S.O.D. "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

    Written 10/6/2014

    What this song is about still stumps critics and fans.  Speculations have risen from subjects such as the Vietnam War to the 1969 Altamonte Speedway free rock concert in northern California, to the Kent State shootings.  In different interviews however, John Fogerty has divulged that it has to do with disagreements among band members and the fact that they had achieved success and fortune but were feeling unhappy and even depressed ("have you ever seen the rain, coming down on a sunny day").  One year later the band dispersed.

    Fogerty wrote and produced the 1971 roots rock tune that was certified Gold and came in at #3 in the US and #1 in Canada.  Of the 39 cover attempts, including three Spanish versions, Johnny Cash is on the list along with The Ramones, a successful Joan Jett version and the most notable by Bonnie Tyler, charting in 5 countries but not the US.  The song has also appeared in several public media spots such as the 2005 remake of "The Longest Yard", episodes of Dexter and Tour of Duty plus the 1st season finale of Nurse Jackie.

    CCR originated in El Cerrito, California in 1959 as the Blue Velvets with guitarist, lead vocalist and primary songwriter, John Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford.  Tom Fogerty, older brother to John, joined the band soon enough as the other three frequently backed him at live events and in the studio.  They released 7 albums in all, keeping all 4 original members until their break-up.  Tom let John take over as lead vocalist saying, " I could sing, but John had a sound!"