YO!! Creedence Clearwater Revival - Midnight Special | Reaction

[@Seanriver316]

The Midnight Special was a train that drove by the prison at night. It was considered good luck if the light shone on your cell.

[@tammyblackwell499]

That's interesting, I never knew that!

[@johnharkness7114]

That's what they say, but there's a darker possibility--let the train light shine on me as I lay my head on the tracks...

[@enchantedwooddesigns3462]

Me either and was new when I heard as a kid. Years til I learn something new )

[@TheDivayenta]

Thanks!!!!

[@BarbButler]

💙💜💙💜💙

[@DellyDoo]

Yeah, they took us to church with that one. They have so much soul. Down on the Corner is another great one! You'll find that most CCR songs are 3 minutes and under.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL,, THE LEGENDARY KINGS OF "SWAMP MUSIC"

[@jameskirschling7887]

I could listen to this song every day for the rest of my life and enjoy it every time. I can't even count how many times I have listened to this song in the last fifty plus years. Just a great song.

[@Thatgirl1973]

Classic African American ballad. And honestly one of the best versions. They always respected the origins of the songs they covered. ❤

[@someoldatheist6712]

My Mother loved CCR and she passed that love on to me. Its hard for me to call one single band my fav with so many great ones out there over the decades but CCR is definitely in my top 5 bands of all time.

[@tazjammer]

Indeed Hudie Ledbetter not only wrote this, but Gallows Pole, and many others RIP Leadbelly, and that big Stella acoustic too.

[@nahAlban]

He didn't write it it's been around longer than that it's a traditional folk song from the south. First recorded by Howard Odum in 1905 Leadbelly recorded it in 1934. Still either way a great song and I do love leadbelly version .

[@tazjammer]

@@nahAlban ty nah

[@livinglegend3876]

Lead belly was a LEGEND. Only man I know that can sing for his release from prison after killing a man. Also wrote “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” a haunting song that Nirvana did an excellent cover of.

[@shaunfoskey9958]

I'm lovin this trip down the CCR rabbit hole!

[@garyparis6592]

Add their Ramble Tamble to your must hear list Van. Its a masterpiece.

[@AnthonyLaMastra]

This song was featured in the movie The Twilight Zone. Dan Ackroyd asks, do you want to see something scary? Believe it or not, this was my first introduction to CCR!

[@chadjohns6955]

Funny, my first time hearing CCR was in the movie American Werewolf in London, Bad Moon Rising

[@jasonsimpson1397]

Was my first intro to this song. Love that movie. John Lithgow's gremlin still haunts me 😄

[@faithcat7675]

"Wanna see something reeeally scary?" 👹

[@emeraldcity_]

Me too

[@kathleenalbanese4875]

You must be a Youngster ☺️

[@jamesburns8827]

Homie I love your love for CCR. You can pick any song and never be disappointed. Some band speak to your mind, some bands speak to your emotions. Some bands can speak to the moment. This band speaks to your life and your soul in every note. Sensational band and they did it in a short amount of time. Stay lifted and stay with Creedence my brother. They have never let me down. Ever.

[@jasongilbert2379]

Keep CCR coming!!!

[@charliecundiff]

This song was first recorded by Leadbelly who did once, get freed by the governor of Louisiana. That likely didn't happen for many other black men in the 1930s.

[@theresamcdonald1943]

wow looking at ccr's hair from the early day's , ; they grew into beauty. in soul mind and music. thanks. God Bless theresa

[@amgirl4286]

"Looking Out My Back Door"...."Green River"...."Born on the Bayou" are all CCR hits..."Down on the Corner"....CCR was iconic for a reason-love your reactions! Keep going friend!

[@tracyjohnson8057]

I get sooo much joy watching you listen to them. I grew up with them so I know... I know.

[@user-zn2jl2kx5w]

There used to be a show for current rock bands on at midnight every Friday night called, "The Midnight Special"! It was on for YEARS!!!!!

[@starleemartin1961]

We have a saying where I'm from that describes something extraordinarily awesome that goes: "You really put your foot in it!" And John and CCR really put their foot in every song they ever created! They don't have one mediocre song in the bunch!

[@alansmith7626]

I loved ALL their music, I grew up in that time, but for me, Born On The Bayou and Suzie Q my faves

[@danieltilley4187]

Hey Man I am 61 and I grew up listening to them and I always thought they was and still is one of the greatest bands. CCR was as the slang back then was hard.

[@thomaskobe]

I was listening to Creedence before you were born. One of my favorite tunes by them.

[@leonardilifter]

You brought up Gospel music which is so cool. Fogerty said himself that we was trying to make this song sound like a church gospel. You got it spot on.

[@tracyneely1412]

Oh yeah .... Shine your ever lovin' light on ME !!!!!

