Never Ending Song of Love

Background

"Never Ending Song of Love" is the second track of The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again, the ninth solo album of John Fogerty with new material. The collection is a follow-up to Fogerty's first solo album The Blue Ridge Rangers which consisted of covers of old country and gospel tunes and came out in 1973.

Recording of The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again started in October 2008 at Village Recorders in Santa Monica with engineer Mike Piersante. The album was arranged and produced by John Fogerty. It was released in August 2009. The album peaked at #24 in the USA, #1 in Norway and #3 in Sweden.

Most of the tunes on the album were originally released in the 70's. Bonnie & Delaney Bramlett's "Never Ending Song of Love" came out on duo's Motel Shot album in 1971.  The song was also the first Fogerty and the band played when the tracking sessions of The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again began in October 2008 (Joshua Miller, Interview with John Fogerty, On Milwaukee, November 17th, 2009).   

Personnel

Vocals, acoustic guitar: John Fogerty

Acoustic guitar: Buddy Miller

Mandolin, steel guitar: Greg Leisz

Drums: Jay Bellerose

Percussion: Kenny Aronoff

Bass: Dennis Crouch

Fiddle: Jason Mowery

Backing vocals: Herb Pedersen, Jodie Kennedy

The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again was the second John Fogerty release featuring Jodie Kennedy on backing vocals. She debuted on the Comin' Down the Road live DVD. 

Live versions

The world premiere of the live version of "Never Ending Song of Love" was seen at Hollywood Bowl on July 2nd, 2009. He also performed the number in six shows in the USA on the subsequent tour in fall 2009, including the free open air concert at Pier 17 at South Street Seaport in New York on September 2nd.

Critical reception

"Just as the original Blue Ridge Rangers had its lighter moments --- Rides Again heads to the porch with a summery acoustic take on the 1971 Delaney and Bonnie hit Never Ending Song of Love." -Walter Tunis, The Lexington Herald Leader, August 31st, 2009. 

"Delaney and Bonnie's 1971 hit --- gets the full-on fiddle and steel treatment, its two-stepping rhythms more Texas dance hall than down-home church or juke joint." -Bill Friskics-Warren, The Washington Post, September 1st, 2009.

"--- his bluegrass touch is light and refreshing, giving songs like “Never Ending Song of Love” (Delaney & Bonnie) and “Back Home Again” (John Denver) a new, refreshing life."  -30 Days Out.

Fans' views

"I think this one is a better song for John to sing to Julie than his own Joy of My Life. I still need to get used to this one though. The vocals seem a little weak to

me."

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