Swamp Rock

Swamp rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the mid-1960s as a fusion of rockabilly and soul music with swamp blues, country music and funk. The genre originated in Louisiana by artists such as Tony Joe White, but was subsequently popularized by California band Creedence Clearwater Revival.

MUSIC CHARACTERISTICS

Swamp rock fuses rockabilly and soul music with swamp blues, country music and funk. 

Swamp blues provided swamp rock with its defining guitar sound, which was low toned and often reverberated. 

The sound also frequently uses horns, due to its soul influence, although solos are more commonly performed on guitars. 

Also contributing influence to the sound of swamp rock was the hard, guitar-driven sound of British Invasion bands, as well as country blues, Cajun music and New Orleans rhythm and blues. 

The genre's lyrics are often "dark and menacing", drawing from young Americans' dissatisfaction with the political establishment, as well as environmentalist concerns.

Creedence Clearwater Revival have been described as pioneers of swamp rock. 

What STYLE or GENRE is "Bad Moon Rising"

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival is typically classified as roots rock and swamp rock. The song blends rock and roll with elements of country, blues, and folk, which is characteristic of roots rock. The "swamp rock" label comes from its slightly southern, gritty vibe, evoking the American South's bayous and folklore. Its upbeat rhythm contrasts with its darker lyrical themes, a style that was popular in late 1960s rock music.

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) got its name through a combination of influences and ideas from the band members:

1. "Creedence": This was inspired by a friend of Tom Fogerty’s (John Fogerty’s brother) named Credence Newball. The band added an extra “e” to make it "Creedence," which also reflects the idea of "credence" or truthfulness.

2. "Clearwater": This part of the name was inspired by a TV commercial for Olympia Beer, which promoted its water as being pure and clear. It also reflects the band's interest in nature and environmental themes.

3. "Revival": The band had gone through earlier incarnations with different names, such as "The Golliwogs," and wanted to mark their new direction and musical revival, so they added "Revival."

The combination of these elements created the distinctive name Creedence Clearwater Revival to symbolize their fresh start and connection to rootsy, authentic American music.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

John Fogerty wrote "Bad Moon Rising" in early 1969. He was inspired by the apocalyptic storm scene in the 1941 film The Devil and Daniel Webster. The song was recorded later that year and released as a single in April 1969, becoming one of Creedence Clearwater Revival's most iconic hits.

Waht is "Bad Moon Rising" about ?

"Bad Moon Rising" is about impending disaster and the feeling that something bad is about to happen. John Fogerty was inspired by a scene in the 1941 film The Devil and Daniel Webster, where a powerful storm wreaks havoc. The song's lyrics refer to natural disasters and other ominous events, symbolizing the unpredictability of life and the looming threat of danger. Despite its upbeat and lively melody, the song’s lyrics touch on themes of fear, uncertainty, and forewarning of trouble ahead.

Other famous songs by Creedance Clearwater Revival

• "Proud Mary" – One of their biggest hits, released in 1969.

• "Fortunate Son" – A politically charged anthem from 1969.

• "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" – A reflective ballad from 1970.

• "Down on the Corner" – A fun, upbeat track from 1969.

• "Green River" – The title track of their 1969 album.

• "Born on the Bayou" – A swamp rock classic from 1969.

• "Up Around the Bend" – A rock hit from 1970.

• "Run Through the Jungle" – A darker track also from 1970.

• "Lookin' Out My Back Door" – Another hit from 1970.

Swamp rock declined in popularity during the disco era, although some bands have revived it since.