Look What I Found In The Archives!
In 1969 and 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival generated one of the most amazing runs of hits in American music history: from Proud Mary to Green River, Bad Moon Rising to Travelin’ Band and Lookin’ Out My Back Door.
But for all their success with those John Fogerty–penned classics, CCR never held the #1 spot on the Hot 100. All five of those hits peaked at #2. That’s a Billboard chart record they hold to this day; the most #2 songs without a #1 hit.
Throw in four more Top 10 singles (and B-sides that would have been hit singles on their own) and it’s easy to see why in that two-year period, no band in the U.S. outsold the group that may have looked (thanks to John Fogerty’s fondness for flannel shirts) and sounded (with lyrics about bayous, bullfrogs, catfish, and the Mississippi River) like they came from Louisiana, but were actually from the San Francisco Bay area.
When they ventured into the political arena with socially conscious lyrics about topics including the Vietnam War, they never changed their appearance for the sake of success. Fogerty continued to wear his beloved flannel shirts, even when the band played at Woodstock in 1969.
Their acrimonious (and infamous) split in 1972 ended their hot streak but the music they created lives on.
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
The CCR Medley
Proud Mary #2
Born On The Bayou B-Side
Green River #2
Bad Moon Rising #2
Down On The Corner #3
Fortunate Son #3
Travelin’ Band #2
Who’ll Stop The Rain B-Side
Lookin’ Out My Back Door #2
Up Around The Bend #4
Run Through The Jungle #4
Long As I Can See The Light B-Side
One of my favorite groups. Loved them at Woodstock. I am shocked to learn that they never had a number 1!
Great Medley.
Thanks, Jim 🥰 You would have that at least one of those great songs had to reach #1!
I loved loved loved all of CCR’s songs and was so shocked that none ever made #1. Thanks for this great medley. <3
Thank you, Nancy 🥰 Yep, it is very hard to believe. I’m so glad you enjoyed the medley!
This was the best!
Thanks for the backstory
Saw John Fogerty a few years back…
No #1s, but lots of 2s ain’t bad
Thanks, Mary Helen 🥰
No #1 songs but a lot of money!
Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Wow! I just learned something that I didn’t know about one of my favorite groups of all-time! Ike and Tina Turner’s version made it to #4, which really surprised me. That song was a smash with both. Thanks Ray!
I was a “Fortunate One” to see John Fogerty live at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center several years ago…what a show he put on! He’s a better guitar player now than he ever was.
Thank you, Pat! It is difficult to believe a group that was the hottest thing on the planet for two years never grabbed a #1. So many of those songs were deserving!
What a writer, what a singer, what a band! Too bad they didn’t stay together longer. Love all of these, trying to pick a favorite, think I will go with “Bad Moon A Rising” and “Who’ll Stop The Rain.
Yes, yes and yes to your first sentence. It is too bad they split but egos got in the way, but as the saying goes, think about the great songs they left us. It really is hard to pick a favorite!
Last Thursday when you played this Ted & I were at the trailer packing up cleaning supplies, a variety of tools, supplies used & transporting everything home. We put a 50’s (?) style table & 3 chairs (I am planning to keep them) that had been left to the side of the kitchen to use when the realtor came. Will know more Monday after she visits the Town Office. Whatever will be will be so we can start thinking about Thanksgiving. Today is Sunday 11/19/23 & for Ted & Me it is a day of rest. Hope you’re enjoying your day, whatever you do or don’t do. Ted & I enjoy the music of CCR so this medley is being enjoyed. My daughter Roseanne born in 1970 is my John Fogerty fan. She drove her brother Charlie crazy playing “Old Man Down the Road” over & over & over. Thanks for the music Ray 🙂 Lee & Ted
Thanks, Lee & Ted 🥰🥰
The CCR medley went over well the first time I played it so I thought it would be a good “archive” medley. 🙂 I am so glad you guys enjoyed it.