Resilience in Music Ownership: Taylor Swift and John Fogerty's Journey to Reclaiming Control
Taylor Swift and John Fogerty may not seem to have much in common professionally, but their shared experiences with owning the rights to their music have created an unexpected bond. Swift, who recently regained control of her masters catalog, expressed her admiration for Fogerty's decades-long battle to own the rights to his songs with Creedence Clearwater Revival. In 2023, Fogerty finally acquired the publishing rights to his music, marking the end of a long legal struggle. Swift's decision to re-record her albums after her songs were sold to someone else resonated with Fogerty, who saw it as a strategic move that ultimately led to a positive outcome.
Fogerty, now 80, released "Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years" in August 2025, a collection of re-recorded CCR classics featuring his sons Shane and Tyler. He has been a longtime fan of Swift's music, thanks to his daughter Kelsy, who introduced him to Swift's work when she was at the peak of her career. Fogerty and Kelsy had bonding moments over Swift's music, turning it into a music education experience. Meeting Swift backstage in Los Angeles was a special moment for Fogerty, who appreciates her acknowledgment of his daughter.
Having regained control of his music, Fogerty now enjoys the freedom to decide how his songs are used and where they are licensed. He describes the experience of reclaiming his songs as a completion of a long journey that was once lost. Singing his songs now brings him joy and allows him to cherish them as his own creations. Fogerty's residency at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in March is a testament to his enduring musical legacy and newfound control over his music.
In conclusion, the unexpected connection between Taylor Swift and John Fogerty highlights the importance of artists owning the rights to their music. Their shared experiences of reclaiming control over their work have brought them closer together and inspired each other in their respective journeys. As they continue to create and perform music on their own terms, their stories serve as a reminder of the power of artistic ownership and the resilience of artists in the face of challenges.