A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Song 181: “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Nov 3, 2025
Explore the fascinating journey of Creedence Clearwater Revival and their iconic track, "Proud Mary." Discover the band's evolution from the Blue Velvets to their swamp rock reign. Learn about John Fogerty's early musical influences, his unique songwriting style, and how he shaped the band's sound. Delve into the behind-the-scenes tensions, contract disputes, and the eventual breakup that followed their meteoric rise. The impact of "Proud Mary" and its numerous covers highlight the band's enduring legacy in rock history.
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Handling Offensive Historical Names
- Andrew Hickey explains the dilemma of a former band name containing a racial slur and how he'll handle it once then redact it afterwards.
- He balances historical accuracy with sensitivity by saying the name once then using neutral references afterwards.
Plastic As Cultural Symbol
- Hickey traces 'plastic' as a 1960s symbol of both futuristic promise and consumerist conformity.
- He shows how counterculture rejected mass-produced inauthenticity even as it relied on mass-produced media.
Fantasy Records Born From Failure
- Jack Sheedy, a Dixieland trombonist, started Concord Records to release his music but failed financially.
- The pressing plant owners then launched Fantasy Records, which later signed Dave Brubeck and succeeded.
