John Fogerty and Willie Nelson

It would be difficult to imagine two artists who better embody the spirit of authentic Americana than John Fogerty and Willie Nelson. Each has established an indelible imprint, from the relentless refrains that framed Fogerty's Creedence Clearwater Revival hits to the rugged, backwoods drawl Nelson navigated. Likewise, their careers paralleled...

By Lee Zimmerman

August 24, 2006

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It would be difficult to imagine two artists who better embody the spirit of authentic Americana than John Fogerty and Willie Nelson. Each has established an indelible imprint, from the relentless refrains that framed Fogerty's Creedence Clearwater Revival hits to the rugged, backwoods drawl Nelson navigated. Likewise, their careers paralleled a time when rebellion was the rule. It found Fogerty voicing the sentiments of a disenchanted generation via "Fortunate Son" and "Bad Moon Rising." Meanwhile, Nelson — the longhaired, pot-smoking country boy — was creating music that dared to defy Nashville's standards and stereotypes. Today, having reached senior-citizen status, both men continue to reclaim the music that first defined them. Now in his 70s, Nelson embraces all chapters of the great American songbook with his easy, unassuming style. And with the 60s as much his age group as his era, Fogerty's much closer to "Centerfield" than ever before.

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