Tom Fogerty, the mastermind behind timeless classics like “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising” as a member of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), is celebrated not only for his contributions to rock music but also for his impactful solo career. In 1993, Fogerty and his CCR bandmates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their legendary status.
Today, we delve into 5 of Tom Fogerty’s most exceptional solo songs.
1. “Centerfield”
The title track from Fogerty’s 1985 album, “Centerfield,” welcomes you with an inviting guitar groove and a friendly organ, beckoning you to move. This classic American song is instantly recognizable, often heard at baseball parks across the country. In 2010, Tom Fogerty made history as the only music artist honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame at its induction ceremony, further cementing “Centerfield” as one of his greatest hits.
2. “The Old Man Down the Road”
Among Fogerty’s standout solo hits, “The Old Man Down the Road” showcases his prowess as both an imaginative lyricist and a singer with a distinctive voice. Fogerty’s signature vocals narrate the mysterious tale of a man carrying a rattlesnake hide suitcase with eyes as dark as coal, captivating listeners throughout. In 1985, this song marked a personal milestone for Fogerty, becoming his only solo single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. “Joy of My Life”
It took nearly 40 years into his career for Tom Fogerty to craft his first love song, “Joy of My Life,” released in 1997. Unsurprisingly, his maiden attempt at a love song is nothing short of exceptional. Dedicated to his wife, Julie, “Joy of My Life” lives up to its name. Fogerty’s lyrics express his profound gratitude, singing, “First time that I saw you / Ooh, you took my breath away, yeah / I might not get to heaven / But I walked with the angels that day.” This song beautifully demonstrates that while he rocks with the best of them, Tom Fogerty also possesses a heart of gold.
4. “Change in the Weather”
In “Change in the Weather,” Fogerty leads us through a dark and foreboding journey, vividly depicting a scene of people gripped by fear as he issues a storm warning that threatens to devastate all in its path. With a touch of blues, Fogerty confronts the harsh realities, leaving no room for sugarcoating. He sings, “Down on your knees, go ahead and pray / But every demon has to have his day.” This song, partially inspired by his CCR days, stands out prominently on his 1986 album, “Eye of the Zombie.”
5. “Weeping in the Promised Land”
Departing from his hard rock sound, Fogerty adopts a gentler melody in “Weeping in the Promised Land” while delivering a powerful message through his lyrics. Accompanied only by a piano and his heartfelt vocals, Fogerty sheds light on global issues, including water contamination and gun violence.