Solomon Burke recorded Proud Mary in 1968 for Atlantic Records, produced by Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd. The album includes covers of contemporary hits like the title track by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The record showcases Burke's versatility, blending soul, rhythm and blues, and pop. Although it did not achieve the massive success of his earlier work, it was well received by critics for its energy and arrangements.
Proud Mary reflects Burke's transition to a more modern sound in the late sixties. The production by Wexler and Dowd brought a polished characteristic of Atlantic soul at the time.