Creedence Revival’s ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ Gets A Nostalgic Spin

Today’s kids may never know the rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival that rose to fame back in the ‘70s, but their song still play on radio stations to this day. This year, the group is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a rebirth of their iconic numbers.

Rebirth of Iconic Songs

Earlier this year, the band’s “Fortunate Son” was given a new visual interpretation in celebration of the golden anniversary of the Creedence Clearwater Revival. Now “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” gets the same treatment, albeit with a different attack.

“Fortunate Son” was a remarkable song probably because of the message it wished to convey to the listeners. The highly political track became the definitive anthem of the anti-war group and was touted as a symbol of the opposition against the US government during the Vietnam War.

“Fortunate Son” was from the group’s 1969 album “Willy and the Poor Boys” but it never had a music video until now in celebration of the Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 50th anniversary. The stunning visuals were captured by Ben Fee, who has already directed masterpieces like “Nothing to Find” which touched on pressing social issues.

“Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” didn’t take the same political stance in its video as “Fortunate Son”, instead it simply depicts a feel-good aura and focuses on the feelings of warmth and happiness, inviting viewers to embark on a trip down memory lane to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

A Coming-of-age Music Video

The music video is directed by Laurence Jacobs, who had worked with none other than notable names in the industry, including Elvis Costello, Steve Martin, Andrew Bird, and Valerie June. The man in charge said he envisioned a coming-of-age clip, the kind that happens to people in their 20s.

Moreover, Jacobs explained he wanted to show something real that’s experienced by people who still try to become somebody else. He, along with Luke Klompein, penned the storyline, which revolves around three close friends in Montana. One of the trio moves away, giving light to how their friendship dynamics will change.

It stars Jack Quaid, probably best known for his role in the “Hunger Games” and whose next project is Amazon’s “The Boy,” “Jessica Jones’” actor Erin Moriarty, and Sadha Frolova, whose credits include Netflix’s “Snowpiercer” and “Red Sparrow.” Even for the actors, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” meant dealing with friendship.

Jack Quaid, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid’s son, referred to the song as a timeless masterpiece

Quaid, son of thespians Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, touts the song as a timeless masterpiece that can put a smile on the listener’s face for no reason. Moreover, he narrated in an interview that he grew up listening to the songs of the Creedence Clearwater Revival, since his dad used to play the band’s songs on the way to school.

Mixed Emotions

This is the first music video Quaid will star in, and he couldn’t be happier that it was for a song that meant so much to him. He also said that “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” speaks to all generations, making it a classic piece that’ll be an eternal landmark in the music industry. For Moriarty, the song is a careful mix of happiness and sadness – being contented in seizing the moment and cherishing the time spent with loved ones.

In celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Creedence Clearwater Revival, apart from the revival of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” and the music video for “Fortunate Son,” The Studio Albums Collection Box Set, which contains seven albums, was released. The set, which also includes a book that has rare photos of the group, comes in tip-on jackets that are very reminiscent of the original packaging.

Creedence Clearwater Revival came around late ‘60s and remained active ‘till early ‘70s. The group, which consisted of Doug Clifford (drummer), Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitarist), Stu Cook (bassist), and John Fogerty (vocalist), had undergone a lot of changes, including their name, which had changed a couple of times: first to The Blue Velvets and then to The Golliwogs.

Creedence Clearwater Revival used to be popular in the late ‘60s until their disbandment in 1972

Things, however, got messy and turned to a sour note. Creedence Clearwater Revival officially disbanded in late 1972, a year after Tom had left the group. His brother, John, and the remaining members of the group had disagreements over business matters.

John refused to perform with the rest of the members of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1993, when they were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame.