We’re An American Band - Hell Yeah !!! I love Patriotism !!!! Fuck all the Socialist Assholes out there. Make America Great Again !!! Trump 2020 !!!! LOL !!!! Seriously, Trump should play this at his rallies - the crowds would go NUTZ !!!
@@patrickrobinson317 that would be very cool, they always play the Stones "you can't always get what you want" and we should send that idea to President Trump's campaign.
@@cullenbohannon1408 I dont care who wins. I do blame the media for all the negitive reactions. I dont ever recall as a young man ever talking about the president. Regan didnt effect my fun times.
I'm a black man who grew up in South Central Los Angeles in the 70s. Those were the days when you could walk down the street and hear Edgar Winter,Three Dog Night,The ABB,Santana. In my block alone we had two bands, " or just some brothers getting together to jam. Most people don't know this. Just my two cents. When I saw the title if this my first thought was ' All them Chiquitas in Omaha "" Great fricking riffs in this classic!! Good on ya brother!👍🏾
I know just what you mean brother. I’m a white guy grew up in 70’s also. Was bussed to all black high school and exposed to some fantastic music. My favorite at the time was Curtis Mayfield Super Fly. Nice to see music has no color just good taste. Stay safe. Blessings.
@@skywatcher4602 NOOOO SHTTTTTTT Fantastic Times People make fun of the 70s Because of DISCO , There was way more than DISCO We had more GREAT SONGS AND BANDS ,,,, EVER ,, NIGHT NIGHT, THE 70s kicked , AASSSSS
It's actually heartwarming to watch a younger person finding that the music from back in my day stands up to the test of time. lol, He talks about freaky deeky all the time, does he know what this song is about, who Sweet Connie is? We are the older generation now, and he is astounded at the things we got up to, back in the olden days! Honey, we invented partying!
@@WendyJoJohnston I love that name! Wendy Jo! My first steady girlfriend was Brenda Jo. I had a couple of Wendys in my life too. Another favorite name of mine!
In the first four verses, he says last night in Little Rock and then mentions Sweet Connie and then had the whole show and that’s a natural fact. Connie was a groupie that slept with every band that came through Little Rock, Arkansas and years later even wrote a book about all the bands she slept with and was a New York Times best seller when she released the book. She must have been pretty damn good for them to include her in a song!
She did an interview in st. Louis on radio station k-she 95 and said huey Lewis was a very blessed man, lol and David Lee roth vienna sausage.... seriousy
Damn, Jamal; watching you realize that you ALREADY loved the song was like the bit in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy where he says "there comes a time in a man's life when , thinking he has been blind, discovers he has simply been wearing too large a hat..."
Glad someone read my comment. If you get a chance to hear a full album, it gets even better. You will hear, " God-Damn the Pusher Man." A compelling piece of musical commentary.
@@bobgarr6246 You nailed that one too---"America." Like Buffalo Springfield,"Something's Happening Here" And CSNY, "Ohio" Bad times then and maybe worse now regarding hatred. I spent my life fighting for justice; that is how we get to peace.
You think the Stones are that good? I would take CCR over the Stones any day. The Doors, Styx, Doobie Brothers. I would even take Heart, Boston, Velvet Underground, Metallica, Steely Dan, RHCP, The Ramones, REM, many others. Zeppelin is England's ace card, but nothing that can not be matched or exceeded state-side.
All these bands were great it is a matter of taste which is subjective this was a response to the mistaken belief they were brits like the group america it pissed them off I was an adult then
I'll take Beach Boys over the Beatles any day, Van Halen over Sabbath. Out of your list above the only ones I really care to listen to are Zeppelin, Bowie, The Police, The Clash. I think England doesn't even come close. Where are they in terms of genres besides Rock? Jazz, blues, R&B, funk, Rap (which I don't care for), etc.
The opening drum sequence was used as one of my High School band’s marching cadence by our drum section. They called it the “Grand Funk” cadence. They included the cowbell in it too! We would be marching along to our regular cadence and then the drum section leader would call out GRAND FUNK!” And they would break into that cadence starting with the cowbell!
OMG That's hilarious !!!! I can guarantee if our drumline would have though of that, we would have done that !!! I played in a band with my brother in high school and of course we played that song.
I saw these guys in Toledo, Ohio when I was still in high school. It was my first rock concert. Their American Band album was only two weeks old when I saw them. Don Brewer came out wearing an American flag as a cape. Mark Farner was shirtless through the entire concert, and he played a shiny chrome guitar that was blinding when the lights reflected off it. This was the first song they played. When the band finished, and the lights finally came back on, my head was spinning, and I had lost my shirt somehow.