[@bluesauthority]

All the voices, lead and background, are all John Fogerty. The guys in CCR did background vocals live, but in all the studio recordings it was all John except for Who'll Stop The Rain.

[@missshirley9893]

Definitely has a gospel feel

[@jacklynch1128]

Original version please? Leadbelly killed that one. Its more country but not in bad way. Creedence is great.

[@nahAlban]

Original version was recored in 1905 29 years before leadbelly recorded it. It has extensive history actually as a traditional folk melody in the south.

[@phyllispoff6959]

Pure TALENT

[@chuckbiker9400]

This song was originally recorded in the early 1920's. There was a legend at Angola prison in Louisiana. That if the light from the Midnight passenger train. Hit an inmate. He was the next prisoner to be released.

[@bluesrock1]

This song was written in 1905. It was first put out on a record in 1926.

[@patrician7445]

"As Long As I Can See The Light" is another one of their great ones. Love your channel! Thanks!

[@tallisonrausch5719]

YES, among my top 3 all time favorites too, along with Midnight Special, Proud Mary.

[@beegee1960]

The song was about the train that brought prisoners from Houston to the prison in Huntsville, Texas. Prisoners were often brought in at midnight to avoid any problems. At least that is the story I have always heard.

[@debbiemarch1952]

CCR is one of my favorite bands

[@dizastro5437]

John Fogerty had soul stuck in his throat, and he was tryna spit it out.

[@evelynmabe7877]

My Husband did this song! Sounded just like them! His band was called Liberation! One of the most popular Bands in Tampa in the late 70's early 80"s! Their female vocalist was Miss Anchorage Alaska! He has passed, thank you agent orange, and hearing this brought him back for a few minutes! Thank You!

[@kajabrill2404]

John Fogerty has several gospel songs and they are Amazing!!! Working on a building... Somewhere listening

[@ayejaymississippifitness]

Up around the bend, and Down on the corner, are both classics.

[@carolcjh8938]

Love how you keep time with your shoulders. Not everyone can do that. Great reaction.

[@steelerman5830]

Man do I love this song. There just amazing

[@lorilxn1597]

I watched Midnight Special every weekend after roller skating 😁

[@andrewowler1522]

there is an old irish saying that sum's up this song, Easy oozy, just going along easy oozy.

[@EarthWalker2023]

Yes sir!!!!

[@ARS5150]

To me it has a gospel and delta blues sound.

[@tammyblackwell499]

History of the song, Midnight Special: Lyrics appearing in the song were first recorded in print by Howard Odum in 1905. Get up in the mornin' when ding dong rings, Look at table - see the same damn thing However, these lyrics are known to be floater lines, appearing in various African-American songs of that period, notably in the "Grade-Songs", which are about prison captains and have nothing to do with a train or a light. The first printed reference to the song itself was in a 1923 issue of Adventure magazine, a three-times-a-month pulp magazine published by the Ridgway Company. In 1927 Carl Sandburg published two different versions of "Midnight Special" in his The American Songbag, the first published versions. The song was first commercially recorded on the OKeh label in 1926 as "Pistol Pete's Midnight Special" by Dave "Pistol Pete" Cutrell (a member of McGinty's Oklahoma Cow Boy Band). Cutrell follows the traditional song except for semi-comedic stanzas about McGinty and Gray and "a cowboy band" Now, Mister McGinty is a good man But he's run away now with a cowboy band Refrain. Now Otto Gray, he's a Stillwater man But he's manager now of a cowboy band Refrain. In March 1929, the band, now Otto Gray and the Oklahoma Cowboys, recorded the song again, this time with the traditional title using only the traditional lyrics. Sam Collins recorded the song commercially in 1927 under the title "The Midnight Special Blues" for Gennett Records. His version also follows the traditional style. His is the first to name the woman in the story, Little Nora, and he refers to the Midnight Special's "ever-living" light: "Yonder come a Little Nora. How in the world do you know? I know by the apron and the dress she wears." In 1934 Huddie William "Lead Belly" Ledbetter recorded a version of the song at Angola Prison for John and Alan Lomax, who mistakenly attributed it to him as the author. However, Ledbetter, for his Angola session, appears to have inserted several stanzas relating to a 1923 Houston jailbreak into the traditional song. Ledbetter recorded at least three versions of the song, one with the Golden Gate Quartet, a gospel group (recorded for RCA at Victor Studio #2, New York City, June 15, 1940). John and Alan Lomax, in their book, Best Loved American Folk Songs, told a credible story identifying the Midnight Special as a train from Houston shining its light into a cell in the Sugar Land Prison. They also describe Ledbetter's version as "the Negro jailbird's ballad to match Hard Times Poor Boy. Like so many American folk songs, its hero is not a man but a train." The light of the train is seen as the light of salvation, the train which could take them away from the prison walls. It is highly reminiscent of the imagery of such gospel songs as Let the Light from your Lighthouse Shine on Me. Carl Sandburg had a different view. He believed the subject of the song would rather be run over by a train than spend more time in jail. Although later versions place the locale of the song near Houston, early versions such as "Walk Right In Belmont" (Wilmer Watts; Frank Wilson, 1927) and "North Carolina Blues" (Roy Martin, 1930) - both essentially the same song as "Midnight Special" - place it in North Carolina.[13] Most of the early versions, however, have no particular location. Only one recording, collected by the Lomaxes at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, actually identifies the railroad operating the Midnight Special - the Illinois Central which had a route through Mississippi.

