John Fogerty discusses COVID-19 challenges, canceled casino shows, long-standing marriage, unexpected encounters, deep connections, engagement ring symbolism, personal relationships, blues music pilgrimage, struggles with unpaid royalties, legalities in the music industry, fan interactions, musical influences, military draft experience, late-night shows in the 60s, humility, songwriting evolution, band dynamics, historical events, and artistic integrity.
John Fogerty faced financial challenges, sold artist royalties to regain control of his music.
Fogerty's trip to Mississippi inspired him to value owning his songs and reignited passion for music.
Transition from Fantasy Records to Concord Records brought relief and challenges for Fogerty's royalties.
Fair compensation and ownership are key in music industry, emphasized by Fogerty's 50-50 split.
Fogerty's military draft experience impacted his music career timeline and commitments.
Deep dives
Financial Resilience and Difficult Choices
John Fogerty talks about the financial challenges he faced over the years, especially after being sued and not receiving royalties. His frugal living habits helped sustain him as he navigated legal battles over ownership of his music. He eventually sold his artist royalties back to the record company in 1980 to regain control of his future recordings, highlighting the tough decisions he had to make to protect his music.
Rediscovering Inspiration and Ownership
Fogerty's trips to Mississippi and his visit to Robert Johnson's grave sparked a realization about owning his songs. He understood the significance of having control over his music, leading him to make the decision to start recording his songs again. This journey was instrumental in reshaping his perspective on song ownership and reignited his passion for creating music.
Navigating Record Company Dynamics
The transition of Fantasy Records ownership to Concord Records brought both relief and challenges for Fogerty. While Concord pays him artist royalties for his Creedence records, the complexities of dealing with record companies and balancing artistic values with business demands remain a constant struggle. Fogerty reflects on the business side of the music industry and the ongoing efforts to maintain control over his creative work.
Music Ownership and Fair Compensation
Fogerty underscores the importance of fair compensation and ownership in the music industry, highlighting the traditional split between publishing and songwriting royalties. He confirms a 50-50 split for his music ownership, emphasizing the significance of having a say in how his songs are used and acknowledging the balance of publishing and songwriter rights in ensuring equitable compensation.
Experience of Being Drafted and Joining the Army Reserves
The speaker shares his experience of being drafted into the army in 1966 and joining the Army Reserves to avoid immediate active duty. He recalls the pressure and uncertainty surrounding the draft and how he managed to secure a place in the reserves through a connection. This decision affected his music career timeline and commitments.
Early Exposure to Music and Making First Record with the Boys Club
Starting at a young age, the speaker was exposed to music through his family and early experiences with the Boys Club. He recounts his involvement in making a record with the Boys Club at the age of 14, where they recorded two songs, 'Beverly Angel' and 'Martha My Darling.' This marked his first encounter with hearing himself on the radio.
Transition to Credence Clearwater Revival and Songwriting Credits
The narrative shifts to the formation of the band Credence Clearwater Revival and the speaker's transition from the Boys Club to creating music with the new group. The speaker discusses the evolution of their songwriting process, mentioning the song 'Porterville' and the adaptation of songwriting credits as T. Spicebush Swallowtail to symbolize collective songwriting efforts.
Authorship of Songs and Band Dynamics
The speaker reflects on the songwriting dynamics within the band, highlighting his role in creating many of the original songs. He addresses the shift in authorship and credits within the group, indicating a period where he predominantly contributed to the songwriting process. The speaker navigates balancing authorship and collaboration within the band's creative endeavors.
The Creation of 'Proud Mary'
John Fogerty reflects on the creation of 'Proud Mary', explaining how the song came to him after receiving his honorable discharge from the military. With chords playing in his head and inspired by various elements, he penned the lyrics within an hour, feeling a profound sense of achievement and greatness, setting the song apart as a standard in his mind.
Impact of Music on Society
Discussing the role of music in society, John Fogerty shares his belief in the transformative power of music. Drawing parallels to protest songs of the past, he expresses sadness over the current state of affairs in the United States, emphasizing the need for unity, tolerance, and empathy. Reflecting on the potential of music to shape thoughts and influence change, he underscores the importance of art in fostering understanding and compassion.
