantasy Records, which deprived him of owning the rights to his own songs. However, decades later in 2010, ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’, a beloved Creedence Clearwater Revival track, reached number one on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, proving the enduring popularity of their music.
Fogerty’s solo career saw a resurgence with his third studio album, ‘Centerfield’, in 1985, which became his first number one album. After a hiatus of nine years fueled by legal battles, Fogerty made a triumphant return with this album, soaring to double-platinum status. While ‘Centerfield’ marked his first number one album, it was the single ‘The Old Man Down the Road’ that secured Fogerty his first number one on a Billboard chart, the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, to be precise. This track, with its poignant lyrics reflecting on the industry’s challenges, resonated with audiences and solidified Fogerty’s place in music history.
Today, John Fogerty continues to captivate audiences with his timeless music, despite the inevitable changes in his voice over the years. His performance at the Glastonbury Festival on the Pyramid Stage in 2025 was met with adoration from tens of thousands of fans, who joyfully sang along to his classic hits. With a career full of musical achievements and a deep connection to his audience, Fogerty’s legacy as a talented musician is secure, and he certainly deserves all the number ones that come his way.