Beethoven Meets the Bayou: Unpacking the Magic of "Proud Mary"

Proud Mary was John Fogerty’s first serious attempt at writing a song, penned in celebration of his release from the army. Released in 1969, it peaked at number two in the US Billboard Hot 100. However, Ike and Tina Turner’s version of 1971 was even more successful. Did you notice that the music starts with a repeated pair of chords descending by a third? Beethoven’s Fifth meets gospel! Interestingly, John had yet to see the Mississippi at the time he wrote the song!

John Fogerty with CCR at Woodstock 1969

Creedence Clearwater Revival was the first band to be officially signed up to perform at Woodstock 1969, receiving $10,000 for their performance (only Blood  Sweat and Tears and Hendrix received more). On the night of their performance, scheduled for 9 pm to follow The Grateful Dead, their spot was delayed by over three hours. Although “pissed off” by the loss of their prime position, Creedence didn’t lose any prestige, with Green River, their totemic third album, issued a couple of weeks before Woodstock. It was the second of three LPs they released in 1969. Their 1969 singles – which included the As and Bs “Bad Moon Rising”, “Born on the Bayou”, “Down on the Corner”, “Fortunate Son”, “Green River” and “Proud Mary”– were all smashes.

As John Fogerty later said, “By the time we got to Woodstock, I felt we were the number one band. Assuming that The Beatles were God, I thought that we were the next thing under them.”

Looking forward to spending time with our supporters on Sunday afternoon 18 May at the Latvian Hall. Spoiler alert: Proud Mary will feature in our musical tale of Woodstock and beyond!