'70s Rock Legend, 80, Finally Hits No. 1, Half a Century After Career Began

Roots rocker John Fogerty, 80, has barely slowed down since Creedence Clearwater Revival exploded onto the scene in 1969. The Americana songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist is responsible for some of the most soulful rock sounds to ever hit airwaves, but it’s taken half a century to receive his “flowers” for it.

And finally, that day has come. Taking a page out ofTaylor Swift‘s playbook, Fogerty re-recorded his iconic hits under a new album, Legacy – The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years, and now owns all of his music. The move has earned him the No. 1 spot on the Official Americana Chart, ahead of artists like Zach Bryan and Beyoncé, who’ve spent 105 and 74 weeks respectively in the top ten.

Fogerty proudly (and rightfully) boasted about the honor online, sharing a headline on Instagram with the caption:

“Huge thanks to everyone who’s been listening and supporting the record… it means the world. Can’t wait to keep the celebration going out on the road this year!”

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Fans poured in their congratulations:

“OMG what a beautiful revival,” praised one fan. “Keep on rockin‘ John.”

This isn’t the only first honor for the legendary rocker. The album also earned him the No. 10 spot on both the Official Albums Sales and Official Physical Albums charts.

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Chart History

Creedence Clearwater Revival came close to a No. 1 spot many times. Out of 16 songs to hit the Billboard chart, nine were Top 10 hits. More than half peaked at No. 2, including “Bad Moon Rising” and “Proud Mary,” which each spent 14 weeks on the charts in 1969.

Related: Legendary ’70s Rocker Announces New Solo Music for the First Time in 20 Years

According to Billboard, it may have just been “unfortunate timing” that kept them from reaching the very top—”Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies blocked them in 1969, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” did in 1970.

Still, the band racked up serious accolades. “Bad Moon Rising” hit No. 1 in the UK, and CCR earned 10 million-selling singles and six Top 10 albums—five of them in a single year.

Fogerty broke up CCR in 1972 and for years refused to play many of the band’s songs live during his solo career. So, it’s especially satisfying that, at 80 years old, he’s finally getting the recognition he’s long deserved.

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