Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty is not just celebrating a new year; he is marking a monumental milestone in his life and career, a moment decades in the making. As of late 2025, the legendary voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is 80 years old, an age that has brought with it not retirement, but a profound and long-awaited victory: the full ownership of his iconic song catalog. This current chapter, at this significant age, is arguably the most triumphant of his entire life, culminating in a new album and a massive world tour that focuses entirely on his reclaimed legacy.

The story of John Fogerty’s age is inseparable from his enduring musical output and the legendary legal battles that shadowed it for nearly fifty years. Born in 1945, his 80th birthday celebration in May 2025 was a global event, but the true celebration is the artistic freedom he now enjoys. Fans are not just seeing a music legend; they are witnessing a man finally free to perform hits like "Proud Mary" and "Fortunate Son" as the rightful owner, a narrative that defines his current "Legacy" era.

John Fogerty: Full Biography and Profile

John Cameron Fogerty is one of the most distinctive and influential American musicians of the past century. As the lead singer, lead guitarist, and principal songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival, his powerful, gravelly voice and concise, impactful songwriting defined the roots rock, swamp rock, and country rock genres. Despite a relatively short run from 1968 to 1972, CCR produced an unparalleled string of hits, all penned by Fogerty.

• Full Name: John Cameron Fogerty
• Date of Birth: May 28, 1945
• Current Age (as of late 2025): 80 Years Old
• Place of Birth: Berkeley, California, U.S.
• Primary Occupations: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
• Genres: Roots Rock, Swamp Rock, Country Rock, Heartland Rock
• Main Instrument: Vocals, Guitar (Rickenbacker 325)
• Spouses: Martha Piaz (m. 1965; div. mid-1980s), Julie Kramer (m. 1991–present)
• Children: Josh Fogerty, Sean Fogerty, Laurie Fogerty (with Martha); Shane Fogerty, Tyler Fogerty, Kelsy Fogerty (with Julie)
• Associated Acts: Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), The Blue Velvets, The Golliwogs
• Major Accolades: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1993), Songwriters Hall of Fame (2005), Grammy Award Winner

The 80-Year-Old Victory: Reclaiming His CCR Song Catalog

For nearly five decades, the story of John Fogerty was one of immense musical success marred by a bitter legal and financial struggle. The contracts signed early in his career with Fantasy Records, owned by Saul Zaentz, stripped him of the publishing rights and ownership of his songs, including his entire Creedence Clearwater Revival catalog. This meant that for years, he did not earn royalties from or even have the legal right to perform his own compositions, leading to a long and painful public feud.

The turning point, a true victory lap for a man in his late 70s, came in 2022 when Fogerty successfully reacquired a majority interest in the worldwide publishing rights to his incredible CCR catalog. This was a monumental moment, a decades-long battle finally won, allowing him to be the true owner of his artistic legacy. This legal triumph energized his career and became the central theme of his current musical output.

The impact of this victory is not just financial; it’s deeply personal. Fogerty has often spoken about the emotional toll of the conflict, and reclaiming the rights has been described as a liberation. It allows him to fully embrace his identity as the sole creative force behind one of rock’s most beloved bands, free from the shadow of the past. This freedom is immediately evident in his latest projects.

The Legacy: New Album and The Celebration Tour 2025-2026

To celebrate this hard-won freedom, John Fogerty announced a major new album and an extensive tour that defines his 80th year.

The 'Legacy' Album: Re-recording His Masterpieces

The new album, titled Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years, is set for release on August 22, 2025. This record is a powerful statement, featuring re-recorded versions of his most famous CCR songs. While re-recording classics can be risky, for Fogerty, it is a symbolic act of ownership. By re-recording the songs, he creates new master recordings that he fully owns, cementing his control over the music that defined a generation.

The tracklist is expected to read like a greatest hits compilation of American rock, including essential tracks such as: "Bad Moon Rising," "Green River," "Down on the Corner," "Who’ll Stop the Rain," "Up Around the Bend," and, of course, the enduring "Proud Mary" and "Fortunate Son." This project is a direct result of his legal triumph, turning a decades-old injustice into a fresh artistic endeavor.

The 2025-2026 'The Legacy' Tour

The album is being supported by "The Legacy" tour, which has dates scheduled well into 2026. This tour is a vibrant celebration, with Fogerty energetically performing his material to sold-out crowds. What makes this tour particularly special is the inclusion of his sons, Shane and Tyler Fogerty, who often perform alongside him as part of his "Travelin' Band."

The multi-generational aspect of the tour highlights the passing of the torch and the family's shared love for the CCR sound. Tyler Fogerty, in particular, has gained attention for his guitar work, bringing a fresh energy to the classic material. The tour, which has featured stops at major venues and festivals, is a testament to the fact that at 80, John Fogerty remains a tireless and magnetic live performer, proving that the spirit of rock and roll truly knows no age.

Beyond CCR: John Fogerty’s Solo Career Highlights

While his CCR work overshadows nearly everything else, John Fogerty’s solo career is filled with critical and commercial successes that showcase his enduring talent as a songwriter and musician. His solo work is often characterized by the same roots rock sensibility, but with a more personal and sometimes more country-influenced touch.

His most successful solo album is 1985's Centerfield. The album was a massive hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and achieving multi-platinum status. The title track, "Centerfield," became an enduring anthem, particularly in the world of baseball, and is one of his signature songs. Other notable solo hits that cemented his post-CCR career include "The Old Man Down the Road" and "Change in the Weather."

Even in the 2020s, Fogerty has remained active, releasing the album Fogerty's Factory, a collection of songs recorded with his family during the pandemic lockdown. This continued output, culminating in the 2025 *Legacy* project, demonstrates a man who is creatively revitalized and deeply appreciative of the second act that his 80th year has brought. John Fogerty's story is not just about age; it's about endurance, justice, and the ultimate triumph of an artist over adversity.