[@dreamweaver1603]

I’ve been to the old prison in Sugar Land. It’s a branch of the Houston Museum of Natural Science now, but when we went for my kid’s field trip it still have a lot of elements of a prison.

[@susannalley5376]

Thanks for the history! This is the context I look for in these reaction videos

[@brockr4377]

Alright my friend, thanks for taking my recommendation on this tune, I'm sure I wasn't the only one to request it. I too love the CCR wagon as it churns along...next song to please your ears should be: 'Travelin' Band'...appreciate all you do!

[@Slivings911]

Totally gospel, you’re right. ❤️👍

[@norakeeswood9808]

Loved yur energy nd cute smiles.

[@peterhindman9235]

CCR also wrote Big Wheel on the River. Tina Turner always thanked them after she preferred it

[@peterhindman9235]

I meant Proud Mary

[@MaryABJM]

Love your Smile Bro. & Your reactions ❤

[@Ritaholden1]

Oh yeah!!!

[@tomlorenzen4062]

2nd greatest American band behind the Eagles. But for 5 years they were the best in the world

[@texaslarry1048]

Background voices are usually done by his brother Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar) or Stu Cook (Bass)

[@stevechaffins2293]

Yep. John does all vocals.

[@ezgolfer2]

Oh! It has words? I’m rocking with the tune. I could stand to hear some more from CCR right here on your channel. I’ve also been enjoying your reactions.on truth, fascinating topic isn’t it.

[@TerrieKolb-eu1kn]

Fogarty was stationed in Kentucky when he was in the service, which is blue grass country.

[@shaunfoulk4233]

💥This song 🎵 is fire 🔥 baby. You gonna love the vibe of this song 🎵 😌 ✨

[@MsRhodeman]

CCR was a very important staple to us baby boomers...❤

[@marlonwilson-zf8sl]

I appreciate you brother. That was a great reaction ❤

[@antoniocunha8772]

GREAT BAND , ON THE BAYO, KKKKKK TNKS FROM BRAZIL

[@mclizzard2928]

So, you regularly compare Zep and CCR, and I get it, but pourque no los dos? I can easily say they're both my favorite. Zep is like a week in London with unlimited money and no obligations. It's extra AF, it's constant stimulation, and there's always something new to hear and learn. CCR is like a week in the mountains with no wifi and no cell service. It's comfortable and innately primal, a back-to-basics sound. It's really okay to love them both.

[@ardessalore]

i love this

[@1satisfiedmind]

Man, you nailed it!

[@kathyp1563]

I really appreciate how you talk from the depth of your musical knowledge in such a way that it does not go over the head of people like me.

[@bryangettel4060]

Reminds me of being a small child. AM Radio!

[@shapeach]

I cannot tell you what a joy it is to stop by each day and see your beautiful smile!! You leave me feeling so much hope and joy and love. It is obvious to me 5gat is the reflection of Christ indwelling your spirit. Thank you for reaching so many and being authentic!! Xox

[@knickydymondz33]

3 suggestions, Parchman Farm by 1. Bukka White, 2. Mose Allison, and 3. John Mayall and the Blues breakers (featuring Eric Clapton)

[@deboraadkins-smith2092]

Van you can sing! Love it!

[@nagadas19]

Night time is the right time

[@TheDivayenta]

The Midnight Special was a late night passenger train made famous in this old folk song!

[@sheilablackwell6003]

East bound and down

[@marksims6425]

Always makes me think of the movie cool hand Luke !!!!!!!!!!!

[@keithjames7843]

Man I love good music I don’t care if it’s Country Rock R&B Mo Town Blues Rap or Gospel Good music just makes you feel good It’s crazy how music can help bring people together Because Jesus Christ loves and blesses us every day and I think that people are different in ways but we also are very similar in ways But I don’t care color are or where you come The good lord knew what he was doing when he give us the ability to sing Because I think music can also heel your soul Like when good singer sings your favorite gospel song and it Brings tears to your eyes and you can feel what the singer is saying in your heart that’s what good music is supposed to do

[@pdaccount3582]

The train arrived at midnight at the Huntsville unit.....it went to Dallas or Houston north or south.......it was your ride home from prison.......I spent 2 nights in the Huntsville unit when I was being released

[@missshirley9893]

I forgot about this one!!! 😁 ty Van!