Absolutely 💯 My oldest son is 35 and he loved that song when he was a little guy. His younger brother is 19, and he loves the same song as much! Both are Classic Rock lovers. At least I raised them right with music!!
"Nobody knows the band Grand Funk? The wild, shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner? The bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher? The competent drum work of Don Brewer? Oh, Man! " - Homer Simpson.
Not true . Don sings the same amount of songs and hits as Mark ! Both have a #1 song , Both have top 10 hits . And both have top 40 hits ! Don Brewer sings almost half the songs on almost every album . From " Are you ready " to " Shinin on " to Pass it around " .
"What the hell is going on?" Looks like a summer in Michigan in the '70s to me. LOVE this song and always think of it driving north on I-75 through Flint. There's a Grand Trunk RR overpass on the line that was the source of the band's name.
The biggest question with these guys is ..... WHY AIN'T THEY IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!!!! It used to be Rush was the greatest band not to be inducted, now it's these guys after Rush finally got their due.
Grand Funk was my 1st real rock band. My Dad was in the USAF stationed in Germany. We rode a bus to High School a 23 mile ride. When this song came on the bus started rocking Don on drums Mark Farner guitar and vocals Mel on the thundering bass And later Craig on organ.
@@anitapaulus937 And you are child who can't handle a little correction. I have listened to this band since their inception and respect them. You should try the same.
In the 70s, there were a lot of British bands coming to the US, like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Who, Beatle, Led Zeppelin etc. (British rock invasion). That why this song came by Grandfunk Railroad a true American Band.😊😊😊
I have always been blown away when a drummer plays and sings and dosen't miss a beat, that is amazing 🙌 straight outta Flint Michigan🙏 Journey is another band where the drummer also sings.
My ex wife Connie passed away today. When we first met she told me they were singing about her. She told everyone that lol. Being we were both from Arkansas I believed her for about a year
Great reaction. I love when you pause it and it your just looking around, not saying anything and your just taking it all in and thinking, "Man!". You can see that you were totally digging Grand Funk Railroad. That was a real pleasure to watch.
I managed to talk my brother-in-law to cover this with his local band. They rocked it and the audience’s have been amazed that a bar band does it! Grand Funk ROCKS!!!!
Jamel, I love your reaction videos. Love this song We’re An American Band! But don’t worry about thinking the words were, “We’re an American Man,” because often men would sing it as, “I’m an American Man!” Mark Farner was the hottest musician of his time. He was such a dynamic force in the band overall, but this video actually shows the excellence of each band member, and together they were a dynamic force in the music industry. Mark Farner is part Cherokee, and he always honored his Native American roots. This is the reason for how he dressed, and the reason why he often is seen riding his horse in videos. It’s about freedom, and that is what America is about. The spirit of America is freedom. Horses also represent freedom and represent America. The horse was a driving factor in the lives of both the Native Americans and the Pioneers, as well as all who built America. When cars were built their engine power was measured in the number of horses, or horsepower. When we were young we often heard men ask, “What is the horsepower of the car?” They asked that when they were either considering to buy the car, or discussing its value. Its value was based then on horsepower, and not on gas mileage per gallon. The motorcycle was considered the Iron Horse. So you see the honor of the Native Americans and the respect for the horse, and it all relates to America and the spirit of freedom of the land, and for all who gave their all to build this nation. The spirit of this nation will always demand freedom, and a horse represents that very spirit. It isn’t the Trojan horse, but the horse of freedom, an American thing, an American Band. Freedom. Go to a place where there are horses and sit where you can watch them. You will see power and a spirit of freedom, especially if they run. When they run they express the ultimate form of being free, free spirited. American! 🇺🇸 🐎 🇺🇸
Yeah I was a teenager when this came out. I bought the LP....the cover was gold and so was the LP. The LP was a see through gold...cool. Everybody rocked out on this. All over the radio
During their reunion tour of '97, I was fortunate to get to meet Mark, Don, and Mel at Universal Studios, Orlando. As a rarity, I brought along my gold vinyl lp of WAAB and had them autograph it on the vinyl. It's now proudly framed and hanging on the wall.
I'm going on 70 years old and I still listen to these guys along with Humble Pie, Uriah's Heap, Old Ozi', and the rest of those gangs while still hitting that good ol' bowl! 😵💫
You are so lucky to have so many friends. With ab fab musical taste. I can see your grandkids sitting around you, as you put on another song. Blow their little minds. And they will love you forever for it.
