They loved CCR in pre-commie Laos

Can somebody take a message to John Fogarty,
formerly of Creedence Clearwater Revival?

I heard John in a brief interview on the radio
say that he was amazed at the broad popularity
of CCR. He gave as a example when he took a
cruise.

Somebody on the cruise requested that the ship's
house band, a group of Filipinos, play "Proud
Mary." John was surprised that they knew it.

I don't understand. Filipinos are avid fans of
American culture. I would be shocked to learn
that a Filipino musician on a cruise ship did
NOT know "Proud Mary."

But John's point is valid, he just used a poor
example.

Here's a better one:

In 1981 I married a Laotian refugee. A short
time later, we attended a party/dance put on
by some old friends of hers. The band was a
group of young Lao guys. One of the songs
they played was "Proud Mary."

I expressed my surprise to her. She assured
me that "Proud Mary" was a very popular song in
Laos, at least before the communists took over.

So, John -- yes, Creedence Clearwater Revival
was popular all over -- even in wartime
Vientiane, Laos. And young Lao rockers were
still playing it 10 years later.

Lowest Airfares