Grand Funk Railroad – Play That Funky Music

Grand Funk Railroad’s “Play That Funky Music” is a classic example of a great funk song. The catchy groove and simple lyrics make it a perfect choice for any party playlist.

Introduction

Grand Funk Railroad is an American rock band that was popular in the 1970s. The band was formed in 1968 in Flint, Michigan, by three musicians who had all been in other bands: bassist Mel Schacher, guitarist Mark Farner, and drummer Don Brewer. The band initially achieved success in 1969 with their debut album On Time, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

History

Grand Funk Railroad is an American hard rock band that was popular in the 1970s. The band was formed in 1968 in Flint, Michigan, by Mark Farner (vocals, guitar) and Don Brewer (drums). The band’s first album, On Time, was released in 1969 and was a commercial success. The band’s popularity continued into the 1970s with hits such as “We’re an American Band” and “The Loco-Motion.”

Early years (1968–1969)

Brothers Mark Farner (guitar, vocals) and Don Brewer (drums, vocals) started the band Grand Funk Railroad in 1969. The rhythm section of drummer/singer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher fromQuestion Mark & the Mysterians was recruited by Terry Knight, a former record producer turned manager of a couple of failed groups called The Pack and The Chosen Few. Farner was previously the frontman for Terry Knight and the Pack, who released one album in 1967 on Capitol Records called – Crosby, Stills & Nash – which Terry Knight wrote on the album cover in an attempt to cash in on the recent supergroup.

Grand Funk Railroad released its first album named On Time on August 2, 1969. It was produced by Terry Knight and engineered by Ken Hamann. The album featured a heavy blues-rock sound throughout, with some leanings toward pop. “Are You Ready” became their first hit single at No. 4 in July 1970.

First album and initial success (1969–1970)

Grand Funk Railroad’s first album, On Time, was released on August 20, 1969. The album was originally scheduled for release on June 10,1969, but due to production problems the release date was pushed back. The LP reached number 27 on Billboards Pop Albums chart and number 18 on the Cashbox Album Chart.[8] It would eventually be certified double platinum by the RIAA.[9] The band’s next album would be their self-titled second album, released later that year.

The album reached number one in Billboard 200 and number two in Cashbox Top 100 Albums chart. It would eventually be certified triple platinum by the RIAA.[10][11] Double Live Album was recorded during two nights of concerts at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California and at Madison Square Garden in New York City during early 1971.

Mainstream breakthrough (1970–1971)

After years of regional success and national radio airplay, Grand Funk Railroad finally broke through to the mainstream in 1970 with the Closer to Home album, which spawned the hit single “I’m Your Captain”.[17] Shinoda designed the band’s logo, which featured a thunderbolt zigzagging across the “o” in “Funk”,[18] and was used on most of their vinyl album covers.[19] The success of Closer to Home propelled the band to their first arena concert tour, which also featured opening act Humble Pie. The tour set attendance records at many venues across the country, including Madison Square Garden in New York City, where they played to a then-record audience of 19,812 people on August 28–29; this record stood unbroken for nearly 43 years until Bruno Mars played two back-to-back sold-out shows there in 2013.[20][21]

In December 1970, Capitol released Grand Funk’s first live album, Live Album, recorded during their recent tour. It eventually reached number five on Billboard’s album chart and went platinum,[17][22] fueled by the double A-sided single release of “Footstompin’ Music” backed with “I’m Your Captain”, which peaked at number four.[23] The band continued its winning streak with Survival (1971), another top five album fueled by another hit single, “People Let’s Stop the War”, which peaked at number four,[24] making Grand Funk one of only two rock bands (the other being Creedence Clearwater Revival) to have three hit singles from one album.

The band’s next album, E Pluribus Funk (1971), was their first Number One album.[17][25] The leadoff single, a cover version of The Animals’ 1964 hit song “Inside Looking Out”, became their fourth top ten hit,[26] peaking at number nine. By early 1971, with three consecutive gold or platinum albums and seven Top 40 hits within fifteen months,[27][28] Grand Funk was one of rock music’s hottest properties.

Successful tours (1971–1972)

In February 1971, the band started a two-week engagement at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, California, where they were joined onstage by Bill Graham during their performance of “I’m Your Captain”. The live album Survival was recorded during this engagement and released later in the year. It peaked at number 31 on the Billboard 200 album chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA. “I’m Your Captain” was released as a single and peaked at number 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A second single, “Closer to Home”, reached number 97. Despite the success of these singles, Survival failed to sell as well as their debut album.

The band played 110 dates in 1971, including three stadium concerts: one at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 4, an outdoor gig at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 31 (opening for The Rolling Stones), and another show at Detroit’s Memorial Stadium on August 13 (with Jethro Tull and The Stooges).

We’re an American Band (1973)

“We’re an American Band” is a song by Grand Funk Railroad from their 1973 album of the same name. The single was released on July 2, 1973, peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 18, 1973, and remained there for two weeks. It was the band’s first and only chart-topper. It also hit number 1 on the Cash Box Top 100. The song was written by Don Brewer and produced by Todd Rundgren.

The song chronicles the band’s rise to success, including references to drug use and groupies. It also makes reference to their work ethic, as well as their popularity in Japan.

The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Cher, Kid Rock, Smash Mouth, and Cheap Trick.

Post-Mark Farner era (1975–1983)

Original bassist Duke Tumatoe remained with the band until early 1976, when he was replaced byPrevious keyboardist Craig Frost joined on bass in his stead. Farner himself left Grand Funk in early 1976 to embark on a solo career; Louie Vetere, who had previously worked as the group’s road manager, took over as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Don Brewer was the only original member to stay with the group during this era; he assumed vocal duties in addition to continuing to play drums. The band’s name was also shortened to simply Grand Funk. New keyboardist Dennis Elliot rounded out the lineup.

Band members

Grand Funk Railroad is an American rock band that was popular in the 1970s. The band was formed in 1968 in Flint, Michigan, by Mark Farner (lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards) and Don Brewer (drums and vocals). The band’s first album, On Time, was released in August 1969. The album was a success and the band began to tour extensively.

Current members

The current lineup of Grand Funk Railroad is:
-Mark Farner – lead vocals, guitar (1969-1985, 1996-present)
-Don Brewer – drums, vocals (1969-1971, 1996-present)
-Mel Schacher – bass (1969, 1971-1972, 1996-present)
-Bruce Kulick – lead guitar, backing vocals (2001-present)
-Tim Cashion – keyboards, backing vocals (2000s, 2011–present)

Former members

Don Brewer – drums, vocals (1969–1976, 1981–1983, 1996–present)
Mel Schacher – bass (1969–1976, 1981–1983, 1996–present)
Craig Frost – keyboards (1973–1976, 1981–1998), vocals (1973–1974)
Jimmy Creasey – trumpet (1969)
Piamenta brothers – horns (1969)
Mark Farner – lead vocals, guitars, harmonica (1969–1976, 1981-1983)

Discography

Studio albums

1970 – On Time
1971 -Survival
1972 -E Pluribus Funk
1973 -We’re an American Band
1974 -All the Girls in the World Beware!!!
1975 -Born to Die
1976 -Good Times

Live albums

Grand Funk Railroad’s first live album, On Time, was released in August 1969. It was recorded at the Fillmore East over a three-night engagement in June of that year. The album featured the band’s extended improvisational jam “T.N.U.C.”, which became one of their most well-known songs. On Time went on to sell over a million copies and was certified gold by the RIAA.

The band’s second live album, Grand Funk Lives, was recorded during their 1981 reunion tour and released in 1982. It featured a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”, which became a Top 40 hit for the band. The album also included a live version of their hit single “We’re an American Band”.

Grand Funk’s third and final live album, What’s Funky?, was released in 1997. It featured live versions of their classic hits “Locomotion” and “The Loco-Motion”, as well as a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Super Fly”.

Compilation albums

The first GFR album not to be released on Capitol, 1974’s All the Girls in the World Beware!!! was instead distributed by MCA. It was compiled without input from the band, and featured various tracks dating back to 1971. This release is notable for being the last appearance of Mel Schacher on a GFR album until 1981’s Grand Funk Lives.

Heart Attack was similarly compiled without input from the band, and featured various tracks dating back to 1973. It was released in 1975 on Capitol.

Good Singin’, Good Playin’ is a 1976 live album that features recordings from various concerts between 1974 and 1976. It was released on Capitol.

Bicentennial Minute is a 1976 EP that features two live tracks and two studio tracks. It was released on Capitol.

Singles

“We’re an American Band”
Released: July 2, 1973
“The Loco-Motion”
Released: October 6, 1973
“Bad Time”
Released: February 18, 1974
“(I’m Your) Captain/Closer to Home”
Released: June 30, 1970

References

“Play That Funky Music” is a song written by Rob Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. The single was the group’s only hit song, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 16, 1976, holding that position for two weeks. The song is ranked as the 60th biggest US hit of 1976.

The song starts with a drum solo by Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell before the rest of the band joins in. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a disco goer who encourages the DJ to play funk music.

In 1977, Grand Funk Railroad covered “Play That Funky Music” on their album Caught in the Act. Their version reached number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Cash Box Top 100. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of one million records.