John Fogerty Reflects on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Predictive Breakup Hit
In a reflective discussion, John Fogerty shares insights into the creation of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s iconic breakup anthem, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” He reveals the complex dynamics within the band during a pivotal moment in their history.
Success in 1969
The year 1969 was monumental for Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). The band released three albums and four singles, achieving eight hits:
- Proud Mary
- Born on the Bayou
- Bad Moon Rising
- Lodi
- Green River
- Commotion
- Down on the Corner
- Fortunate Son
All these tracks were crafted by Fogerty, the band’s frontman, who also wrote many songs for their subsequent album releases.
Tension Among Bandmates
As CCR prepared for their sixth studio album, Pendulum, in November 1970, tensions escalated within the group. Fogerty’s bandmates—brother Tom, drummer Doug Clifford, and bassist Stu Cook—expressed dissatisfaction over not being able to contribute their songs. They demanded a meeting with Fogerty, stating, “We want to all write songs, and we want to make up our own parts on the records.”
This ultimatum surprised Fogerty. In prior discussions, he had resisted similar requests, believing that his songwriting and leadership were essential to their success.
The Challenge of Leadership
Reflecting on the situation, Fogerty stated, “I don’t think we would’ve found any success some other way if I hadn’t written the songs or had someone else been the lead singer.” He recognized the human desire for recognition, saying, “People want attention and can feel jealous.” However, he insisted on the importance of a singular vision in leadership, akin to a quarterback in a football team.
Ultimately, Fogerty conceded to his bandmates’ demands because the future of CCR was at stake.
Creation of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”
As the recording sessions began for Pendulum, Fogerty noticed that no one else was contributing songs. He filled the gap with “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” a track that he believes symbolizes CCR’s impending breakup. The song’s metaphor speaks to a clear sky hiding brewing storms, reflecting the underlying discontent within the band during a time of success.
Legacy and Popularity
Released in January 1971, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Although this was a modest peak compared to earlier hits, the track has since gained immense popularity. Today, it is CCR’s most streamed song, accumulating over two billion streams on Spotify.
Sadly, Pendulum marked the last album featuring all four original members. Following the album, Tom Fogerty left the band, and the siblings would remain estranged until Tom’s death in 1990. The band officially disbanded in 1972 after releasing Mardi Gras.
Reclaiming the Past
After years apart from his early work, Fogerty began to reconnect with his musical roots. In 1989, he was encouraged by Bob Dylan to perform “Proud Mary,” which reinvigorated his relationship with his past. In 2016, he reclaimed a crucial guitar from his early career and started performing again. His recent release, Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years, features re-recordings of his iconic songs.
