It’s no secret that John Fogerty has drawn inspiration as a songwriter and musician from many of the greats of the early rock ‘n’ roll era. Among the legendary artists who influenced the Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman were Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, and, of course, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll—Elvis Presley.
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In an archival interview posted on Fogerty’s social media pages, John revealed that Scotty Moore, the guitarist who accompanied Presley at the start of his storied career, was among the musicians who had the greatest impact on the CCR legend during his own formative years.
Fogerty Recalls How He Felt After Hearing Presley for the First Time
In the clip, Fogerty recalled just how inspirational it was to hear a song by Presley for the first time.
“From a very early age, guitar was important to me,” John noted at the start of the clip. “Back in the ’50s, there were a lot of instrumental records that featured guitar. You know, I watched all those guys.”
John then shared his memory of what he was doing the first time he heard Elvis.
“I don’t know exactly how old I was … I was in a little café, grocery store kind of thing up around Santa Rosa, [California,]” Fogerty recalled. “There was a jukebox, and [Presley’s] ‘My Baby Left Me’ came on. … Well, I didn’t know who it was at first, [but I just said,] ‘What is that!’ You know, and I was very excited. I ran over and saw that it was Elvis Presley, and I knew right then. I said, ‘Whatever that is, I want to do that!’”
John then noted that while he loved every aspect of the song, what really stood out for him was “that special guitar.”
He added, “I dearly love [Scotty Moore] to this day … the music and the guy. I think I perhaps in some sort of self-depreciative role, I never really thought of myself as Elvis, but maybe I could be Scotty.”
More About Scotty Moore
Moore played and recorded with Presley from Elvis’ earliest sessions in 1954 at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, until 1962. He parted ways with Presley due to a dispute over the amount of money he was being paid by Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Moore reunited with Presley to film the famous jam session that was featured on Elvis’ classic 1968 NBC TV special now known as the ’68 Comeback Special. Scotty never saw Elvis again after that.
Moore was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He died in June 2016 at age 84.
Fogerty’s 2025 Tour Plans
As previously reported, Fogerty only has three confirmed concerts scheduled for 2025. The performances, which take place January 22, 24, and 25, are the latest dates of John’s long-running Las Vegas residency at the Encore Theater.
The shows also are part of Fogerty’s ongoing The Celebration Tour. The trek features the former CCR frontman showcasing many of his old band’s classic songs.
Meanwhile, a New Year’s message posted on John’s socials hinted that he might be announcing more shows in the near future. In addition to a wish for fans to have “a happy and peaceful 2025,” the message said, “Stay tuned for a big year of celebrations!”
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