When we think of the song “Proud Mary,” many of us immediately picture Ike & Tina Turner’s upbeat and electrifying version, which has become a classic in music history. But did you know that the song was actually written and first recorded by a totally different group in a different genre? Let’s explore the story behind Proud Mary and compare a few different versions.

The Birth of “Proud Mary” with Creedence Clearwater Revival

John Fogerty, vocalist and lead guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival, wrote “Proud Mary,” after his honorable discharge from the army and the group released it as a single in January 1969. The song quickly gained popularity, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fogerty intended to create a sound that blended rock, folk, and blues, and it is evident that he accomplished that goal. The song also gained popularity due to its relatability. Many people could relate to working hard just to get by and aspiring to regain a sense of freedom and peace in this crazy world to pursue their passions. Check out this video from John Fogerty where he retells the story of how the song came to be!

Fun Fact: The Proud Mary was an actual ship! Formally known as the Mary Elizabeth, it was based in Memphis, Tennessee, and traveled along the Mississippi River from 1928 to 1978.

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s version is smoother and slower and has a very different tempo than Ike and Tina’s. It makes you reflect on the lyrics and life as a whole.

Solomon Burke’s Soulful Twist

Just a few short months later, in April 1969, Solomon Burke—known as the King of Rock n’ Soul—decided to put his own spin on the song. His version of “Proud Mary” was filled with gospel and soul elements, adding a different spin to the original track. Burke’s version peaked at No. 15 on Billboard’s R&B chart.

Burke’s version has more of a steady, slightly uptempo feel and more “bounce” than the original. He builds the connection to his forefathers in his rendition.

Ike & Tina Turner’s Explosive Hit

In 1971, Ike & Tina Turner took “Proud Mary” and completely transformed it. Their version starts slow and steady, with Tina delivering her unforgettable introduction, then builds into a high-energy, up-tempo groove. It became their signature song due to the intensity and excitement that it presented to listeners. The lyrics were the same, but their version brought more power and vigor to the song’s meaning.

Their version reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart. They later won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group in 1972, making “Proud Mary” a certified classic.

Additional Versions of “Proud Mary”

Did you know this song was also performed by several other artists? Here are some that I found both interesting and entertaining:

• Checkmates, Ltd. – Featuring Sonny Charles, this version was also released in 1969. This gives something like a more gospel choir and Ike & Tina mix. It’s a very entertaining version!
• Leonard Nimoy – Yes, Spock released a version, too! It was featured on his 1970 album, The New World of Leonard Nimoy.
• Tom Jones – ‘Ole Tom has always had some soul, so it’s no surprise his 1970 version is soulful, lively, and upbeat with that classic 70s sound.
• The Longest Johns – Featured on their 2024 album Voyage, this group’s version offers a great folk feel and turns it into something like a bar song!
• Brush Arbor – Released in 1972, their version peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This version of “Proud Mary” has an energetic bluegrass feel to it.
• Anthony Armstrong Jones – If you’re a country fan, you’ll appreciate this version! Released in 1969, it reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

And there are several more out there worth taking the time to listen to!

The Legacy of “Proud Mary”

Each artist brought their own unique style and flavor to “Proud Mary,” making it a song that spans genres and decades. Whether it’s the original swamp rock sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the powerful performance by Ike & Tina Turner, or any of the other versions mentioned, “Proud Mary” has left an indelible mark on music history.

Which version of “Proud Mary” is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!