Bad Moon Rising: The Unauthorized History of Creedence Clearwater Revival

Hank Bordowitz

Jan 2007 · Chicago Review Press

About this ebook

Rightly called the saddest story in rock 'n' roll history, this Creedence biography--newly updated with stories from band members, producers, business associates, close friends, and families--recounts the tragic and triumphant tale of one of America's most beloved bands. Hailed as the great American rock band from 1968 to 1971, Creedence Clearwater Revival captured the imaginations of a generation with classic hits like "Proud Mary," "Down on the Corner," "Green River," "Born on the Bayou," and "Who'll Stop the Rain." Mounting tensions among bandmates over vibrant guitarist and lead vocalist John Fogerty's creative control led to the band's demise. Tracing the lives of four musicians who redefined an American roots-rock sound with unequaled passion and power, this music biography exposes the bitter end and abandoned talent of a band left crippled by debt and dissension.

Ratings and reviews

Having read the original edition I am indeed curious about the contents of the updated model,but i definitely wont be forking out good money just for the extra 42 pages. While the book was useful in filling in a lot of details on a band largely overlooked by the media,it's biased nature tended to leave a bad taste in the mouth of many John Fogerty fans. The author's constant personal negative judgments on John,(and occasionally his brother Tom) but not on the other two members of the band has fueled many rumors about the motivation behind the book. If it stuck to being a documentary instead of drifting into the realms of being a novel it may have had more credence.

Having worked in the industry for nearly 40 years it's sad to say I have witnessed this tale in different variations a number of times. Every aspiring rock musician should read this book. It should be on the curriculum in all schools where they teach modern music. Musicians mental health and expectation management is a vital part of the game. Oh! And it's a cracking read too.

A sad story that ended friendships and separated brothers because nobody knew how to forgive

About the author

Hank Bordowitz is a veteran music journalist, a former recording artist, a music business consultant, an adjunct professor, and the author of seven critically hailed books, including Bad Moon Rising, Billy Joel, Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright, and Turning Points of Rock and Roll. He lives in the New York City area.