Leader and main composer of the Californian band regrets not being able to record the vocals of the song in question in their best way
WILLY AND THE POOR BOYSthird album released by Creedence Clearwater Revival only in 1969, came filled with hits like “Down on the corner”, “It Came Out of the Sky”, “Don’t look now (it ain’t you or me)”. However, the largest of them, “Fortunate Son“to this day still leaves John Fogerty slightly dissatisfied.
Guitarist, vocalist, leader and main composer of the Californian band, Fogerty regrets that he could not record the music in question in his best conditions – especially with regard to voice.
According to the musician, he told in an interview with Los Angeles Times (via Ultimate Classic Rock), vocals in “Fortunate Son” They were recorded after an strenuous day of recordings. He did not feel able to offer his best performance.
Fogerty recalls:
“The basic tracks of ‘Down on the corner ‘ E ‘Fortunate Son ‘ were recorded, and one afternoon I went to the studio of Wally Heider To finish the songs. For ‘Down on the corner ‘I made the maracas and the middle ground, then sang all the support vocals and, finally, the main voice. So, I was singing in full lungs for probably an hour and a half, and then I had to go back and finish ‘Fortunate Son’. “
He adds:
“I was screaming with all my might, doing the best I could, but then I felt that some notes were a little challenged – that I hadn’t hit the target. I always resent a little about it.”
John Fogerty and vocal wear
Creedence Clearwater Revival leader recalls that at the time it was not uncommon for any artist to urge his voice purposely to reach different nuances when recording. However, he guarantees that this was not your case.
Fogerty quotes even John Lennonof the Beatlesamong those who were worth this rudimentary technique:
“I know that, in the case of BeatlesJohn (Lennon) was sitting in the studio shouting and shouting until his voice was hoarse enough, so he was shooting some shots. Perhaps the fact that it was a little challenged to make it – what is the word? – More pop. I don’t know.”
Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Fortunate Son”
Despite John Fogerty’s resentment about his voice in “Fortunate Son”This did not prevent music from becoming a great hit, one of Creedence’s greatest.
In addition, the lyrics made “Fortunate Son” A protest anthem against the Vietnam War and a music symbol of counterculture in the late 1960s. It was absorbed by opposition movements to the president Richard Nixonof the United Statesand packed the struggle for civil rights in the country.
Recently, the Rolling Stone USA Americana put “Fortunate Son” in 13th position in your list that elected the 100 best protest songs of all time.
+++ Read more: the surprising meaning of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
+++ Read more: from ‘Blowin’ in the Wind ‘to’ Spanish Bombs’: Remember 5 songs marked as opposition to wars
+++ Read more: Creedence fan marks the band’s logo with hot iron
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
