Doug Clifford, American drummer and songwriter

Douglas Raymond Clifford, born on April 24, 1945, is an esteemed American drummer whose powerful and distinctive style became the rhythmic heartbeat of one of America's most iconic rock bands: Creedence Clearwater Revival. As a founding member, Clifford's drumming was integral to CCR's swamp rock sound, which blended rock and roll, blues, and country influences, creating a unique musical footprint that resonated globally.

Early Inspirations and the Genesis of a Band

Clifford's journey into music began in El Cerrito, California, where he grew up alongside future bandmates Stu Cook and the Fogerty brothers, John and Tom. This shared upbringing fostered a deep connection that would eventually lead to the formation of their legendary group. A pivotal moment in Clifford's early musical development, one that profoundly shaped his aspirations, was the groundbreaking American debut of The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. This cultural phenomenon captivated millions, and for young musicians like Clifford, it was a revelation. He vividly recalls the immediate impact: "They were a quartet and we said, wow, we can do that. If these guys from England can come out and play rock 'n' roll, we can do it." This surge of inspiration, coupled with a touch of youthful exuberance, even led to them acquiring "Beatle wigs"—though Clifford amusingly noted they might have been repurposed "Three Stooges wigs" at the time. This palpable excitement and belief in their own potential laid the groundwork for the band they would eventually form, initially known as The Golliwogs, before evolving into the mighty Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The Post-CCR Chapters: A Continuing Musical Journey

Following Creedence Clearwater Revival's disbandment in late 1972, a significant moment in rock history, Douglas Clifford embarked on new musical ventures. He released his solo album, titled Cosmo, in 1972, offering fans a glimpse into his individual artistic direction. His musical collaborations continued, most notably with former CCR bassist Stu Cook, as they joined forces in the Don Harrison Band. This enduring partnership was a testament to their shared musical chemistry and friendship. Years later, in 1995, Clifford and Cook reunited to form Creedence Clearwater Revisited. This new ensemble was dedicated to performing the beloved catalog of Creedence Clearwater Revival songs live, ensuring that the timeless anthems continued to reach audiences worldwide with the energy and authenticity they deserved.

FAQs About Douglas Clifford

Who is Douglas Clifford?

Douglas Clifford is an American drummer, best known as a founding member and the rhythmic force behind the iconic rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). He also pursued solo work and formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

What inspired Douglas Clifford to become a drummer?

A major early influence for Douglas Clifford was The Beatles, particularly their groundbreaking appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. This event deeply inspired him and his friends to pursue rock and roll music.

What did Douglas Clifford do after Creedence Clearwater Revival disbanded?

After CCR disbanded in late 1972, Douglas Clifford released a solo album titled Cosmo. He later joined the Don Harrison Band alongside former CCR bassist Stu Cook. In 1995, Clifford and Cook formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited to perform classic CCR songs live.

Is Creedence Clearwater Revisited still active?

Creedence Clearwater Revisited, featuring Douglas Clifford and Stu Cook, was formed in 1995 to perform live versions of Creedence Clearwater Revival's classic songs. While the band has seen various lineup changes and has been active for many years, their touring schedule and status can vary, it continued performing until recently.

Where did Douglas Clifford grow up?

Douglas Clifford grew up in El Cerrito, California, alongside his future bandmates Stu Cook and the Fogerty brothers.