[@antonballard2212]

I think that's a Ledbelly song - I lived by that prison in Sugarland Texas just outside Houston Texas - I used to cross that railroad track coming home from work everyday- great reaction I love your reactions 👏

[@michaelbrock6286]

Talking lets us know how much you like the songs. That is why we tune in.

[@tgutz4332]

Texas Department of Corrections' Central Prison Unit previously called Imperial Prison Farm was the prison in Sugarland, TX the Midnight Special train would pass

[@opticbiscuits]

Good to see music like this being reacted to!! Love the versatility of your channel mate I have 2 recommendations if possible 😂 Paolo nutini - iron sky (abbey road live) Mic righteous - fire in the booth pt1 (he has 4 parts and every part gets better 🔥)

[@janiemingues1121]

sounds like SOULFUL BLUES !!!plus a lil rock ,,,,how awesome can it be!!! :)))))))))))))

[@happymethehappyone8300]

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL "SUZIE Q",, "DOWN ON THE CORNER" & "RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE"..CLASSICS

[@philobeddoe8342]

You'll get a lot of requests from people calling for the same 5 or 6 songs. Hit the lesser known ones that are equally great that didn't make the greatest hits album. Like Ramble Tamble, Tombstone Shadow, Wrote a Song For Everyone, Effigy or the 1970 live version of Keep on Chooglin'(from the Oakland, Ca show). They are one band that basically has a catalog of great songs stacked upon one another. From 69 through 1970 they put out 4 excellent albums.......yes! 4.

[@ralphgomez6251]

Reminds me of On The Bayou slowed down.

[@chris882211]

MY FAVORITE CCR SONG!!!! Sorry for the caps!!! But it is!

[@minnidrake3342]

Took me to church CCR rocks soulfully and so do u

[@williamcapp448]

John's brother Tom sang background as did the bass player Stu Cook, but I heard it said that John did all vocals in the studio. If so that was John going high also.

[@kentclark6420]

Those weren't John's vocals on harmonies. It was his brother and Stu.

[@davidkirkham6497]

@@kentclark6420John on background, vocals, only!

[@stevedotwood]

all the voices are him

[@MaryABJM]

❤❤❤

[@vickiemunnell1265]

I ordered the best of tapes when I was pregnant. My son was born a CCR fanatic 😂

[@darlenegattus8190]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MaryABJM]

Sang It

[@tallisonrausch5719]

You have a great voice! Would love to hear you cover this!

[@tracismith708]

Down on the Corner please and thank u! Will not disappoint!!!

[@60shippy27]

At 2:24, That slow smile told me They got you again! lol

[@brodyhoneycutt3611]

Cuz check out Led belly midnight special. Black betty. In the pines. Nirvana covered in the pines

[@jmweed1861]

John Fogerty is the Only one who sings , exactly their early days when his brother Tom sang a little..

[@ianenniss4405]

Cosmos factory great album 😊

[@timlloyd1454]

C.C.R ..fortunate son

[@Kymoon99]

Just southern vibes brother, he spoke for those who were Incarcerated

[@MaryABJM]

Come on now LF Sang it now❤❤

[@timothymyers6827]

Van, LOVE the reactions to CCR. They've been a favorite since.................this weekend is my 50th HS reunion ....................since way back then!!! You've been running me back through the years for months now. Thanks so much!!!!!

[@dianaspears571]

I don't know if you know but John is not the only Fogerty in the band. His brother is also in the band.

[@billtmarchi4320]

Here's what I suggest. CCR song "feelin blue" BUT listen to it at 1.5 speed. Easy to do with ytube it's ok at regular speed but it of really good at 1.5 speed. I only listen to it at fast speed and I have a harmonica and play along in between the verses and during the instrument solo. Its great. Very cool beat at 1.5 makes me think of tuna Turner singing it And dancing her. 60s dancin.

[@donaldpoole2995]

The Midnight Special is a very old song blues song first played on a 12 string guitar by Hatte Ledbetter, better known as Ledbelly. He was a black man in the south I believe in Angola he wrote the song by the light of the Midnight Special which was a Train that its light would go across the cell wells as it was going around a turn. he wrote the song by the light of the Midnight Special which was a Train that its light would go across the cell wells as it was going around a turn. The original is more blues and deep in emotion kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4urd6eDjt6Zb6c CCR left out so much of this song that makes this song so special.