Video: Creedence Clearwater Revival “Bootleg”

In what might be the first ever Alt-Country / Americana music video, here is Creedence Clearwater Revival at the height of their success in early ’69, as they roll through this very danceable number from their hit album ‘Bayou Country’ (Jan. ’69).  On the heels of their first big hit, the Billboard No. 2 single ‘Proud Mary’, (backed with ‘Born on the Bayou’), they showcase their new confidence as musicians with a reinvention of American southern roots music.  We might actually be fooled into believing this band is from Mississippi during this good-time video, and who doesn’t like a hipster dance party with cute girls on a real riverboat? More on that in a minute. After a quick rave-up, with that great two-chord groove, enters lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and songwriter – John Fogerty – and he plays it cool, as the rural country bluesman. Fogerty is equal parts Huck Finn, Scotty Moore, and Hank Williams with his flannel plaid shirt, cowboy vest, boots, and shaggy hair. Doug Clifford, the drummer, in his country western sawtooth shirt, long hair and beard, continues the Americana theme.  Uncle Tupelo would later copy the style. The clean-shaven Tom Fogerty, the other brother, emerges with his hypnotic rhythm guitar.  A very noticeable Rickenbacker ‘Fireglo’ guitar, which certainly shows a timely Beatles influence.

There is nothing truly remarkable here as far as production or cinematic effect. The significance with ‘Bootleg’ is indeed these musicians, the myth created here, and witnessing a re-birth of the uniquely American roots music they push forward against the tide of hippie psychedelia and protest songs. Creedence takes a cue from Bo Diddley and the Memphis sound with an amazingly simple, yet infectious groove.  This is not overly complicated music.  It’s feel over technique.  And, in truth, Creedence is not from the South. The band is from the working-class East Bay suburbs of the San Francisco Bay area in northern California.  And this video was, in actuality, a filmed promo on a harbour cruise, down in the Port of Los Angeles, and not on a river at all. No, John Fogerty is not the real deal – but he knows a thing or two about southern music, the myth of Americana and show business too!  Just watch this video, pick up a copy of the album, and you’ll understand.