The Stakes Are Raised featuring Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty plucks his Rickenbacker while Doug Clifford slaps the skins. The group hailed from the Bay area which was home to many Blues-Rock and Psychedelic bands. Yet CCR's music differed from those as their blend of rootsy and down-home Rock sounded as if they yielded from the deep South. Known for being the quintessential singles band of the era, the band made radio-friendly records that dominated the record charts.

The Stakes Are Raised; Have you ever been commended of doing a good job and then given countless additional responsibilities as reward? Well, that was the case when in Memphis, TN in 1968 and through a series of unexpected events, I had been designated as the lone promotion man at Hot Line Record Distributor. Hired on as the local STAX promotion manager, a colleague had resigned earlier leaving me with everything. Now I was working all the record labels within the STAX distributor. That meant devoting equal time to the remainder of record labels that were housed at the distributor such as Fantasy Records, Checker/Cadet Records, Starday/King Records, Polydor Records, RCA Records and the big mother-lode of them all, The Atlantic Records group, including ATCO Records. Of course there were dozens and dozens of other big labels to appease also but that's a simple explanation to a series of timely developments.

But here's where the story gets intriguing. The office phone rang one morning delivering the announcement that a concert by Creedence Clearwater Revival was coming to town. Holy Toledo! They were the hottest group in America. I had to be calmed-down by associates as now with these recent developments I was the person responsible for making all media arrangements. As the concert approached, I had spent countless hours securing interviews and dispensing guest passes as there were ample requests to fill. On the day of the concert the plan was for me to meet the band outside their arrival gate at the airport terminal. But apparently no one at Fantasy Records informed the band of their local promotion man greeting them at the airport. Upon introducing myself to the band, they appeared suspicious as to my intentions and politely avoided the conversation. While standing at the baggage claim and chatting briefly, I finally broke the ice and slowly gained their confidence. As small talk prevailed, we discussed their afternoon schedule. In the pre-limousine days, my vehicle provided the meek transportation to their destination. We departed the airport and then ventured to Midtown for lunch at band member's request to eat at a soul food diner. We dined at Burkle's Bakery and went unnoticed where I spent my entire expense money of $25 for my weekly account while chowing down on 4 plate lunches. The coconut creme pie for dessert had to come out of my own pocket. Back in the car a conversation sprang-up in route to the hotel. Sitting in the back seat of the car, Stu Cook and Doug Clifford inquired about the status of legendary Memphis label, STAX Records. The next question asked was if I knew anyone who worked there? Before I could answer, vocalist/guitarist John Fogerty spoke-up and asked about the availability of touring the famous recording studio. All of a sudden, my status went from a mere worrisome pest as now I had been elevated to "Mr. Heavyweight". "No problem" I gestured. Within moments we drove into the STAX parking lot and entered through the rear entrance unannounced. As we walked down the long hallway and to the entrance of the recording studio, there was a sense of awe and reverence emulating from the band. Inside the control room and setting up for a forthcoming recording session was noted house producer/guitarist/songwriter, Steve Cropper. Before I could introduce everyone, suddenly band members unexpectedly began gushing over Cropper's presence by asking a series of questions about recording tips and techniques. My head snapped-back in amazement when band members started asking multiple questions but Cropper gracefully interpreted their exuberance with a calming sense of control. As I sat there and patiently listened to the conversation, it was a little embarrassing for myself as band members of Creedence Clearwater seemed to know more about the STAX sound than I did, and I was the STAX promo guy.


Sometimes later, Cropper recalls Creedence band members visiting STAX by saying, "Shoot, I didn't even know who they were that day when Phillip brought them into the studio." Cropper added, "Seriously, `cause no formal introductions were ever made. We all just started talking as I kinda knew they played in a band and were in town performing, but that was about it." He continued, "I just remember hearing this old Dale Hawkins song ("Susie Q") on the radio but I didn't really put the two together." Cropper adds, "We ended-up talking for a while that afternoon and exchanged phone numbers. They were nice guys and we later became good friends."

Back to the story; As we were departing the building, band member's and I passed the office of Jim Stewart, STAX company president. I glanced into Mr. Stewart's office as he was sitting at his desk and motioned for me to enter his office. Mr Stewart stood-up from his desk and said "Come in" as I introduced members of Creedence Clearwater Revival to him. Upon making the introductions, Stewart turned to me and ever so slightly shook his head as if to say he thought I was pulling his leg with the band's name. It took me a second to figure out what Stewart might have been thinking. Apparently he didn't recognize the groups name as his body english was suggesting. Of course, needless to say, they knew who Jim Stewart was. Immediately I caught drift of this possible awkward moment and looked at my watch while suggesting our next appointment was only minutes away. As we walked outside to our vehicle, I thought to myself, dang that's amazing, those guys at STAX are known by everybody on the entire planet. They're even known by the superstars.

Editors note; A short period after that impromptu meeting at the STAX studio in 1969, Steve Cropper's band, Booker T. and The MG's, ended-up opening for a major concert tour of the U.S. with Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Pictured below is a modern day photo of John Forgerty and Fantasy Records-CCR promotion man, Phillip Rauls