Sept. 6: Tom Fogerty, guitarist and backup vocalist for Creedence Clearwater Revival died on this day in 1990...

.. he died in 1990 from complications from AIDS acquired during a blood transfusion.



Tom was an older brother of John Fogerty, the lead singer and guitar player for CCR.


Tom was born in Berkeley, California. He and his brother had separate groups. Tom's band, Spider Webb and the Insects broke up in 1959 before releasing any records. John's band, The Blue Velvets, began backing Tom. Eventually, Tom joined John's band, and the group recorded three singles in 1961 and 1962, with Tom as lead vocalist.

In the mid 1960s, the group was called The Golliwogs with Tom and John sharing lead vocals. By 1968 the band was renamed Creedence Clearwater Revival, when John had become full-time lead singer and primary songwriter. During the few years of the life of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom sang backup vocals and wrote songs, but only one of his songs ("Walk on the Water") was recorded. This lack of opportunity, along with festering, long-standing animosity with his brother, led him to leave the band in 1971.

After leaving the band, Tom performed as a solo artist and worked with Jerry Garcia, Merl Saunders, Stu Cook, Doug Clifford and other musicians.


His relationship with his brother John remained strained. Tom was bitter at having his contributions overlooked.

Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "Champagne Love"
-- "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" (CCR)
-- "Proud Mary"  (CCR)