More than 12,000 fans jumped to their feet like they’d just been jolted back in time. What was meant to be a quiet tribute turned into a thunderous, emotional revival when Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty tore into “Proud Mary” — and shook the whole arena. No one saw it coming. One riff. One look between two legends. And suddenly, it was the ’60s again. Bruce wasn’t just singing — he was roaring from the gut of America. Fogerty looked like he never left the stage. It wasn’t just a cover — it was a resurrection, soaked in sweat, soul, and memory. Tears fell, hands rose, and for a moment, time stood still. You think you know “Proud Mary”? Not until you feel this version
On April 26, 2025, the venerable Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in New Jersey pulsed with a rare electricity as two titans of American rock — Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty — brought down the house during the annual American Music Honors.
🎸 A Ceremony Steeped in Reverence and Surprise
Hosted and curated by Springsteen himself, this third edition of the event celebrated musicians who’ve left indelible imprints on the American musical landscape. Honorees included John Fogerty, Smokey Robinson, Emmylou Harris, Joe Ely, and Tom Morello. Springsteen delivered moving induction speeches and joined in electrifying performances alongside the honorees, including himself performing “Bad Moon Rising,” “Proud Mary,” and “Fortunate Son” with Fogerty
🔥 The Moment: “Proud Mary” Like Never Before
The highlight of the night—an unbridled rendition of “Proud Mary”—showcased the chemistry between these rock icons. Fogerty, honored for his lifelong contributions, offered his signature vocal grit, while Springsteen added layers of soulful grit on guitar and harmonies. The result was a rendition at once nostalgic and rejuvenated, the kind of performance that ignites the audience from the first rolling riff .
Watch below:
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According to setlist.fm, the evening’s setlist also featured Fogerty’s other classics, including “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son,” both performed with Springsteen by his side—signals of mutual respect and synergy. Online posts confirm “Proud Mary (with John Fogerty)” stood out among the evening’s video highlights
🌟 Honoring a Legend’s Legacy
Fogerty, approaching his 80th birthday, received an extended homage. Springsteen, delivering a glowing induction speech, praised him as “the Hank Williams of our generation,” acknowledging the timeless impact of his songwriting—”People ask what songs I wish I’d written. My answer? John Fogerty’s entire catalog”
According to That Eric Alper, the event highlighted Fogerty’s decades-long battle to reclaim ownership of his music—a struggle fueled by both frustration and an unrelenting love of his art. Springsteen echoed this sentiment in his praise of Fogerty’s purity:
“There is no music that speaks to the American spirit and heart with the passion and deep commitment of John Fogerty… […] I’ve always described John as the Hank Williams of our generation.”
🎤 A Night of Musical Communion
As Springsteen and Fogerty traded verses and guitar leads during “Proud Mary,” the mood was electric. Fogerty’s wife, Julie, received acknowledgment for rekindling his passion post-catalog battle, allowing him to revisit classics like “Proud Mary” with renewed pride .
Other moments on the bill included Tom Morello’s incendiary soloing on “Ghost of Tom Joad,” Emmylou Harris’s poignant performance of “Red Dirt Girl” with Patti Scialfa, and Smokey Robinson’s soulful rendition of “Tears of a Clown”
The evening concluded with a communal, upbeat performance of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” featuring all the guests—cementing the message that rock’n’roll’s greatest power lies in unity
- Legacy Meets Live Action: Two living legends unite on stage — not just playing music, but weaving shared history into a present-tense moment.
- Cultural Continuity: For Fogerty, a survivor of creative and legal battles, and Springsteen, a master of American rock storytelling, this convergence reinforces how iconic songs continue to resonate through decades.
- Flip the Script: A live performance can rewrite legacy. “Proud Mary,” already cemented in rock lore, was given fresh life—reminding the audience that even familiar melodies can reignite the spirit.
🔮 After the Accolades: Where Fogerty’s Journey Continues
Fogerty’s appearance at the American Music Honors followed a headline-grabbing slot at New Orleans Jazz Fest and an upcoming milestone 80th birthday showcase at NYC’s Beacon Theatre. He’s now also booked for Glastonbury and the Hollywood Bowl —a late-career renaissance underscored by his renewed creative authority.
🎬 Full Circle: Echoes of Rock History
To witness Springsteen and Fogerty onstage—shouting, strumming, channeling swamp-rock grooves through an arena filled with applause—is to watch the continuum of American music. It’s a bridge connecting the signature rebellion of Creedence Clearwater Revival and the emotionally earnest anthems of the Boss.
This stunning rendition of “Proud Mary” at the 2025 American Music Honors wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement: that authenticity in rock remains alive, passed between generations, and expanding its legacy in unexpected and thrilling ways.