I cut my teeth on this band. Practiced their songs in the basement every Saturday. Ended up seeing them 11 times. Donny Brewer (the guy with the huge Afro that you love !) is the Drummer and did sing a lot of their songs, like Some Kind of Wonderful, but the main vocalist, with the long straight hair, is Mark Farner; he sang a lot, but some of the beauty in this band was when they sang together!!! Fyi... Mel Schacher was the bassist for ? and the Mysterians, who did 96 Tears. Great band...great songs...
Davy Jones was ALWAYS the lead singer of the Monkees, Mickey Dolenz only took over the role after they started the band again after Davy's untimely death.
@@georgewodicka4839 wrong! Mickey Dolenz sung the original I'm a Believer and Last Train to Clarksville. Davey Jones sung Daydream Believer. So they both were lead singers in the Monkees.
Utter nonsense Mickey Dolenz sang all their hits and all their early A side singles released except two: "Last Train to Clarksville" "I'm a Believer" (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone "Randy Scouse Git" "Pleasant Valley Sunday" "Words" "Valleri" "Goin' Down" Davy Jones is known for two songs: "Daydream Believer" "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You"
You asked about a band with the drummer being the lead singer. Check out “Rare Earth” and the song “Celebrate “(I believe). They played at California Jam and to’ it up!
And don't forget the Eagles, between drummer Don Henley and guitarist Glenn Frey. Queen occasionally alternated on certain songs with drummer Roger Taylor.
They are from Flint Michigan which is about 40-50 miles north of Detroit. The band is named after the grand trunk railroad that runs through michigan but changed trunk to funk. There is a grand trunk viaduct in flint with the bands name painted on it which was done years ago and is still there. This video I heard was filmed on one of the band members uncles farm somewhere in michigan. Almost like a home movie rather than a music video. The song was their answer to how so many foreign bands back then had taken over rock n roll especially the british invasion.
Levon Helm ( R.I.P) was a treasure.... singer / songwriter / drummer & Actor ! We need a video of The Band playing The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down With Levon singing & drumming away ✌😎
@@bigbow62 Or "The Weight" or "Up On Cripple Creek. Yes he was a treasure. I read his book "This Wheel's On Fire: The Story of Levon Helm and The Band" a couple of months ago. Great book.
Mark Farner (actual lead singer) was a horse trainer, wrote 99.9% of their songs, Din Brewer (drummer and backstabber) write this song, Mel Schacher formerly from ? and The Mysterians (bass player and backstabber) . Grand Funk Railroad was my first most favorite band, and still would be today. RIP GFR
I love seeing make these discoveries. I’ve been in love with Mark Farner since I was about six. Lol. Love these guys. The Eagles have about 4 people who sing lead, but their drummer, Don Henley sings lead a lot. Phil Collins, drummer for Genesis inns lead after Peter Gabriel’s departure. Dave Grohl, lead singer and guitarist for the Foo Fighters was Nirvana’s drummer.
Mark Farner (lead guitarist) was the usual lead singer, but sometimes Don Brewer (the drummer) took the lead -- as he did here. Mark Farner did, as I understand it, about 90% of the writing. These guys have given us the best live performances ever recorded. My favorite is "Inside Looking Out". That specific live performance is the most intense, passionate, energetic live performance I've ever seen. I will likely die before I see its like again. I think they are the very best -- the top of the heap -- of live performances.
"Sweet sweet Connie was doing her act. She had the whole show and that's a natural fact". How many people knew Connie and the story behind her? I met Mark Farner at an outdoor concert on the shore of Lake Michigan while on a motorcycle trip out there. They sounded great!
"The hotel detective was out of sight" is a colloquialism for he was really cool. I grew up with the band. They're from my hometown of Flint, Michigan. I went to school with Craig Frost's (keyboards) brothers, Scott and Jason. Scott was a badass keyboard player (RIP) with whom I played for several years. I was a pro for several years in part due to their influence on me as early as ten years old when I would watch them rehearsing in a neighbor's basement before they became famous. A little trivia. The Beatles sold out Shea Stadium in six weeks. Grand Funk did it in 72 hours - a record to this day! GFR - THE American band...!
They knew how to rock. Those guys come from Grand Blanc Michigan, about 8 miles south of where I grew up. They got their name from a railroad crossing bridge at the Grand Blanc city limits that said "Grand Trunk Railroad". They shortened it to "Grand Funk". I believe 2 of them are still rocking as Grand Funk in 2022.
