The FORTUNATE SON Story
Combining timeless CCR favorites and Fogerty solo hits, FORTUNATE SON truly personifies the spirit and grit of America’s Favorite Rock & Roll Band! This show is for all ages and unites classic rock, country, blues, and folk music fans together like no other tribute act can. Every show features the best of both worlds-timeless CCR classics and legendary Fogerty solo hits. From the swampy blues of BORN ON THE BAYOU & GREEN RIVER, to the country influences of BAD MOON RISING, LODI, & LOOKIN’ OUT MY BACK DOOR. Rock anthems such as PROUD MARY, CENTERFIELD, WHO”LL STOP THE RAIN, & HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN. All these classics are delivered with the authentic sound, look and feel of John Fogerty. Armed with vintage gear, Rickenbackers, Les Pauls, Fender and “KUSTOM AMPS”, Brad & FORTUNATE SON are “Rockin’ All Over the World” and very proud to be able to entertain our veterans as well as our troops at home and abroad.
CAST MEMBERS
Brad Ford as John Fogerty – Lead Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica
Brad hails from Los Angeles where he has had an extensive professional music career. Armed with his chameleon voice, he has performed in many tribute shows internationally, starring as Roy Orbison, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, and the 80’s icon Huey Lewis. Brad was a founding member of the successful So. Cal Sixties Tribute: “THE TRIP” and has shared the stage with Classic Rock Legends John Kay, Arthur Lee, The Standells, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Deborah Harry, and the King of “Garage Rock” Sky Saxon. Brad is a Die-Hard Baseball fan and animal lover too!
Mike Franceschini (Aka “The Butcher”) – Guitar/Vocals
Mike has been playing guitar for over 40 years and has traveled extensively playing in all types of musical groups and organizations. Musical director for SoCal’s Legendary Classic Rock Club Band-The International Superstars of Rock (ISOR for short), and Fandango – Americas premier ZZ Top tribute act performing the role of Billy Gibbons. Mike, (The Butcher as he is affectionately called) has been performing alongside Brad Ford as lead guitarist for Fortunate Son since 1998. Mike is not only known as the “KING OF TONE” within the band, he is also one of the top Technicians & Designers of Guitar & Bass Amplifiers in the US!
Ron Ota (Aka “The Deacon”) – Bass /Vocals
Ron has been laying down the bass for Fortunate Son since 1998. Born and raised in Pasadena CA, Ron is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist (Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Alto/Tenor Sax, Trumpet/Valve Trombone/Baritone) and grew up with friends Eddie & Alex Van Halen. “The Deacon” as he is known in band (yes, he is Ordained), started his first rock band in the 4th grade (“20th Century Fox”- after the Doors song) Ron secretly started playing in local bars at the tender age of 18 and was soon arranging charts and playing professionally throughout Southern California and began touring extensively with the area’s top club bands.
Dennis Edwards – Drums/Percussion
Dennis has toured and recorded with Eric Burdon, Eddie Money, John Waite, Dan Navarro, Susan Anton, Mark Lindsay, Dirk Hamilton, and many other artists.
The band that played at his first High School dance was the Golliwogs, later changing their name to… Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Dennis is an avid road bike rider, baseball fan, and attacks the NY Times Crossword every day. He lives in San Juan Capistrano with his wife Gina and their two rescue mutts, Gracie and Gus.
