Tom Fogerty

Although for a few years Tom Fogerty was in one of the most successful rock groups in the world, it was his lot to be in the huge shadow of his younger and far more talented brother, John Fogerty. Tom played rhythm guitar and sang some background vocals in Creedence Clearwater Revival, but only one of his compositions was recorded by the band. Tom was the first member of CCR to leave, splitting in early 1971 because of tensions with his brother and a wish for more freedom to sing and write his own material. Despite recording nine albums prior to his death in 1990, however, he never succeeded in either making hit records or presenting nearly as strong a musical identity as John -- or, indeed, CCR as a whole -- did. Fogerty began playing music as a high-schooler in the late '50s, sometimes sitting in with John's group, the Blue Velvets, which already included future CCR members Stu Cook and Doug Clifford. Although Tom's band, the incredulously named Spider Webb & the Insects, got as far as getting a contract with Del-Fi Records, nothing came out before they broke up in the winter of 1959. The Blue Velvets began backing Fogerty at demo sessions and live performances, and Tom eventually joined the Blue Velvets as lead singer, the band being billed as Tommy Fogerty & the Blue Velvets. Under that name, they cut three very obscure singles for the small Orchestra label in 1961 and 1962. After getting a contract with Fantasy Records, the group's name was changed (against their wishes) to the Golliwogs, who recorded half a dozen singles in the mid-'60s. At this time Tom's role in the band was far more visible than it would be in Creedence Clearwater Revival. He shared lead vocals with John (in fact, Tom took all of the lead vocals on the first three singles), and the Fogerty...