John Fogerty Reclaims His Past With ‘Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years’—A Triumphant Celebration of Freedom, Family, and Classic Rock
For the better part of five decades, John Fogerty was a rock and roll legend living with a shadow over his most iconic work. Despite penning some of the most enduring hits in American music history—“Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” and more—Fogerty didn’t own the rights to the very songs that made him famous. But that all changed in 2023, when the Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman finally won back his publishing rights after a prolonged legal battle that lasted nearly 50 years.
Now, at 79 years old and with a sense of ownership and joy he’s long been denied, Fogerty is celebrating his artistic freedom with the announcement of a new album: Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years, out August 22 via Concord Records. And make no mistake—this isn’t just another greatest hits compilation. It’s a reimagining, a personal victory lap, and, above all, a family affair.
A New Era: “John’s Version”
To mark this deeply personal milestone, Fogerty has re-recorded 20 of his most iconic tracks under the fitting label “John’s Version”—a nod to Taylor Swift’s “Taylor’s Version” re-recording project, which similarly centers on artists reclaiming their creative work. For Fogerty, however, this reclamation is the culmination of a life’s work.
“For most of my life I did not own the songs I had written,” Fogerty shared in a heartfelt statement. “Getting them back changes everything. Legacy is my way of celebrating that — of playing these songs on my terms, with the people I love.”
Among the newly released tracks are powerful renditions of “Up Around the Bend,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” and “Porterville”—the latter dating all the way back to 1967, when CCR was still known as The Golliwogs. The full album promises a journey through Fogerty’s incredible catalog, including beloved classics like “Down on the Corner,” “Green River,” “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” and of course, the protest anthem “Fortunate Son.”
A Family Celebration
What makes Legacy even more special is the team behind it. Fogerty didn’t just revisit these songs—he reimagined them with his own family. His sons Shane and Tyler Fogerty both play guitar on the album, joining their father in the studio to give these timeless tracks new life. Shane also served as co-producer alongside his dad, while John’s wife, Julie Fogerty, took on the role of executive producer.
“I knew firsthand how much it meant for John to get his publishing back,” said Julie in a statement. “It has been so joyful and beautiful since this happened for him. This is a celebration of his life’s work. It is the biggest party for the good guy/artist winning.”
Rounding out the studio dream team are industry veterans including Matt Chamberlain (drums), Bob Glaub (bass), Bob Malone (keys), and Rob Stone (saxophone), each bringing their own flavor to these reinvigorated versions.
A Rock Icon Still Going Strong at 80
As if launching a 20-track retrospective album weren’t enough, Fogerty is also marking his 80th birthday with a pair of special performances at New York’s legendary Beacon Theatre. Following the hometown-style celebration, he’ll be hitting the road for a European summer tour that includes a highly anticipated appearance at the Glastonbury Festival.
These live performances are more than just shows—they’re a testament to Fogerty’s unmatched stamina, relevance, and influence in music, even eight decades into his life. For fans who have followed him since the late ’60s, this new chapter feels like long-overdue justice. For younger listeners, it’s a fresh introduction to a voice that has never lost its fire.
A Look Back: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years
Creedence Clearwater Revival came together in the late 1960s, quickly emerging as one of the most influential rock bands of their era. With Fogerty at the helm as lead singer, guitarist, and chief songwriter, CCR delivered a string of hits that captured the American spirit—often celebrating its roots while also calling out its injustices.
From 1969 to 1971 alone, the band earned nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including anthems like “Born on the Bayou,” “Green River,” and “Travelin’ Band.” Their sound—an electrifying mix of swamp rock, blues, and Americana—became instantly recognizable and widely influential.
Yet, despite the commercial success and critical acclaim, turmoil within the band and battles over creative control and publishing rights plagued Fogerty’s career. He spent years refusing to perform many of his biggest hits out of protest, even walking away from royalties to make a point. Now, Legacy is more than just music—it’s redemption.
Why Legacy Matters
In an age where artists are increasingly advocating for ownership of their work, Fogerty’s story is both timely and timeless. Legacy isn’t just a tribute to his past—it’s a statement about the future of music rights and creative control.
It also serves as a bridge between generations. With his sons by his side and younger fans discovering CCR classics through TikTok and streaming platforms, Fogerty’s influence continues to ripple across decades. These new recordings bring his legendary catalog into a new era—recorded on his terms, in his voice, and with his family.
Whether you grew up on Cosmo’s Factory or are hearing “Proud Mary” for the first time, Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years invites listeners to celebrate a rock pioneer finally taking back what’s rightfully his. It’s a victory not just for Fogerty, but for artists everywhere.