John Fogerty acquires rights to Creedence Clearwater Revival's songs after 50 years
Ending a half-century legal tussle
Last updated 18th Jan 2023
Ending a decades-long legal battle, John Fogerty has regained control of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s back catalogue after more than 50 years.
The 77-year-old rock icon has acquired a majority interest in the global publishing rights to his vast Creedence Clearwater Revival catalogue from Concord Records. The deal was for an undisclosed fee.
Seminal songs in the deal include ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Fortunate Son’, ‘Bad Moon Rising’, ‘Up Around the Bend’ and ‘Have You Ever Seen Rain.’
John Fogerty was not in dispute with Concord. The bitter and lengthy legal battle stemmed from music and film mogul’s Saul Zaentz so-called ‘draconian’ contract with CCR in the late 1960s. Zaentz’ record label Fantasy Records owned the catalogue.
Concord bought Creedence Clearwater Revival’s discography 19 years ago in 2004 and swiftly restored royalties to Fogerty in good faith.
Sharing the good news, John Fogerty said: “As of this January, I own my own songs again. This is something I thought would never be a possibility. After 50 years, I am finally reunited with my songs. I also have a say in where and how my songs are used. Up until this year, that is something I have never been able to do.
"I am looking forward to touring and celebrating this year! I want to thank Concord for helping to make all this happen. And, I am excited for new ideas and a renewed interest in my music... like a revival."
Speaking to Billboard about the acquisition, Fogerty said: “The happiest way to look at it is, yeah, it isn’t everything. It’s not a 100% win for me, but it’s sure better than it was. I’m really kind of still in shock. I haven’t allowed my brain to really, actually, start feeling it yet.”
John Fogerty’s last UK concert took place at Bluesfest at London’s The O2 almost five years ago.