I Ain't Never
Background
"I Ain't Never" is an album track on the first solo LP of John Fogerty. He released it as The Blue Ridge Rangers. The song was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and engineered by Skip Shimmin and Russ Gary. The album came out in April 1973. It peaked at #47 in the USA.
John Fogerty's version is based on the crossover hit Webb Pierce released in 1959. It had a Fender guitar solo that knocked the flannel shirt man out. John didn't emulate the original precisely but added a little more rock to it. (John Fogerty promotional interview, 1973)
Live versions
John Fogerty has never played the song in live shows.
Critical reception
""I Ain't Never" had country origins as well but Fogerty has modified it sufficiently so that it comes out closer to gospel-R&B than to country music — it goes out on a rousing drum roll." -Jon Landau, The Rolling Stone, July 5th, 1973.
"The dual lead vocal is well done, and the instruments blend together well. The guitar is given more emphasis, which is always a plus in my books." -Matt Loewen.
Fans' views
"I love it when John does layers of his voice and harmonizes with himself. The last time he did that was on Sugar Sugar (In My Life) in 2004."
Written by Mel Tillis and Webb Pierce.
Recorded at Studio C, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA, USA, in 1972.
Appears on The Blue Ridge Rangers album.
Released in April 1973.