Few artists have defined the sound of American rock and roll quite like John Fogerty. As the driving force behind Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and a successful solo career, Fogerty’s unmistakable voice, electrifying guitar riffs, and vivid storytelling have left an indelible mark on music history. His songs, often infused with elements of swamp rock, blues, and folk, have become anthems of rebellion, nostalgia, and pure American grit.

From the thunderous energy of protest anthems to soulful reflections on life and change, Fogerty’s catalog is packed with unforgettable classics. Whether he’s belting out the defiant cries of “Fortunate Son”, painting a mystical picture in “Green River”, or capturing the essence of America’s pastime with “Centerfield”, his music continues to resonate across generations. His songs have been featured in countless films, sporting events, and cultural moments, proving their timeless appeal.

In this list, we’ll dive into the 10 most popular and beloved John Fogerty songs of all time, celebrating the music that made him a legend. Get ready to crank up the volume and take a journey through rock history—because these songs are as powerful today as they were the day they first hit the airwaves!

1. “Proud Mary” (1969)

A landmark in rock history, “Proud Mary” was released in January 1969 as part of Bayou Country, showcasing John Fogerty’s masterful storytelling and knack for painting vivid scenes through music. With its rolling river imagery and swampy, Southern-tinged guitar licks, the song exudes a deep sense of place—despite the fact that Fogerty had never actually visited the South at the time. Its steady, driving rhythm and uplifting energy made it an instant classic, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song took on a second life when Ike & Tina Turner reimagined it in 1971, transforming it into a fiery, soulful anthem that further cemented its legendary status.

2. “Bad Moon Rising” (1969)

With an upbeat melody masking its ominous lyrics, “Bad Moon Rising” remains one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most iconic songs. Released in April 1969 as part of Green River, it was inspired by the 1941 film The Devil and Daniel Webster, with Fogerty crafting a chilling warning of impending doom. Despite its dark themes, the song’s infectious rhythm and singalong chorus made it a fan favorite. It soared to No. 2 on the U.S. charts and topped the U.K. charts, becoming a defining rock anthem that continues to resonate across generations.

3. “Fortunate Son” (1969)

Few songs capture the anger and frustration of an era quite like “Fortunate Son”. Released in November 1969 on Willy and the Poor Boys, this blistering protest anthem takes aim at the class divide during the Vietnam War, where wealthy elites often dodged the draft while working-class young men were sent to fight. With its fiery guitar riffs, pounding rhythm, and Fogerty’s urgent vocals, the song became a powerful statement against privilege and injustice. Decades later, its rebellious spirit still resonates, making it one of rock’s most enduring protest songs.

4. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” (1971)

Melancholy yet deeply moving, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was released in January 1971 on Pendulum. While often interpreted as a metaphor for the Vietnam War or personal struggles, Fogerty wrote it during a turbulent time within the band, reflecting his sadness over CCR’s imminent breakup despite their success. The song’s gentle yet powerful melody, paired with its introspective lyrics, captures a universal sense of longing and change. Over the years, it has become one of CCR’s most beloved and frequently covered tracks.

5. “Down on the Corner” (1969)

Few songs capture pure, feel-good energy like “Down on the Corner”. Released in November 1969 on Willy and the Poor Boys, this playful tune tells the story of a fictional street band bringing joy to their neighborhood. With its catchy bassline, hand-clapping rhythm, and singalong chorus, it became an instant fan favorite. The song’s lighthearted storytelling and rootsy charm make it a staple of classic rock radio, proving Fogerty’s unmatched ability to craft timeless, crowd-pleasing hits.

6. “Green River” (1969)

“Green River” is a nostalgic ode to childhood summers, released in July 1969 as the title track of CCR’s third album. Inspired by Fogerty’s own experiences exploring Putah Creek in California, the song captures the thrill of escaping into nature. With its swampy blues-infused guitar licks and Fogerty’s signature raspy vocals, it evokes a sense of adventure and freedom. Its evocative imagery and irresistible groove made it a standout in CCR’s catalog, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.

7. “Centerfield” (1985)

A love letter to baseball, “Centerfield” marked Fogerty’s triumphant comeback in 1985. Released as the title track of his first solo album in a decade, the song exudes nostalgia and excitement for America’s pastime. With its catchy handclaps, organ-driven melody, and lyrics that capture the anticipation of stepping up to the plate, it became an instant stadium classic. Today, it remains a fixture at ballparks nationwide, proving Fogerty’s enduring influence on both rock and sports culture.

8. “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” (1970)

A whimsical, upbeat track with surreal imagery, “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” was released in July 1970 on Cosmo’s Factory. Inspired by the playful, imaginative world of Dr. Seuss, the song paints a picture of a fantastical scene unfolding outside a window. Despite its dreamlike lyrics, some mistakenly believed it was a nod to psychedelic experiences. Its cheerful melody, lively tempo, and joyful energy made it one of CCR’s most cherished songs, a perfect escape into a world of pure fun.

9. “Who’ll Stop the Rain” (1970)

A poetic meditation on turmoil and uncertainty, “Who’ll Stop the Rain” debuted in January 1970 as the B-side to Travelin’ Band before appearing on Cosmo’s Factory. The song’s introspective lyrics have been widely interpreted as a commentary on the Vietnam War or broader political disillusionment. Set against a poignant folk-rock melody, it carries both sorrow and resilience. Decades later, its message still feels timely, reinforcing its status as one of Fogerty’s most emotionally powerful compositions.

10. “Rock and Roll Girls” (1985)

One of Fogerty’s defining solo hits, “Rock and Roll Girls” was released in January 1985 on Centerfield. The song captures the carefree spirit of rock and roll, celebrating youth, freedom, and the love of music. With its infectious melody, driving beat, and classic rock energy, it signaled Fogerty’s long-awaited return after years of legal struggles. The song’s lively, radio-friendly sound helped reestablish him as a force in rock music, proving that his knack for crafting anthems was as strong as ever.