Tom Fogerty

<p>Thomas Richard Fogerty was born on November 9, 1941, in Berkeley, California. Beginning as lead vocalist in high school groups such as Spider Webb and the Insects, he invited his younger brother John Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford to form The Blue Velvets in 1959, later recording for Fantasy Records as The Golliwogs.</p><p>In 1967, the band rebranded as <strong>Creedence Clearwater Revival</strong> (CCR). While younger brother John assumed lead vocals and songwriting, Tom Fogerty provided the driving, percussive rhythm guitar groove and backing harmonies that defined the band's signature 'swamp rock' sound. In an unprecedented 1969 blitz, CCR scored three consecutive Billboard Top 10 albums (<em>Bayou Country</em>, <em>Green River</em>, and <em>Willy and the Poor Boys</em>) and headlined the 1969 Woodstock Festival.</p><p>Seeking creative independence, Tom departed CCR in early 1971 to pursue a solo career, releasing acclaimed solo albums including <em>Tom Fogerty</em> (1972) and <em>Excalibur</em> (featuring Jerry Garcia), before forming the band Ruby. Tragically, Tom contracted HIV through an unscreened medical blood transfusion during back surgery and passed away from complications on September 6, 1990, at age forty-eight. In 1993, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his CCR bandmates.</p>