Jamel: Mark Farmer’s mother was Cherokee Indian. When you see him on the horse riding bareback, with his long hair, bare chested, an arm band or two and some sort of neck piece that’s in recognition of his Cherokee heritage. Not Mr. Trojan man!!! Geez
Pete Rivera of Rare Earth was one of the greatest drummer/lead vocals of the early rock era. He had such a distinctive style in both that separated them from the rest of the pack. Rare Earth was the first all white HIT PRODUCING band signed by Motown Records. Worth the time to look into them, so many songs you'll recognize.
I was a country-girl on those days... Listened to this song many times... We had our pieced together dirt-bikes, our modified (under the shade tree) hot-rods, rode horses topless at midnight .. Skinny-dipping after pickin' up hay ... we WERE America then ... Wow !
"I love more music than I thought I did"
Bro isn't it a beautiful realization
We’re An American Band - Hell Yeah !!!
I love Patriotism !!!! Fuck all the Socialist Assholes out there.
Make America Great Again !!! Trump 2020 !!!! LOL !!!!
Seriously, Trump should play this at his rallies - the crowds would go NUTZ !!!
@@patrickrobinson317 that would be very cool, they always play the Stones "you can't always get what you want" and we should send that idea to President Trump's campaign.
I'm with Patrick!
@@cullenbohannon1408 I dont care who wins. I do blame the media for all the negitive reactions. I dont ever recall as a young man ever talking about the president. Regan didnt effect my fun times.
@@patrickrobinson317 how about Night Ranger "you can still rock in America"
Grand Funk RailRoad was a powerhouse in the 70's. They were huge. Major hits, and yet, they are not in the rock and roll hall of fame. Shameful!!
MARK WOULDN'T KISS THEIR ASS.. HE SAID THE BEST AWARD HE RECEIVED WAS FANS.. PLATIMUM AND GOLD RECORDS WAS BETTER.
Let it go. The "Rock and Roll" Hall of Fame is a snowflake joke.
They prob refused to sell their souls to the devil which celebrities say is required now.
@@brendacarol9062
Yesssssss !!!!
Damn right! Shameful!
I grew up with this. People were way cooler back then - as was the music.
💯
hey, ....sit down, shut up, and play your video game, kid.... thats today
@@psbrad64 not really
Iij un
@@vincentgallegos3689 yes really
“I love more music than I thought I did.”
Next level quote.
That’s exactly how I feel about discovering new music.
or sometimes _old_ new music, if you know what I mean
I'm a black man who grew up in South Central Los Angeles in the 70s.
Those were the days when you could walk down the street and hear Edgar Winter,Three Dog Night,The ABB,Santana.
In my block alone we had two bands, " or just some brothers getting together to jam.
Most people don't know this.
Just my two cents.
When I saw the title if this my first thought was ' All them Chiquitas in Omaha ""
Great fricking riffs in this classic!!
Good on ya brother!👍🏾
ABB? Allman Brothers Band?
You forgot Sly and the Family Stone.
I know just what you mean brother. I’m a white guy grew up in 70’s also. Was bussed to all black high school and exposed to some fantastic music. My favorite at the time was Curtis Mayfield Super Fly. Nice to see music has no color just good taste. Stay safe. Blessings.
Can you believe they’re not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Ought to be a movement! I’m just sayin’.
I loved those days.
There can never be enough cow bell. The sound of the 70's!!
Christopher Walken is crying....sadly, he hates that skit.
😂😂😂
We were Free back then
🤘🏾🤣🤣🤣
@@skywatcher4602 NOOOO SHTTTTTTT Fantastic Times People make fun of the 70s Because of DISCO , There was way more than DISCO We had more GREAT SONGS AND BANDS ,,,, EVER ,, NIGHT NIGHT, THE 70s kicked , AASSSSS
An AMERICAN band. That's what I'm talking about.
That's what I'm talkin bout lol ok I will share it with you xoxoxoxo lol
Hi bro, you should check on GFR another song 'Comfort Me'..on the list from GF Survival. Awesome!
Listen to I Can Feel Him In the Morning beautiful song
@@thorolsen8057 yea, agree from bro..
Watching you is like Christmas morning. Opening up a present, one by one. Love you!!!
just like his Gremlin xmas shirt?!
"I love more music than I thought I did."
That sums up this channel pretty well. It's cool watching someone just trying to appreciate things.
That's why i love the British guitarist channel too.
Agreed
Me too!
