Rock and Roll Girls

The song "Rock and Roll Girls" by John Fogerty, featured on his 1985 album Centerfield, is a vibrant track inspired by Fogerty’s teenage daughter Laurie and her friend. Fogerty, watching them hang out, playfully dubbed them the "rock and roll girls," capturing their carefree spirit and the secret world of teenagers that parents rarely glimpse. He intended the title to evoke their youthful innocence rather than the groupie connotation the phrase might suggest. Fogerty has described the song as reflecting the "last days of innocence," a theme that resonates with its breezy melody and nostalgic vibe. In a 2015 memoir, Fortunate Son, he shared how the song was born from observing his daughter’s life, emphasizing its personal roots.

Musically, "Rock and Roll Girls" pays homage to the 1962 instrumental "Wild Weekend" by the Rockin’ Rebels, with Fogerty openly admitting his love for its sound. He’s quoted as saying, "I don’t think of it as stealing—more a case of honoring... I’m a sucker for that sound." Critics have noted its similarity to Chad and Jeremy’s 1964 hit "A Summer Song," though Fogerty’s distinctive yodel on one note shifts the riff’s character, as music critic Joe Kowalski pointed out. Fogerty played all the instruments on the track, including a standout saxophone solo performed on a Martin Committee sax, recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, in 1984. The song reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Mainstream Rock chart, a testament to its infectious energy.

Interestingly, "Rock and Roll Girls" played a role in a legal battle with Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz, who claimed Fogerty’s "The Old Man Down the Road" plagiarized a Creedence Clearwater Revival song. Fogerty used "Rock and Roll Girls" in court to demonstrate how songs evolve, showcasing progressive versions with slight variations to prove his creative process. Posts on X from Fogerty’s official account in 2024 highlight the song’s enduring appeal, noting its theme of teenage secrecy and innocence, paired with a link to its music video. Fans on Facebook groups like John Fogerty Fans often share live performance clips, praising its nostalgic charm.

John Fogerty began his musical journey in El Cerrito, California, born on May 28, 1945. As a teenager, he formed the Blue Velvets with schoolmates Doug Clifford and Stu Cook, later joined by his brother Tom. This group evolved into the Golliwags, signing with Fantasy Records in the mid-1960s. Renamed Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) in 1967, they became a swamp rock sensation, with Fogerty as the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter. Hits like "Proud Mary" and "Fortunate Son" propelled CCR to fame, earning them a 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After CCR’s breakup in 1972, Fogerty launched a solo career, initially under the Blue Ridge Rangers moniker, releasing a country covers album in 1973. His 1985 album Centerfield, including "Rock and Roll Girls," marked a triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus, showcasing his knack for crafting timeless rock anthems.

Fogerty’s official website, johnfogerty.com, offers tour dates, merchandise, and news, while his Facebook and Instagram accounts share performance photos and personal updates, engaging fans with glimpses of his life on the road. His X account frequently posts about his music and legacy, including reflections on Centerfield. Fans connect on sites like Electric Bayou, a detailed resource for CCR and Fogerty’s solo work, and John Fogerty Fans on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss concerts and share memorabilia. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks grooving to Fogerty’s enduring sound.