Creedence Clearwater Revival, often shortened to CCR, is an American rock band that emerged in 1967. From that time until 1972, they produced hits like “Bad Moon Rising,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” and “Fortunate Son.” Their soulful, gritty sound has influenced countless bands over the decades.
If you’re a fan of CCR’s blend of rock, blues, and country influences, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these 13 incredible bands similar to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Keep reading to discover more music that captures their spirit and energy.
1. The Band
Canadian-American rock group The Band was prominent during the late 1960s and 1970s. With members Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko at its core, The Band created a distinct sound blending country, blues, and folk music with classic rock and roll.
Their first two albums—Music from Big Pink in 1968, and The Band, in 1969—propelled them to stardom. The latter, in particular, is their highest charting, peaking at #2 in Canada and #9 in the US.
When comparing The Band to Creedence Clearwater Revival, there are several similarities. Both bands were active during the same era, and both incorporated elements of rock, country, and blues into their music.
While each band had its distinct style, their shared influences and a similar approach to music-making led to them both becoming icons of the rock genre. In 1994, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their significant impact on the music industry.
2. ZZ Top
Hailing from Texas, ZZ Top is one of the longest-running major rock bands with its original members intact. Formed in 1969 by Billy Gibbons (guitar), Dusty Hill (bass), and Frank Beard (drums), the band quickly became known for their blues-inspired rock sound and the long beards of Gibbons and Hill.
Similar to Creedence Clearwater Revival, ZZ Top created music that was deeply rooted in American traditions, specifically blues and rock and roll.
Their breakthrough came in the mid-1970s with the albums Fandango! and Tres Hombres, which feature hits like “Tush” and “La Grange.” These songs showcased the band’s signature style.
In the 1980s, ZZ Top embraced a more mainstream sound with the use of synthesizers. This shift led to some of their biggest commercial successes, including the album Eliminator, which contains the hit songs “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and “Sharp Dressed Man.”
Despite changes in musical trends over the decades, ZZ Top has maintained a consistent lineup and a dedicated fan base. They have sold millions of albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd
One of the pioneers of Southern rock music Lynyrd Skynyrd has captivated listeners since their formation in 1964. The group consists of Ronnie Van Zant as frontman, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Bob Burns on drums.
The members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were heavily influenced by blues and country music, as well as British rock bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. This blend of influences contributed to their signature sound, which combined elements of rock, country, and blues.
Their breakthrough came with their debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, in 1973, which included the iconic song “Free Bird.” Their follow-up album, Second Helping (1974), featured their biggest hit, “Sweet Home Alabama”—a response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” and “Alabama,” which became an anthem for the Southern rock genre.
Sadly, the band’s career was cut short by a tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several members, including Van Zant. Despite this, their influence on rock music endures.
4. The Allman Brothers Band
Southern rock band The Allman Brothers Band formed in Jacksonville, Georgia, in 1969. Combining rock, blues, and country elements with a jam-band style, their music instantly gained the love of listeners across the United States.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1969, but it was their 1971 live album, At Fillmore East, that catapulted them to stardom. Their song “Whipping Post” from this album is considered one of the greatest live recordings in rock history.
The Allman Brothers Band also experienced tragedy early in their career. Duane Allman and Berry Oakley both died in separate motorcycle accidents in 1971 and 1972, respectively. Despite these losses, the band continued, producing hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica.”
Like CCR, The Allman Brothers shared a dedication to creating authentic, roots-oriented rock music. They also drew on various musical styles to create a sound that was uniquely their own.
5. The Rolling Stones
Another band that shares similarities with Creedence Clearwater Revival is The Rolling Stones. This British rock-and-roll band formed in London in 1962 during the British Invasion era, which saw a wave of British bands dominate the American charts.
Throughout their extensive career, The Rolling Stones have performed and recorded some of the most iconic songs in music history. From “Satisfaction” to “Sympathy for the Devil,” their music has defined generations of fans worldwide.
The Rolling Stones and CCR are iconic figures in rock music. Like CCR, The Rolling Stones also blends rock, blues, and other genres to create their signature style. The timeless music, charismatic performances, and enduring influence of both bands make them kindred spirits in the realm of rock music.
6. Buffalo Springfield
Los Angeles rock group Buffalo Springfield left quite the impression on the music world despite its brief lifespan. The band was a melting pot of talent, formed in 1966 by a mix of American and Canadian musicians. These included Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin.
Like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s, their music was a fusion of rock, folk, and country, creating a sound that was ahead of its time and would later be recognized as a precursor to the folk-rock and country-rock genres.
Their self-titled debut album featured their biggest hit, “For What It’s Worth,” a song that captured the political and social unrest of the time and remains relevant to this day.
Despite their success, internal tensions and line-up changes led to the band’s dissolution just two years after their formation. However, the members went on to have successful careers of their own, with Stills and Young becoming particularly notable figures in rock music.
Buffalo Springfield’s discography may be small, with just three studio albums, but their influence is vast. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, a testament to their significant impact on the music industry.
7. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
A name that rings with rock-and-roll history is Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Bob Seger established his career in the mid-1960s as a local singer and songwriter. However, it was in 1973, with the formation of The Silver Bullet Band, that his career really took off.
Akin to CCR, The Silver Bullet Band had an affinity for rootsy, straightforward rock and roll. Their music is deeply American, drawing from the same well of rock, folk, and blues.
Among their most famous tracks are “Night Moves,” “Turn the Page,” and “Against the Wind.” These songs are known for their relatable lyrics, often reflecting themes of love, loss, and the working-class experience.
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to their lasting influence on the music industry. Despite changes in trends and tastes in music, their songs have remained popular, standing the test of time.
8. The Grateful Dead
Formed in Palo Alto, California in 1965, Grateful Dead is a name that is often synonymous with the psychedelic culture of the 1960s. The band quickly became a pillar of the counterculture movement and was known for their eclectic music style, which fused elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, and blues—like CCR—but also gospel, reggae, and psychedelic music.
The Grateful Dead’s discography is extensive, with studio albums like American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead among their most celebrated works. However, it is their live performances that truly define them.
Their live performances were legendary, often turning into hours-long jam sessions. Each concert was a unique experience, as the band rarely played the same set twice and thrived on improvisation. This spontaneity set them apart from other bands of their era.
Despite the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia in 1995, the surviving members have continued to keep the Grateful Dead’s music alive through various formations, including the current incarnation, Dead & Company.
9. The Eagles
Next up is The Eagles. Comparing them to Creedence Clearwater Revival, both bands have roots in rock and roll and country, crafting songs that have become timeless classics. While CCR’s lyrics often reflected political and social issues of their time, The Eagles’ tend to be more introspective.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, The Eagles are often associated with the Southern California country rock sound. Their eponymous debut album was a commercial success, but it was the 1976 album Hotel California that catapulted them to international fame. The title track and “Life in the Fast Lane” became two of the band’s most popular hits.
The Eagles broke up in 1980 but resumed recording and touring until 2016. This was followed by a year-long hiatus, after which they continued to tour.
10. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Another notable name with a style similar to Creedence Clearwater Revival is The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Formed back in 1966, the band has seen various transformations since its inception in Long Beach, California. Despite the changes, the group’s passion for music has remained constant.
Their musical journey is marked by several successful albums and singles. One of their most renowned contributions to the music industry is the album Will the Circle Be Unbroken from 1972. This ambitious project brought together several generations of country and bluegrass musicians and is considered a classic in the genre.
The band’s popularity grew in the 1980s with hits like “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” which topped the country charts.
Today, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band continues to perform and create music. They’ve been recognized for their contributions to country and folk music with an induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
11. The Byrds
American rock band The Byrds played a crucial role in the evolution of rock music. Like CCR, The Byrds sound had country rock influences, but they also mixed in folk-rock and psychedelia, making their sound uniquely their own.
Formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1964, the band’s original lineup consisted of Jim McGuinn (who later changed his name to Roger), David Crosby, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke.
The Byrds are often credited as the pioneers of folk rock, a genre that combined the lyrical depth of folk music with the energetic appeal of rock and roll. Their cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a perfect example of this blend, and it became their first #1 hit.
Throughout their career, the band underwent multiple lineup changes and explored various musical styles, from psychedelic rock to country music. Albums like Younger Than Yesterday and Sweetheart of the Rodeo shows off their versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
12. The Revivalists
Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, The Revivalists blended rock, blues, and soul elements to create an infectious sound that pays homage to the timeless music of CCR.
Formed in 2007, The Revivalists gained widespread recognition with their 2015 single “Wish I Knew You.” It reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
But The Revivalists were far from a one-hit-wonder. In the wake of their breakout success, they rode the momentum, delivering more musical gems like “All My Friends,” “Change,” and “Kids.”
As a band created in the early 2000s, The Revivalists is still active in making music and touring. Their most recent album is Pour It Out Into The Night (2023).
13. Southern Pacific
Our last band, Southern Pacific, sprang onto the American country rock scene in 1983, bringing together a collection of seasoned musicians under one banner.
The band’s initial lineup was a veritable who’s who of the music world, featuring vocalist Tim Goodman, guitarist John McFee, drummer Keith Knudsen, bassist Jerry Scheff, and keyboardist Glenn D. Hardin.
Several noteworthy works marked their rise to fame. In 1985, Southern Pacific released their self-titled debut album, which put two songs near the top of the country singles chart: “Thing About You” and “Reno Bound.”
Other notable hits of theirs worth exploring are “New Shade of Blue,” “Honey I Dare You,” and “Any Way the Wind Blows.”
Today, while Southern Pacific may no longer be active, their legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians. Their music remains a testament to a time when country and rock collided to create something truly special.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Similar To Creedence Clearwater Revival
This exploration of bands similar to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s distinctive style is a testament to the wide-reaching influence and timeless appeal of their music. We hope with this, you were able to find new songs to add to your playlist.
If there are other bands we missed that you believe deserve to be on this list, we invite you to share your recommendations. After all, the joy of music lies in its shared experience and the conversations it sparks.
