Footstompin’ Music: Grand Funk Railroad
Contents
If you’re a fan of rock music, then you’ve probably heard of Grand Funk Railroad. They’re a band that’s known for their high-energy live performances, and they’ve got some great foot-stompin’ tunes. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best Grand Funk Railroad songs to get your feet moving.
Introduction
There are many great bands that have come out of the United States, but one band in particular that has stood the test of time is Grand Funk Railroad. This band was formed in 1968 and is still touring today. They have sold over 25 million records and have had 13 gold and 10 platinum albums.
The Early Years
Grand Funk Railroad was one of the premier rock bands of the early 1970s. The band was formed in 1968 by three musicians who had played together in the pioneering psychedelic rock band the Mothers of Invention: vocalist and guitarist Mark Farner, bassist Mel Schacher, and drummer Don Brewer. Grand Funk’s hard-driving, blues-influenced sound made them one of the most popular rock bands of their era.
The Origins of the Band
Grand Funk Railroad was formed in 1968 in Flint, Michigan by bassist Mel Schacher, drummer Don Brewer, rhythm guitarist and singer Mark Farner, and lead guitarist Durant Ted Turner. The band’s name came from a fan of the group who called them “grandfunk,” meaning that they were a “great band.” The group’s first album, On Time, was released in August 1969 and was followed by their self-titled second album in February 1970. These albums featured a mix of original material and cover songs, including renditions of “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home” and “Inside Looking Out” by The Animals.
The First Album
Grand Funk Railroad’s first album was titled On Time and was released on August 2, 1969. The cover art was drawn by Al Kooper and featured a muscle-bound boxer whose body was actually modeled after that of heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston. The album contained the group’s first single, “Time Machine”, which peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also featured a re-recorded version of the group’s debut single, “Can’t Be True”, as well as a cover of The Animals’ “Inside Looking Out”.
The Success of the Band
Grand Funk Railroad was one of the most successful bands of the 1970s. Selling over 25 million records, the band hit it big with their brand of hard rock. They were able to appeal to a wide range of fans and had a string of hits that are still popular today. Let’s take a look at the band’s success.
The Second Album
Grand Funk Railroad’s second album, Closer to Home, was released on June 15, 1970. The album featured the hits “I’m Your Captain” (Closer to Home)” and “Mean Mistreatin’ Mama”. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on October 13, 1970.
The Third Album
After their first two albums were met with mixed success, Grand Funk Railroad’s third album, “Footstompin’ Music,” was a huge hit. The album featured the band’s signature sound: hard-hitting drums, heavy guitars, and soulful vocals. The album’s success propelled the band to stardom, and they went on to release a string of successful albums in the 1970s.
The Later Years
After their initial success in the late 60s and early 70s, Grand Funk Railroad went through a period of lineup changes and moved towards a more polished sound. Despite this, they continued to enjoy commercial success with hits like “We’re an American Band” and “The Loco-Motion.” Let’s take a closer look at the later years of Grand Funk Railroad.
The Fourth Album
The fourth album from Grand Funk Railroad, “Footstompin’ Music”, was released in October of 1971. It was their first album to be certified gold, and would eventually be certified platinum. The album featured the singles “I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home” and “Footstompin’ Music”.
The Fifth Album
Grand Funk Railroad’s fifth album, Footstompin’ Music, was released in March of 1973. It would be their last album with original bass player Mel Schacher, who left the band shortly after its release. Footstompin’ Music was a return to form for Grand Funk, with a heavier sound than their previous album, E Pluribus Funk. The title track and “We’re an American Band” both became hits, and the album was certified gold by the RIAA.
Conclusion
While many people consider Grand Funk Railroad to be a hard rock band, their sound is actually a blend of hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock. This unique blend of genres makes them one of the most interesting and influential bands of the 1970s. Despite not achieving the same mainstream success as some of their contemporaries, Grand Funk Railroad’s impact on popular music is undeniable. If you’re a fan of hard rock or classic rock, chances are you’ve heard a Grand Funk Railroad song without even realizing it.
