Legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty recently stopped by NPR's 'Tiny Desk' series, delivering impassioned performances of three CCR classics and two solo tracks. In a poignant episode, Fogerty also delves into the story behind one of his most iconic songs, "Proud Mary," revealing that it exceeded his own expectations.
Upon kicking off the set with 1969's "Bad Moon Rising," backed by sons Shane and Tyler Fogerty, Fogerty expressed astonishment at the song's enduring popularity. He noted, "This song was so much better than anything I'd ever done... And I was literally kind of dumbfounded and shocked that it had happened." The feeling was all too familiar for Fogerty, who recounted how he spent years without fully grasping the impact his music had on others.
The performance also included a subtle nod to NPR, with Fogerty stating, "I do wanna say that I am an avid listener of NPR... especially in these times, you guys — just keep doing what you're doing, please." The sentiment was likely meant as a message of appreciation for the network's continued commitment to public radio.
Throughout the episode, Fogerty also paid tribute to his fans, crediting them with making his music a source of joy and fulfillment. "The fact that you embrace my songs has been a rainbow in my heart," he said before concluding with a poignant rendition of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain."
Just two years ago, Fogerty regained the publishing rights to his Creedence catalog, marking a triumphant milestone after decades of feeling like a "prisoner of war." His recent album, 'Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years,' features painstaking recreations of his CCR songs recorded with his sons.
Upon kicking off the set with 1969's "Bad Moon Rising," backed by sons Shane and Tyler Fogerty, Fogerty expressed astonishment at the song's enduring popularity. He noted, "This song was so much better than anything I'd ever done... And I was literally kind of dumbfounded and shocked that it had happened." The feeling was all too familiar for Fogerty, who recounted how he spent years without fully grasping the impact his music had on others.
The performance also included a subtle nod to NPR, with Fogerty stating, "I do wanna say that I am an avid listener of NPR... especially in these times, you guys — just keep doing what you're doing, please." The sentiment was likely meant as a message of appreciation for the network's continued commitment to public radio.
Throughout the episode, Fogerty also paid tribute to his fans, crediting them with making his music a source of joy and fulfillment. "The fact that you embrace my songs has been a rainbow in my heart," he said before concluding with a poignant rendition of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain."
Just two years ago, Fogerty regained the publishing rights to his Creedence catalog, marking a triumphant milestone after decades of feeling like a "prisoner of war." His recent album, 'Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years,' features painstaking recreations of his CCR songs recorded with his sons.
! He's still got that special magic 
and his passion for music is infectious 
. I love how he paid tribute to NPR, it's so cool that he's an avid listener too 
. And can we talk about his sons Shane and Tyler, they're killing it on the drums 
! It's amazing to see John Fogerty's legacy continue to thrive after all these years 
. I'm loving the new album 'Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years', it's like a time machine to the 60s and 70s 
. John, you're a true rock legend 
! 
. And can we talk about how talented those son duo backing him up are? 
They reminded me of my own kiddos when they're jamming out in the living room! 
I was so inspired by John Fogerty's recent Tiny Desk performance! It's amazing to see how he still rocks out after all these years. I mean, who wouldn't be moved by a guy singing about the power of music? 
His story about "Proud Mary" really hit home – I can imagine how surreal it must've been to see your songs connect with people in such a profound way. As someone who's lived through some ups & downs myself, it's a reminder that art has this incredible power to transcend time & space. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for keeping the music alive, John! 
I'm so glad he's finally back in control of his music and can appreciate its impact on others... it's a testament to the power of art 
. NPR, you're doing your thing right 
, especially when he talks about being a "prisoner of war" with his own catalog for so long 
. The way he connected with his sons on stage was magic 
.
I'm loving this Tiny Desk episode! John Fogerty's passion for his music is infectious 
.
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"The biggest risk is not taking any risk..." - Mark Zuckerberg 
anyway, it's great to hear him singing with his sons, the fogerty boys 
what's your fave creedence clearwater revival song btw?
. I mean, who wouldn't be proud of a song like "Proud Mary" that just keeps on going strong? 
And it's awesome that he's giving credit to NPR for keeping public radio alive 
. Fans are lucky to have him sharing his music and stories with us 
And then he gives a shoutout to NPR which is cool, but can we talk about how weird it is that he's only now recognizing their importance in public radio? I mean, isn't this the kind of thing you learn about in music history class? 
Anyway, it's great to see Fogerty still passionate about his music and thanks to his fans, but I'm a bit skeptical about the whole "regaining publishing rights" thing... did he really just become a "prisoner of war"? 
that song just takes me back to the good ol days, and seeing Shane and Tyler up there with him was like a dream come true 
their harmonies were spot on! and can we talk about his humility? I mean, he's giving a shoutout to NPR and crediting them for keeping public radio alive 
. And can we get a Creedence clearwater revival reunion tour ASAP? 
he's been around for so long but you can tell he's still passionate about his music and the impact it has on people's lives... i remember growin up listenin to creedence clearwater revival with my dad and those songs just take me back to a different time, you know? fogerty's story is really inspiring too, like goin' from feelin' trapped by your own success to takin' control of your work again... anyway, i'm glad he's still makin' music and sharin' it with us