Following a 50-Year Legal Battle, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Founding Member Wins Global Publishing Rights to Iconic Rock Band’s Songs…
In a landmark victory following a lengthy legal battle spanning five decades, John Fogerty, the founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), has successfully acquired the global publishing rights to the band’s legendary catalog of songs. The deal marks the end of a protracted legal dispute that has defined much of Fogerty’s career since the band’s breakup in the early 1970s.
Fogerty, known for his distinctive voice and songwriting prowess, has now regained control over some of rock and roll’s most iconic anthems, including hits like “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” “Down on the Corner,” and “Proud Mary.” These tracks helped cement CCR’s place in the pantheon of classic rock and continue to resonate with listeners worldwide, making their publishing rights highly valuable.
The legal saga began after the breakup of CCR in 1972, when disputes arose over the rights to the band’s music. Fogerty had long been at odds with his former bandmates, particularly over issues relating to the publishing and royalties of the songs he wrote. The legal battle intensified in the following decades, with various lawsuits and settlements that kept Fogerty and the band’s legacy tied up in courtrooms.
In the years following CCR’s split, Fogerty also faced disputes with his former bandmates, including bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford, who had taken control of the band’s publishing rights in the 1980s. While these conflicts overshadowed the band’s reunion attempts, they did little to dampen the legacy of the music they created together.
After years of negotiation, John Fogerty has now secured the publishing rights, finally allowing him full control over the creative works that helped define a generation. Industry insiders have hailed the acquisition as a historic moment for both Fogerty’s personal legacy and the rock music industry at large. The deal not only provides Fogerty with control over how his music is licensed and used in film, television, and advertising but also serves as a major milestone in his ongoing efforts to reclaim ownership of his artistic output.
Fogerty expressed his relief and excitement in a statement, stating, “This victory is about more than just me—it’s about honoring the music and the fans who have kept these songs alive. It’s been a long road, but I’m proud to finally have control over my work.”
With his music now under his full ownership, John Fogerty’s victory serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic ownership in the modern music industry, a message that resonates with many creators today.
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