John Fogerty Compares Treatment of Today’s Soldiers to Vietnam Veterans
Brad Paisley is making waves in country music with his new album Love and War, which features a vast array of collaborations from the likes of legendary country songwriter Bill Anderson to acclaimed pop producer Timbaland and rock gods Mick Jagger and John Fogerty.
It is the latter of these acts who collaborated with Paisley on a particularly special song, the album's title track, that shines a light on the stressors of war and the nation's treatment of our veterans. Fogerty, a former member of the military, calls being a part of the song an "honor," seeing as he feels a personal connection to veterans of the Vietnam War. The legendary singer draws comparisons from the angry responses to the controversial war to today.
"Unfortunately that's true," Fogerty admits to Taste of Country about how the treatment of military vets hasn't changed much since the Vietnam days. "If anything, perhaps people are more aware or thoughtful of the veterans that have come home from current wars. Back in the '60s, they weren't treated very well, noticeably."
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The rock legend laments that Vietnam protestors took their frustrations of the war out on the soldiers who fought in it, as opposed to fighting the administration that was leading the war.
While there is more we can do for our veterans, Fogerty says that the tides are changing — people now respect and commend service men and women for their sacrifices more than ever before. "Therefore, I think the opinion and the awareness in our culture is better now than it was back in the 60s," he assures.
It was Paisley who came up with the title "Love and War," and he knew Fogerty was just the person for the job. "He knew he wanted to address the treatment of our veterans," the Creedence Clearwater Revival singer says of Paisley's vision, "and he knew he wanted to write that song with me, which was quite an honor and also a responsibility at the same time."
Love and War is available now.
Brad Paisley Is Right About War Vets on "Love and War"