If you’re a fan of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) or just love a raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll story, Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music by John Fogerty is a must-read. Published in 2015, this memoir pulls back the curtain on the life of the legendary singer-songwriter and creative force behind CCR’s timeless hits like “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Fortunate Son.” With a conversational tone and unflinching honesty, Fogerty takes readers on a wild ride through his Northern California roots, the meteoric rise and tragic fall of CCR, and his hard-fought journey to redemption as a solo artist. Here’s why this book hits all the right chords—and a few sour notes.
The Good: A Raw, Revealing Look at a Rock Icon
Fogerty’s storytelling is as gritty and soulful as his music. He doesn’t shy away from the messy details of his life, from his working-class childhood in El Cerrito, California, to the internal band conflicts that tore CCR apart at the height of their fame in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The book shines when Fogerty dives into his creative process, offering fascinating insights into how he crafted CCR’s swamp-rock sound despite never setting foot in the Bayou. For instance, he reveals how the opening chords of “Proud Mary” were inspired by Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, while the guitar solo drew from Steve Cropper’s soulful style. Music nerds will geek out over his vivid descriptions of songwriting and studio sessions, like discovering Hank Williams’ “You Win Again” on the B-side of a Jerry Lee Lewis record.
The memoir also serves as a cautionary tale about the music industry’s dark side. Fogerty’s brutal account of his battles with Fantasy Records’ Saul Zaentz, who locked CCR into a predatory contract, is both infuriating and eye-opening. The fact that Zaentz once sued Fogerty for plagiarizing himself (claiming 1985’s “The Old Man Down the Road” was too similar to CCR’s “Run Through the Jungle”) is a jaw-dropping example of corporate greed. Fogerty’s refusal to perform CCR songs for years, out of spite for Zaentz, shows his fierce principles, even if it cost him dearly.
Perhaps the most touching thread is Fogerty’s redemption arc, anchored by his second wife, Julie, who helped him overcome alcoholism and rebuild his career. His love for her is palpable, and their alternating perspectives in the final chapters add a heartfelt dimension to the story. By the time he wins a Grammy for 1997’s Blue Moon Swamp, you’re rooting for him as much as he’s rooting for himself.
The Not-So-Good: A Bitterness That Lingers
While Fogerty’s candor is a strength, it sometimes veers into bitterness that can feel repetitive. His grudges against Zaentz and his former bandmates—bassist Stu Cook, drummer Doug Clifford, and even his late brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty—dominate much of the narrative. He doesn’t hold back, often criticizing their musical abilities and decision-making, which some readers might find harsh or one-sided. For example, he recounts how drummer Doug Clifford suggested Zaentz sue him over the plagiarism case, a betrayal that clearly still stings. While his frustration is understandable, the constant revisiting of these conflicts can overshadow the music and make the tone feel dour.
The prose, while folksy and engaging, isn’t always polished. Fogerty’s conversational style can feel clunky or repetitive, and the timeline occasionally jumps around, leaving out details like the names of two of his brothers or his birth order in the family. Some readers might also find the final third, where Fogerty and Julie alternate paragraphs, overly sentimental, bordering on cloying. Compared to other rock memoirs like Keith Richards’ Life or Neil Young’s Waging Heavy Peace, Fortunate Son lacks a bit of the poetic finesse or broader perspective that elevates those works.
Why You Should Read It
Despite its flaws, Fortunate Son is a compelling portrait of an intense, principled artist who fought tooth and nail to protect his craft. It’s a story of resilience, from Fogerty’s meteoric rise—outselling the Beatles in 1969—to his decades-long battle to reclaim his music and find peace. Fans of CCR will love the behind-the-scenes stories about their iconic songs, while anyone interested in the music industry will appreciate the stark warning about exploitative contracts. Plus, Fogerty’s passion for music, from his early love of blues and country to his relentless perfectionism, is infectious.
Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Fortunate Son is a raw, emotional journey that captures the highs and lows of John Fogerty’s extraordinary life. It’s not perfect—its bitterness and structural hiccups can drag—but it’s a must-read for CCR fans and anyone who loves a redemption story. Pick it up, crank some “Green River,” and let Fogerty’s voice take you back to the Bayou.
Have you read Fortunate Son? What’s your favorite CCR song? Let me know in the comments!
You can purchase "Fortunate Son" by John Fogerty in all formats.
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