CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - TRAVELIN’ BAND

Released: January 1970

Charts: US: #2   UK: #8 

"Travelin' Band" is a song written by John Fogerty and recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, featured on their 1970 album “Cosmo's Factory”. Released as a double-sided single with "Who'll Stop the Rain," it became one of three double-sided singles from the album to reach the top five on the U.S. Pop Singles Chart, peaking at number 2. It also charted in the UK, reaching number eight.

"Travelin' Band" captures the fast-paced, hectic lifestyle of Creedence Clearwater Revival during their 1969 tour-heavy year. Constantly on the road, the band played major festivals, including Woodstock, which inspired the song’s lyrics about the challenges and excitement of being on the move. The line "baggage gone, oh well" reflects their frustrations with lost luggage and the chaotic festival environments, often waiting in the heat for their performances. Eventually, the band's traveling became easier once they acquired their own private plane, alleviating some of the stress that inspired the song.

John Fogerty was heavily influenced by 1950s rock 'n' roll, particularly Little Richard's energetic style, which also inspired his vocal delivery. Musically, the song has been compared to The Monkees' 1967 track "No Time." In 1972, the publishing company for Little Richard's "Good Golly, Miss Molly" claimed that "Travelin' Band" was too similar to their song, leading to a plagiarism lawsuit that was settled out of court.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's bassist, Stu Cook, remarked that "Travelin' Band" sounded more like Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally" rather than "Good Golly, Miss Molly." He viewed the song as a blend of various '50s rock classics but not a direct ripoff of any single one. 

After the basic track was recorded, John Fogerty returned to the studio and overdubbed several instrumental parts, including horns and piano, which he played himself, further enriching the song's energetic, old-school rock 'n' roll vibe.