Introduction to a Legendary Night
It was a full moon outside, but it was definitely not a worst night for music when John Fogerty, the founder of the renowned Creedence Clearwater Revival, was given the BMI Troubadour Award in Nashville on Monday evening. The event was attended by numerous musicians who performed to honor Fogerty, including some of the most shining stars in Music City.
A Night of Tribute and Celebration
Among the performers were Lainey Wilson, who had received six nominations for CMA Awards that morning, Jesse Welles, The War & Treaty, the duo of Billy F. Gibbons and La Marisoul, and Jay Buchanan from Rival Sons. Wilson shared a personal story about how Fogerty’s music had inspired her when she first moved to Nashville in 2011. She recalled that her father had sent her a box of CDs, including one of Fogerty’s, with a note saying, "This is the one you need to listen to when you get there to write your music."
Electrifying Performances
The cover songs performed during the night were almost electrifying, but none were as energetic as when Fogerty himself took the stage with his family-filled band. The 80-year-old legend proved that he still had it, performing with the same energy as he did in 1969 when Creedence Clearwater Revival released their debut album. Wilson performed a rendition of "Proud Mary," while Welles and the House Band gave a solid folk-rock twist to "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" Buchanan also brought the house down with his performance of "Bad Moon Rising."
A Night to Remember
The War and Treaty performed a scorching medley of "I Put a Spell on You" and "Born on the Bayou," while ZZ Top’s Gibbons and La Marisoul performed a Spanglish version of "Green River." Fogerty’s climactic set with his own band consisted of "Up Around the Bend," "The Old Man Down the Road," and "Bad Moon Rising." The night was filled with incredible performances, and it was clear that Fogerty’s music had left a lasting impact on the attendees.
A Legacy of Music
Three former BMI Troubadour recipients were present to offer their congratulations, including Gibbons, John Oates, and Robert Earl Keen. Other guests included Chris Isaak, Molly Tuttle & Keith Secor, Sam Bush, Liz Rose, members of the Del McCoury Band, Carter Faith, The Band Loula, and Leah Blevins. Fogerty was visibly overwhelmed by the tribute, saying, "I’m just overwhelmed that so many of these people came here tonight, so many people that I’m a fan of, and that they touched me with the things they said and how they sang my songs."
Fighting for Musical Freedom
Fogerty’s struggles to regain control of his music were a common topic of discussion during the event. He spoke about his famous legal battle with Saul Zaentz, saying, "They look at a man who was actually sued because he sounds like himself." Fogerty emphasized the importance of artistic freedom, saying, "The point is, whether they recognize it at the moment or whether they’re a young person and may not have happened yet, there will be those who try to borrow from their own selves, and that’s not right. They should be free to sound like themselves for the rest of their lives."
A Timeless Legacy
David Wild, an experienced rock journalist and TV award-winning author, introduced Fogerty at the event, highlighting his extraordinary legacy. Wild noted that Fogerty’s classic singles, such as "Fortunate Son," "Bad Moon Rising," and "Proud Mary," had captured the essence of their time and continued to inspire new generations. Fogerty’s music has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his bravery and perseverance in fighting for his artistic freedom have made him a true legend in the world of music.
