About the song
“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a song that holds a special place in the history of American rock and roll. Written by John Fogerty, the track was first released by the band in January 1969 and quickly became a major hit. However, it was their performance of “Proud Mary” on *The Ed Sullivan Show* that further cemented its place in music history and brought the song to an even wider audience.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, a band known for their distinctive sound that blended rock and roll with blues and swamp rock, performed “Proud Mary” on *The Ed Sullivan Show* on April 27, 1969. This television appearance was particularly significant as it introduced their energetic and captivating live performance style to millions of viewers across the United States. The song’s performance on this iconic show is remembered for its raw energy and the band’s charismatic stage presence, which showcased their ability to captivate an audience.
“Proud Mary” itself is a powerful song that tells the story of a riverboat named Mary and the narrator’s journey on it, which symbolizes a transformative experience. The song’s upbeat rhythm, catchy chorus, and soulful delivery contributed to its success. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the band’s signature songs.
During their *The Ed Sullivan Show* performance, the band delivered a rendition of “Proud Mary” that was both energetic and emotionally charged. The performance highlighted the band’s unique style, featuring Fogerty’s distinctive vocals and the tight, driving rhythm section that characterized their sound. The appearance was a crucial moment for Creedence Clearwater Revival, helping to solidify their reputation as one of the leading bands of the era.
The impact of their *The Ed Sullivan Show* performance extended beyond just the television broadcast. It played a significant role in establishing Creedence Clearwater Revival as a major force in the music industry and introduced the song to an even broader audience. The performance remains a memorable moment in the band’s career and in the history of rock music, showcasing their ability to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impression through their powerful and authentic performances.
“Proud Mary” continues to be celebrated as one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most enduring hits, and their performance on *The Ed Sullivan Show* is remembered as a pivotal moment in the song’s legacy. For fans of classic rock and for those who witnessed the band’s rise to fame, this performance is a testament to the power of music and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Left a good job in the city
Workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have beenBig wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the riverCleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
Pumped a lot of ‘pane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
‘Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queenBig wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the riverRollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
If you come down to the river
Bet you gonna find some people who live
You don’t have to worry ’cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to giveBig wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the riverRollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river