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Review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The trials and tribulations of John C FogertyBy Jeffrey CrawfordSome have called it one of the rock n rolls saddest tales; how a genuinely great band was torn apart by greed and betrayal. But its also a story full of brilliant music and success - something which a lot of bands never achieve.Hank Bordowitz does a solid job of the CCR roller coaster ride; without taking sides too much.Its hard not to be sympathetic with CCR leader John Fogerty; the bands outstanding talent; lead singer/guitarist and songwriter; but its also evident that he was a bit of a dictator at times and incredibly stubborn.He could have allowed some extra creative input from other band members (especially brother Tom); but refused for quite a while. After Tom departed in frustration; he pretty much forced Stu Cook and Doug Clifford to write songs for CCRs final (and worst) album; Mardi Gras. It seemed to be a petulant display to say: "See; I told you so;"But he also suffered for it; particularly in his acrimonious split with the Fantasy label and its chief; Saul Zaentz; another stubborn man who made an awful lot of money off J. Fogerty.It led to years of in-fighting and litigation; and impacted on Johns own writing and career. For many years he suffered from writers block; and refused to play his great CCR songs on stage.CCR is a case of a quick rush of brilliance and success (seven albums in four years); and a lot of suffering afterwards. John Fogerty has survived and thrived (as has the music); which is a good thing; but the story of CCR really shouldnt have been this painful. An eye-opening account that will interest any fan.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great American bandBy FlagstaffI enjoyed this history of the band very much; but would have welcomed recent; relevant John Fogarty comment. I understand that is not the authors fault. Somehow; we never seemed to get the real insiders gist on the tensions: some deeper analysis and harder pressing of Clifford and Cook might have overcome that. Despite protests; it seems the best was Johns work alone; with him supplying all the songs and doing most of the production. They have been together a long time honing the sound in live work (cf the Beatles). When the others demanded more say in writing; they got it and the results were not terrific (Tom had already gone). This is all a shame. With stronger management; a record company with more sensitivity and maybe a producer or creative adviser or agency able to coordinate; soothe egos and take the load of John F a longer band life might have resulted. However; when I play the music I remain stunned by the standard of the songs and the performances. Great; simple American music. All that in such a short time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Control Freak Foggerty (CFF)By stephen dupreeWell written and interesting. John Foggerty seems like he wants to be nice but very controlling and doesnt want the other three members of CCR to have anything to do with decisions. The group should have started off with a manager but did not and John took charge. After a while the other 3 members wanted to put in their parts with the songs and were told by John ok but when the time came he changed and didnt like their participation. This guy seems to be all over the place afraid that someone else is taking credit. I got the impression he has serious issues and is just what I said hes a big time control freak. After being inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF he plays on stage with other musicians and had it planned that way weeks before. If you want to know what CCR was like internally just read this; it should give you a good idea of what went on.