Grand Funk Railroad - We're An American Band

Sunday, time for a classic!

"We're An American Band" is the seventh studio album by American hard rock band GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, credited as GRAND FUNK. The album was released by Capitol Records on July 15, 1973 and was certified gold by the RIAA a little over a month after its release. Two singles were released from the album. The first single, "We're an American Band", was released on July 2, 1973 and the second, "Walk Like a Man", was released on October 29, 1973. Both singles were sung by drummer Don Brewer.

The album cover was originally covered in gold-colored foil on the outside, and the initial run of pressings were pressed in clear, dark yellow vinyl. The album has been reissued many times and is currently available in the Compact Disc format. A Quadraphonic mix of the album was available in the Quadraphonic 8-Track cartridge format.

Today's tune "We're an American Band" is the title tune from the bands seventh album, it became GRAND FUNK RAILROADs first #1 single on September 29, 1973, Mark Farner's 25th birthday. Written by Don Brewer and produced by Todd Rundgren, its huge chart success broadened GRAND FUNKs appeal. It was sung by Brewer rather than Farner, who usually took lead vocals.

Brewer's lyrics are somewhat autobiographical, detailing the band's recent tour and their energetic live performances. In the song, the band mentions traveling through Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as stopping to party with four groupies that sneak into their hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. The lyrics also mention "sweet sweet Connie", which is a reference to legendary groupie Connie Hamzy.

According to rock critic/writer Dave Marsh in his book, The Heart of Rock and Soul, GRAND FUNK was touring with the British group HUMBLE PIE in early 1973. After one performance, the two groups were drinking in a bar when they began arguing over the merits of British versus American rock. GRAND FUNK drummer Don Brewer stood up and after bragging about American rock heroes such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, proudly announced, "We're an American band!". Thus inspired, he wrote the song the next morning; by late 1973, it was the top-selling song in the world. A video was also made, showing the band playing the song as well as engaging in activities such as basketball, dirtbike riding, and watersports.

The original single was released on gold transparent vinyl.



More info @

Official Grand Funk Railroad Web

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