It's actually heartwarming to watch a younger person finding that the music from back in my day stands up to the test of time. lol, He talks about freaky deeky all the time, does he know what this song is about, who Sweet Connie is? We are the older generation now, and he is astounded at the things we got up to, back in the olden days! Honey, we invented partying!
@@WendyJoJohnston I love that name! Wendy Jo! My first steady girlfriend was Brenda Jo. I had a couple of Wendys in my life too. Another favorite name of mine!
When it turns out you already loved a band before you even began to like them. 🤯
In the first four verses, he says last night in Little Rock and then mentions Sweet Connie and then had the whole show and that’s a natural fact. Connie was a groupie that slept with every band that came through Little Rock, Arkansas and years later even wrote a book about all the bands she slept with and was a New York Times best seller when she released the book. She must have been pretty damn good for them to include her in a song!
Or pretty damn bad, depending on how you look at it!
Don’t talk about my girlfriend like that
The mayor’s daughter, no lie
She did an interview in st. Louis on radio station k-she 95 and said huey Lewis was a very blessed man, lol and David Lee roth vienna sausage.... seriousy
Plaster Caster > Connie
Damn, Jamal; watching you realize that you ALREADY loved the song was like the bit in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy where he says "there comes a time in a man's life when , thinking he has been blind, discovers he has simply been wearing too large a hat..."
One of the very best early "power bands." I'm 74 and these guys did rock out then.
Glad someone read my comment. If you get a chance to hear a full album, it gets even better. You will hear, " God-Damn the Pusher Man." A compelling piece of musical commentary.
@@jetobey5656 America by Steppenwolf, as valid now as it was then. Some of the most provocative lyrics ever written.
@@bobgarr6246 You nailed that one too---"America." Like Buffalo Springfield,"Something's Happening Here" And CSNY, "Ohio" Bad times then and maybe worse now regarding hatred. I spent my life fighting for justice; that is how we get to peace.
@@jetobey5656 Ll l up
I'm 58, I had every one one they're records- I'm from Lawton, Michigan!
They wrote this song to show the groups from England that an American band is just as good!!
MJW Name 3 American band on the level of Zeppelin or the Stones
They said it...not me. They were very good
You think the Stones are that good? I would take CCR over the Stones any day. The Doors, Styx, Doobie Brothers. I would even take Heart, Boston, Velvet Underground, Metallica, Steely Dan, RHCP, The Ramones, REM, many others. Zeppelin is England's ace card, but nothing that can not be matched or exceeded state-side.
All these bands were great it is a matter of taste which is subjective this was a response to the mistaken belief they were brits like the group america it pissed them off I was an adult then
I'll take Beach Boys over the Beatles any day, Van Halen over Sabbath. Out of your list above the only ones I really care to listen to are Zeppelin, Bowie, The Police, The Clash. I think England doesn't even come close. Where are they in terms of genres besides Rock? Jazz, blues, R&B, funk, Rap (which I don't care for), etc.
Jamal, you had a previous life in the 70sand 80s. Truly dude.
Jamal is an American man though......he embraces it all, which is so refreshing!
The opening drum sequence was used as one of my High School band’s marching cadence by our drum section. They called it the “Grand Funk” cadence. They included the cowbell in it too! We would be marching along to our regular cadence and then the drum section leader would call out GRAND FUNK!” And they would break into that cadence starting with the cowbell!
OMG That's hilarious !!!! I can guarantee if our drumline would have though of that, we would have done that !!! I played in a band with my brother in high school and of course we played that song.
If we could watch it in the video, how awesome! Cool.. 😎
I saw these guys in Toledo, Ohio when I was still in high school. It was my first rock concert. Their American Band album was only two weeks old when I saw them. Don Brewer came out wearing an American flag as a cape. Mark Farner was shirtless through the entire concert, and he played a shiny chrome guitar that was blinding when the lights reflected off it. This was the first song they played. When the band finished, and the lights finally came back on, my head was spinning, and I had lost my shirt somehow.
It's a good night when you lose your shirt! 🤣😂
Wow! What a story! That’s cool. Good times.
@@kathynicholson103
If a girl took it off, yes.
We did a lot of living in the time we had for our youth. My adult kids think I'm a stodgey old man. If they only knew!
You got Funkified!
Jamal says “an Afro”. It WAS the seventies. 🤘✌️
Yes happy times and FANTASTIC MUSIC
@@theodoreritola9758 and super GROOVY hair
I find it amazing that the lead singer can both sing and play the drums! Thats talent.
