The Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford celebrates 80
As CCR’s powerhouse drummer, Clifford laid down the propulsive backbeat behind such classics as “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son,” anchoring the band’s swamp-rock sound with his steady grooves and tasteful fills
The Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford celebrates 80
Doug Clifford was born Richard Douglas “Cosmo” Clifford on April 24, 1945, in Palo Alto, California. Growing up in nearby El Cerrito, he formed a lifelong bond with schoolmate John Fogerty over their shared love of rock ’n’ roll and R&B. Together with Fogerty’s brother Tom, bassist Stu Cook and singer Doug Clifford, they cut their teeth playing local dances before emerging in 1968 as Creedence Clearwater Revival.
As CCR’s powerhouse drummer, Clifford laid down the propulsive backbeat behind such classics as “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son,” anchoring the band’s swamp-rock sound with his steady grooves and tasteful fills. Over four remarkable years the group released seven studio albums and scored a string of Top 10 hits, becoming one of America’s defining roots-rock acts.
After Creedence disbanded in 1972, Clifford continued making music with Cook in the blue-eyed soul outfit Creedence Clearwater Revisited, delighting fans with faithful live renditions of the CCR catalog. He’s also explored session work and production, applying the same instinctive feel that made him a first-call drummer. Decades on, Doug Clifford’s muscular yet nuanced playing remains a touchstone for rock drummers, and his contributions to Creedence Clearwater Revival ensure his place in the pantheon of American music.
Watch Creedence Clearwater Revival performing “Fortunate Son” Live at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970
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