The Blue Velvets

Formed at El Cerrito High School in Berkeley, California, USA, the Blue Velvets were comprised of John Fogerty (b. 28 May 1945, Berkeley, California, USA; guitar, vocals), Stu Cook (b. 25 April 1945, Oakland, California, USA; bass) and Doug Clifford (b. 24 April 1945, Palo Alto, California, USA; drums). Their live appearances were largely constrained to teenage hops until the trio was buoyed by the arrival of John’s elder brother, Tom Fogerty (b. 9 November 1941, Berkeley, California, USA; guitar, vocals). As Tom Fogerty And The Blue Velvets the group began appearing at local clubs, playing R&B and rock ‘n’ roll favourites. In 1963 they recorded a single, ‘Bonita’, which was issued on the local Orchestra label. The following year the quartet secured a contract with Fantasy Records who, mindful of the ‘British Invasion’, rechristened them the Golliwogs. In 1967 the band ditched this name in favour of Creedence Clearwater Revival.