Where Are The Surviving Members Of Creedence Clearwater Revival Now?

Even if you don’t instantly recognize the name Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), you definitely know their songs. Iconic hits like “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Born on the Bayou,” and “Fortunate Son” are still familiar tunes today. With such legendary tracks, CCR became one of the biggest rock bands in the late 1960s and early ’70s. In 1993, the band was rightfully inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, according to Concord Records.

Rise To Fame and Sudden Split

While the band started playing together in the early ’60s, CCR’s meteoric rise to fame—and its surprising downfall—happened in just four short years, from 1968 to 1972. It’s hard to believe that a band with such a lasting impact had such a brief career, but internal struggles ultimately led to their breakup. As Loudersound explains, John Fogerty, the band’s frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter, took on too much responsibility and creative control, which caused tension. This ultimately led his brother and rhythm guitarist, Tom Fogerty, to leave the band. The band finally dissolved in 1972, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Thanks to his exceptional songwriting abilities, John Fogerty quickly secured a solo deal after CCR disbanded. He released his debut solo album, John Fogerty, in 1975. Meanwhile, bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford went on to play with the Don Harrison Band for a few years before eventually forming Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995. Sadly, Tom Fogerty passed away in 1990 due to complications from HIV-related tuberculosis.

John Fogerty’s Solo Career: Success and Struggles

After CCR disbanded, John Fogerty launched a solo career. His first solo album, John Fogerty/The Blue Ridge Rangers (1973), was a collection of cover songs where Fogerty played all the instruments. Despite his efforts to move forward, things weren’t smooth sailing. Fogerty was still under contract with Fantasy Records, which created legal battles when he tried to break free. He was sued by the label but eventually secured his solo career.

Although his solo career never quite reached the same heights as CCR, Fogerty stayed active in music, releasing 10 studio albums over the past 50 years and selling over 5 million copies. It took time for him to come to terms with not being able to recapture CCR’s success, but in 1987, after performing some of the band’s classic hits for veterans, he started to find peace with his musical journey.

Finally, in 2023, Fogerty regained the rights to his CCR songs after years of legal struggles. In an interview with Forbes, he shared his relief: “I think right now I just feel relief that I don’t have to keep struggling with it.”

Stu Cook: Keeping the CCR Spirit Alive

After CCR’s breakup, bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford didn’t fade into the background. Cook established his own recording studio, The Factory, and joined The Don Harrison Band in the mid-’70s, playing on their albums in 1976 and 1977. He also played with Southern Pacific and worked with various artists like Roky Erickson and Doug Sahm.

In 1995, Cook and Clifford reunited to form Creedence Clearwater Revisited, a tribute to their former band. Although they could have used the original CCR name legally, they chose not to out of respect for the past. The band quickly became a success, with lead guitarist Kurt Griffey filling in for Tom Fogerty and Dan McGuinness stepping in for John Fogerty. They also added multi-instrumentalist Steve Gunner to round out the lineup.

Creedence Clearwater Revisited has kept the CCR legacy alive for nearly 30 years, and they continue to tour, performing all the classic hits. As critic Jeb Wright once said, “Creedence Clearwater Revisited not only looks to the past, performing iconic songs, they bring them to the modern day, reminding us all of the true importance of this music.” The band’s official website even lists another tour for 2025, proving their enduring popularity.

Doug Clifford: The Cosmic Drummer’s Journey

Doug “Cosmo” Clifford, the drummer who powered CCR’s iconic beats, has stayed busy in the music industry since the band broke up. In addition to forming Creedence Clearwater Revisited with Stu Cook, Clifford worked with a variety of musicians over the years. He produced music for several artists, including Duck Dunn from Booker T. & the MG’s, and singer-songwriter Mark Spoelstra. Clifford also released his own solo album, Cosmo, in 1972.

Recently, Clifford revisited some old material of his own. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he released Magic Window, an album he wrote in 1985 but never finished. With extra time on his hands, Clifford decided to polish and release the album. As he said on his website, “Music’s always been a medicine and a meditation for me. It doesn’t matter if I’m down or up. It works both ways.”

Despite all his projects, Clifford still holds his work with CCR close to his heart. He has said that “Born on the Bayou” is his favorite CCR song, and it’s the one Creedence Clearwater Revisited always kicks off their concerts with.