Down on the Corner

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Down on the Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival from their 1969 album Willy and the Poor Boys, and the Zoo Freaks are surely tapping their feet to this classic. This song tells the story of a fictional jug band, Willy and the Poor Boys, playing for nickels on street corners, a concept inspired by an unlikely source: a Winnie the Pooh advertisement. John Fogerty, the band’s frontman, saw the ad and morphed "Winnie the Pooh and the Pooh Boys" into the song’s title and narrative, a creative spark he described as coming in that "weird, mystical, almost uncontrollable way" songwriters experience. The track features playful instrumentation, including references to a harmonica, washboard, kazoo, and a gut bass, with band members taking on the jug band persona during a 1969 performance on The Music Scene, where Stu Cook played the gut bass and Doug Clifford rocked the washboard.

Another quirky tidbit about "Down on the Corner" involves a lyrical mystery. The original album recording clearly states, "Rufus thumps the gut bass," but in early live performances and some TV appearances, the line shifted to "Blinky thumps the gut bass." Fans, like one from Kalamazoo posting on Songfacts, speculate whether this was a mistake, a playful change, or even a nod to political correctness, humorously suggesting Rufus met a bizarre fate and was replaced by Blinky to keep the jug band dream alive. The song’s album cover, shot outside the Duck Kee Market in West Oakland, California, near Fantasy Records, adds to its lore. John Fogerty once recounted walking into the market after the album’s release, only to be recognized by the cashier, who excitedly pulled the album off the wall, exclaiming, "You’re the singer!"

Creedence Clearwater Revival began as a group of high school friends in El Cerrito, California, initially forming in 1959 as The Blue Velvets. The lineup included lead vocalist and guitarist John Fogerty, his brother Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford. They honed their craft playing local gigs and releasing a few independent singles. In 1964, they signed with Fantasy Records, a jazz-focused label, and were briefly rebranded as The Golliwogs to capitalize on the British Invasion sound, a name they later ditched. Their early efforts gained little traction, and in 1966, John Fogerty and Doug Clifford were drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces. Fogerty’s time in the Army Reserves shaped his political views, later influencing songs like "Fortunate Son." By 1967, the band adopted the name Creedence Clearwater Revival, inspired by a friend’s name (Credence Nuball), an Olympic Beer ad referencing "clear water," and their shared love for revivalist energy.

Their breakthrough came in 1968 with their self-titled debut album, featuring a hit cover of "Susie Q." The following year, 1969, was a whirlwind, with three albums—Bayou Country, Green River, and Willy and the Poor Boys—cementing their status as rock icons. Their swamp rock sound, blending blues, R&B, and country, stood out in the psychedelic Bay Area scene, driven by John Fogerty’s vivid Southern imagery despite the band never visiting the South before fame. CCR’s prolific output included nine Top Ten singles and five Top Ten albums, though their time together was brief, disbanding in 1972 after seven albums. Legal battles with Fantasy Records and internal tensions marked their post-breakup years, but their legacy endures, with fans still celebrating their music.

Stay connected with Creedence Clearwater Revival through their official channels and fan communities. Visit John Fogerty’s official website at johnfogerty.com for updates and merch, including signed Willy and the Poor Boys vinyl. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news. The band’s official X account and Facebook page keep the CCR spirit alive. Fans can join discussions on the Creedence Clearwater Revival Fan Club on Facebook or explore Creedence Clearwater Revisited, a project by Stu Cook and Doug Clifford. For deeper dives, check out fan sites like Creedence Online, a hub for lyrics, discography, and more.