Fight Fire - The Golliwogs
2:32
2:32
single, 1965
Written by John Fogerty and Tom Fogerty
Perhaps more than any other band, the Golliwog story shows how the name of a band can be a deciding factor in its success. The group toiled in obscurity for years before achieving multiple hits almost immediately after changing their name to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Calling themselves the Blue Velvets, they originally played blues and New Orleans jazz-influenced rock. At that point, Tommy Fogerty was more of the leader than John. When they signed with Fantasy, they wanted to change their name to the Visions, but the label made the decision for them: they'd be credited as the Golliwogs. This song has much more in common with British Invasion psychedelia than the sharp guitar lines and churning swamp rock they'd be known for once John's genius took the reins; indeed, it was later featured on the box set Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968.