Blueboy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Blueboy from John Fogerty’s 1997 album Blue Moon Swamp, a track that’s pure swamp rock magic! This song, the third single from the album, has a cool vibe with a signature opening lick that hooks you instantly. Fogerty crafted Blueboy with a Danelectro guitar and a 1962 brown Concert amplifier to create its distinctive tremolo effect, giving it that funky, roadhouse feel. It’s the only song where Fogerty collaborated with legendary bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn, and the backing vocals by The Waters add a soulful touch. Lyrically, it paints a vivid picture of a juke joint where folks gather to watch “ol’ Dooley do the show,” capturing a nostalgic, simpler time. Fogerty himself said in a 1997 interview that the song’s imagery was inspired by his love for Americana and the Delta blues, making it a perfect fit for a Saturday night hoedown.

Here’s some juicy trivia for you Zoo Crew DJs to share: Blueboy was a staple of Fogerty’s 1997 Blue Moon Swamp World Tour, kicking off at the Fillmore in San Francisco, but he curiously dropped it from his 1998 Premonition Tour setlist, only to bring it back in 2000 and 2004-2006. For some reason, Fogerty loves playing this one in Europe, with performances at places like Gröna Lund in Stockholm in 2010, 2012, and 2014. He also rocked Blueboy on TV shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1997 to promote the album. In 1998, a music video directed by Gerry Wenner showed Fogerty jamming at a country barbecue with his wife Julie on tambourine and his sons Shane and Tyler in the crowd—how’s that for a family affair? Fast forward to 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Fogerty and his kids, under the banner Fogerty’s Factory, recorded a stripped-down version at home, with Shane and Tyler on guitars and daughter Kelsy on drums. Fogerty shared on X in 2023 that Blueboy is part of the Grammy-winning Blue Moon Swamp, which snagged Best Rock Album in 1998.

Now, let’s rewind to how John Fogerty became the swamp rock king. Born on May 28, 1945, in Berkeley, California, Fogerty grew up in a music-loving family, though his parents’ divorce and struggles with alcoholism shaped his early years. As a kid, he was inspired by rock and roll pioneers like Little Richard and Bo Diddley. In junior high, he formed a cover band called the Blue Velvets with bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford, playing gigs around El Cerrito. His older brother Tom later joined, and the band evolved into Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) in the mid-1960s. CCR’s mix of swamp rock, blues, and roots music exploded with hits like Proud Mary and Fortunate Son, earning them nine top-10 singles and a 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. After CCR split in 1972, Fogerty launched a solo career, facing legal battles but hitting gold with albums like Centerfield and Blue Moon Swamp. His gritty vocals and songwriting earned him spots on Rolling Stone’s lists of 100 Greatest Guitarists (#40) and Songwriters (#40).

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Fogerty’s latest jams on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch like signed Blue Moon Swamp vinyl. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, like his 2023 post celebrating Blueboy’s Grammy legacy. Fans go wild on the John Fogerty Fans Facebook group, sharing concert stories and rare photos. Check out fan sites like Electric Bayou for deep dives into Fogerty’s discography and CCR history. So, spin that Blueboy record, Zoo Crew, and let the good times roll!