CCR Legend Reflects on Song Rights Struggles and Family Healing in The Guardian
John Fogerty, the heart and soul of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), has opened up in a raw, heartfelt interview with The Guardian about his decades-long legal battles over song rights, fractured family ties, and the emotional weight that once silenced his music. Now, at 80, Fogerty is reclaiming his legacy with the release of Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years, a re-recorded celebration of his iconic CCR songs, out August 22, 2025, via Concord Records. After regaining a majority stake in his song rights in 2023, Fogerty is finding peace, joined by his sons Shane and Tyler to transform painful memories into a joyful family project. From legal battles to triumph, this is rock history!” Dive into Fogerty’s story of resilience and redemption.
A Half-Century of Legal Struggles
John Fogerty’s battle for his song rights began in the 1960s when, as a naive teenager, he signed a predatory contract with Fantasy Records’ Saul Zaentz, handing over ownership of CCR’s hits like “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Bad Moon Rising.” The deal, signed in 1968, sparked a 50-year war, with Zaentz suing Fogerty in 1985 for $144 million, claiming Fogerty’s solo track “The Old Man Down the Road” plagiarized his own CCR song “Run Through the Jungle”—a case Fogerty won, defending his artistic identity. “I’m the dad of these songs. I created them,” Fogerty told Billboard. “They never should have been taken away.” In 1980, he relinquished his artist royalties to escape the contract, only regaining them when Concord acquired Fantasy in 2004.
The legal battles took a toll, casting a shadow over Fogerty’s rock legacy. For years, he refused to perform CCR songs live, unwilling to let Zaentz profit. “Every time I’d hear my voice on the radio, it felt like someone was mocking me,” Fogerty shared in The Guardian. A failed 1989 attempt to buy back his song rights—thwarted when Zaentz doubled the price—deepened the wound. But in 2023, with help from his wife and manager Julie and manager Irving Azoff, Fogerty secured a majority stake in his global song rights from Concord, a victory he called “something I thought would never happen.”
Family, Forgiveness, and Legacy
The legal battles weren’t Fogerty’s only struggle. The collapse of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1972 estranged him from his brother and bandmate Tom Fogerty, who sided with Zaentz and died in 1990 without reconciliation. “That was a dagger in my heart,” Fogerty told The Guardian, reflecting on their rift. Recording Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years with his sons Shane and Tyler became a healing process, turning songs like “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”—written about the band’s breakup—into celebrations of family. “Doing this with my sons gave it so much love,” Fogerty said. “It’s an antidote to the pain.” The album, subtitled “John’s Version” in a nod to Taylor Swift, reclaims classics like “Fortunate Son” and “Proud Mary” with fresh passion.
A Triumphant Return to the Stage
John Fogerty is carrying this redemption to the stage with his 2025 tour, including sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl, where he celebrated his song rights victory by popping champagne. “Son of a gun, I got my songs back!” he told the crowd. The Legacy album release coincides with festival dates and headline shows across Europe and the US, with fans praising his raw energy. “John Fogerty at 80 is still a rock god,” one post raved. “Legacy is CCR reborn!” The tour includes tracks from the new album alongside hits like “Down on the Corner” and “Green River,” proving Fogerty’s voice remains as powerful as ever.
Stream Legacy and Join the Celebration
Stream Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music via johnfogerty.com. Grab tickets for John Fogerty’s 2025 tour through the website or Ticketmaster, and follow Rock News. For the latest on Creedence Clearwater Revival and Fogerty’s journey, visit rocknews.co.uk. Share your thoughts on his legal battles and triumphant return—how will you celebrate the Legacy?
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John Fogerty’s Redemption: Overcoming Legal Battles with New Legacy Album @RockNews
