Poorboy Shuffle

Background

"Poorboy Shuffle" is a short instrumental track on Willy And the Poor Boys, the fourth album of Creedence Clearwater Revival. In the end of this acoustic jugband blues, the song cross-cuts slowly to "Feelin' Blue," the closing piece of the original A-side of the long-player.

On "Poorboy Shuffle", the band is playing similar instruments as are featured in the cover photo of the album.  John is on the harmonica, Tom on the acoustic guitar, Stu on the gut bucket and Cosmo on the washboard. 

Live versions

Creedence Clearwater never performed the song live on stage in a regular concert. John Fogerty mentioned in his autobiography (2015) the band actually played "Poorboy Shufle" at the photoshoot session for Willy and the Poor Boys. If we take John's words literally, this is the one and only documented live performance of the song.

John Fogerty hasn't delivered the song live during his solo career.

Critical reception

"---while it won't eclipse Gus Cannon and the Jug Stompers, it is pleasant and might even turn on some kid enough to pursue some real jug band music." -Alec Dubro, The Rolling Stone, January 21st, 1970. 

"Nah! Why the hell do I need to listen to that stupid harmonica crap, just as repetitive and simplistic?" -George Starostin. 

"---the group proves that they can play the instruments they brandish on the cover. --- I'm always impressed when I hear it, especially since I know the washtub bass is not an easy instrument to play." -Jimmy, Sputnik Music, April 19th, 2006.

Fans' views

"I like songs that sounds something diferent, strange and they have a sound blues, I like blues."

"Dont know, but loved it from the first play. So catchy."

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