Finding Fogerty: Interdisciplinary Readings of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival

(Paperback)

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Finding Fogerty: Interdisciplinary Readings of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival, edited by Thomas M. Kitts, begins to correct the scholarly neglect of John Fogerty, one of Americas great songwriters, one of the rock eras great vocalists, and one of its underrated guitarists and producers. This essential collection pulls together scholars from a wide range of disciplines and approaches to assess Fogertys fifty-year career and to argue for his musical and cultural significance. The composer of American classics like Proud Mary, Fortunate Son, Green River, Wholl Stop the Rain, and Centerfield, Fogerty first achieved commercial success with the release of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1968. As the bands songwriter, lead singer, lead guitarist, and producer, Fogerty led CCR in a blistering output of 10 top-ten singles and seven gold albums before disbanding CCR in 1972. Divided into four sections (Born on the Bayou, Run Through the Jungle, Centerfield, and Keep on Chooglin), Finding Fogerty investigates Fogertys songs, life, and legacy, and stands as a tribute to one of Americas most treasured musical legends.

Reviews

Editor Thomas M. Kitts has recognized that John Fogerty deserves. . . attention too, and this volume, Finding Fogerty: Interdisciplinary Readings of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival, works to place the artist in the context of his creative work, commercial predicaments, and cultural impact. ... Kitts Finding Fogerty offers a strong reminder of how important a songwriters influence can be and contains a thorough analysis of Fogertys career as a band member and as a soloist, does not flinch from the critical and commercial difficulties he has faced, and avoids overselling his achievements. It describes what can happen when business associations can become so convoluted that a creator can be sued for plagiarizing himself and the emotional battering a performer can suffer while reconciling himself with his works from the past. Finding Fogerty should convince its readers that Fogertys influence on American culture deserves even fuller consideration; this volume offers a welcome start. * Journal of American Culture *
A lively gathering of essays on John Fogerty's Creedence Clearwater Revival, the funky (but clean-cut) Americana rock band that scored a fistful of Top Ten hits in the 60s, without finding a firm place in the decade's rock hierarchy. Here a baker's dozen of perceptive music writers tell how good the band was and why it ended up an inch away from super-stardom. -- Michael Lydon, author of Rock Folk and Ray Charles: Man and Music

Author Bio

Thomas M. Kitts is professor of English and Chair of the Division of English and Speech at St. Johns University, New York.