Creedence Clearwater Revival - Cosmo’s Factory
On this episode, we turn our attention to one of the most successful bands from the late 1960s and early 1970’s: Creedence Clearwater Revival, and what is considered by many their masterpiece, Cosmo's Factory. 1970 was a fertile year for music. While the English Invasion was still dominating the airwaves and the psychedelic scene was still influencing everything from movies to fashion to music, CCR formed near the center of all that was "happening" and making music that hearkened back to a different era and being quite successful at doing so. John Fogerty was the mastermind behind the the music and the band's success. "Swamp Rock" is often the label applied to CCR, but regardless of what you call it, it was often fun, always heartfelt, and quintessentially American.
No recommendation for this episode.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
A teenage John Fogerty performing circa1961.
What would eventually become Creedence Clearwater Revival, was first signed to Fantasy Records as the Visions. But the label wanted to cash in on the British Invasion hype and issued first single
"Don't Tell Me No Lies" under what they considered a more “British” sounding name: the Golliwogs. NOTE the “AKA the Visions” on their publicity photo.
The label also thought they needed a gimmick and insisted that the perform in ridiculous white wigs.
Pictured (back row L top R): Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford. John Fogerty is in the middle.
Here is a flyer promoting an upcoming gig with Little Richard and Sam the Sham, referencing the band’s regional hit “Brown Eyed Girl” not to be confused with the latter Van Morrison tune. Notice the misspelling of “Goliwogs”
By early 1967 John Fogerty and drummer Doug Clifford decided to enlist with the reserves before they were drafted. Fogerty became a reservist in the Army.
John Fogerty, fresh out of the reserves, sitting with his brother (and CCR bassist) Tom, likely discussing their next moves.
Creedence Clearwater appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in March of 1969. When he introduced the band, Ed Sullivan stated: “All the youngsters have been asking for this group.” CCR had just released their second LP, Bayou Country, and played their #2 single “Proud Mary” from the album (you can watch it below), followed by Little Richard’s “Good Golly Miss Molly. d
In November of that same year, to promote their third LP Willy and the Poor Boys, the band would return to the program and perform “Fortunate Son” and “Down on the Corner.”
By 1970, CCR was one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Their arrival in the UK in 1970 was big news, as is evidenced by the front page announcement and article in Melody Maker.
Speaking of that trip through the UK, here is footage of the band performing “Travelin’ Band” at the Royal Albert Hall in April of 1970.
