Brad Carl's Reviews > Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music

I grabbed this audiobook from the library because I was most interested in hearing Fogerty’s story about his song rights and record label woes. At the same time, I figured it would be cool to learn more about him, his life, and CCR.

I was able to accomplish all of these things. The book certainly provided an avenue for me to become interested in checking out more of Fogerty’s music, both CCR and his solo work.

But the story of CCR and Fantasy Records is without a doubt the highlight of this autobiography. I knew it was bad. I didn’t know it was THAT bad. What’s sad is that the entire thing could’ve been avoided were it not for the band’s ignorance when they were offered a record contract by Saul Zaentz and Fantasy Records in the late 60s. Young people are naïve, and the band’s efforts to have the contract examined were not thorough. They all signed it, but it affected Fogerty the most…and still is affecting him.

It’s a crying shame that someone can get screwed like that for a lifetime. But it happened. There will always be people out there just like Zaentz who don’t care one iota about a person’s feelings or artistic integrity. Why? Because it’s a business. As soon as you start making money from your art it becomes a business. And as soon as you start involving other people in your art…band members, managers, lawyers, agents, labels…it’s ALL about the money.

What’s funny is how the word “business” is rarely used in this book.

Please don’t misunderstand me. None of this makes any of what happened okay. In fact, not owning his songs is only one of the horrible and ridiculous things that happened to John Fogerty over the years. Arguably, his band mates caused even more grief and heartache than Saul Zaentz. Even his BROTHER for crying out loud!

It didn’t surprise me at all that Tom, Doug, and Stu wound up jealous of John early and often during the CCR days. Ultimately, they destroyed the band. It happens a lot in the music industry. Honestly, here’s that word again…it happens in BUSINESS a lot. Sadly, that’s life.

One thing I have to mention – when was it, exactly, that Creedence Clearwater Revival was known as the “Number 1 Band in the World?” Look, I was born right before CCR broke up. But I’m pretty sure…umm…well, you see where I’m going.

I think it’s clear this book was written as more of a therapy session than anything. And that’s fine. My only complaint is Fogerty and his co-writer did not “timeline” the book very well, at all. It was maddeningly confusing at times for me, as the context would jump forward and backward. I mean, there WAS an overall timeline – the book started when he was born and ended at present day. But there was also so much back and forth. Maybe it’s the product of listening to an audiobook, but I have a feeling it’s not. I listened to Don Felder’s autobiography on audiobook and had no problems following the progression of his life, growth, heartache, feelings, marriages, children, etc. It’s very hard to explain, but Fogerty’s book is OFF in this regard.

But I still enjoyed it. I learned a lot, discovered more great music, and have a new respect for Fogerty because of what he’s been through.

I’d give it 3 ½ Stars if possible but because I can’t, I’m giving old John 4 Stars. He probably deserves it, right?

P.S. – I’m not touching his views on war with a 10-foot pole.