Now if your going to get into Grand Funk, you have to listen to "Closer to home. I'm your captain "...... it is their masterpiece.
Ditto
Yes! That is my favorite song of theirs, and one of my favorite songs of the era!
Absolutely 💯 My oldest son is 35 and he loved that song when he was a little guy. His younger brother is 19, and he loves the same song as much! Both are Classic Rock lovers. At least I raised them right with music!!
I Sure miss the 70s BAAAAAAAAAAAAD
"Nobody knows the band Grand Funk? The wild, shirtless lyrics of
Mark Farner? The bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher? The competent drum
work of Don Brewer? Oh, Man! " - Homer Simpson.
I actually shared one of Jamel's Grand Funk reactions to my Simpsons facebook group
Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!! CLASSIC HOMER!!!
"...competent drum work..." That's what you call a backhanded compliment. lol
:)...I had jammed to GFR for decades before that episode but Homer made me revisit them...So many songs that are just great!
I wish I was that competent on drums...
It’s nice to see the younger generations appreciating us old fogies tunes🤣
He's sing some lead but Mark is 90% of the time.
Not true . Don sings the same amount of songs and hits as Mark ! Both have a #1 song , Both have top 10 hits . And both have top 40 hits ! Don Brewer sings almost half the songs on almost every album . From " Are you ready " to " Shinin on " to Pass it around " .
Lol. You’re a Grand Funk Railroad fan and didn’t even know it!
Is what we is.
love this song and love this song.......
i was a teenager during all of this yeehaw....thank you jamel for bringing it back and lifting my spirits
More cowbell. (Didn’t check all comments, but it has to be done)
OMG,,,same exact response...I put the link up...to good to pass it up...
I said that to myself as he was starting the video.
I love the old SNL skit to that. You have to check it out. I think will Ferrell is part of it.
Thats a blue oyster cult band reference
"What the hell is going on?" Looks like a summer in Michigan in the '70s to me. LOVE this song and always think of it driving north on I-75 through Flint. There's a Grand Trunk RR overpass on the line that was the source of the band's name.
You Knew It passing by my neighborhood where I cruised my Rods!
Jamal, you crack me up. I love your reactions to the music. Thank you.
The biggest question with these guys is ..... WHY AIN'T THEY IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!!!!!! It used to be Rush was the greatest band not to be inducted, now it's these guys after Rush finally got their due.
Why Ain't JETHRO TULL IN THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME??? Listen To 'Cold Wind To Valhalla'
There are loads of great bands with significant musical career which are not nominated to that silly hall. Who cares?
They say that GFR did not make enough of an Impact over a certain period of time to justify induction. Also a lack of Hits.
@@michaelmccall3234 I agree Tull should've been there many years ago ❤
My question too.... Grand Funk deserved induction many moons ago ❤
I think out of all the cowbell songs, this one is my favorite. Cowbell really works in this song.
Grand Funk was my 1st real rock band. My Dad was in the USAF stationed in Germany. We rode a bus to High School a 23 mile ride.
When this song came on the bus started rocking
Don on drums
Mark Farner guitar and vocals
Mel on the thundering bass
And later Craig on organ.
Can I ask where in Germany. My family was in Bad Hersfeld in 1974 and i rode a bus to Fulda to school. I got the WAAB 45 single it was gold!
I always pictured these guys showing up at a high school career day. Doctor? Lawyer? No. American band!
"I love more music than I thought I did." That's when I hit the subscribe button.
The drummer sings lead at times. Mark Farmer does most of the lead vocals, the guitarist.
ShariSez1 Oohhhh, the spelling police!
ShariSez1 awe, so you are the word and “name” police
@@anitapaulus937 And you are child who can't handle a little correction. I have listened to this band since their inception and respect them. You should try the same.
harold21693 y dear, I am 65 years old. I’ve listened to them since I was in high school. Get a grip on yourself
@@anitapaulus937 I'd be ashamed if I acted like you at 65.
Super cool in the 1970’s, playing their own jam and so talented! ✌️
"These guys gotta be one of my favorite bands of all time."-------CALLED IT!!!!!
They are just living their best life back in the day
In the 70s, there were a lot of British bands coming to the US, like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Who, Beatle, Led Zeppelin etc.
(British rock invasion).
That why this song came by Grandfunk Railroad a true American Band.😊😊😊
I have always been blown away when a drummer plays and sings and dosen't miss a beat, that is amazing 🙌 straight outta Flint Michigan🙏 Journey is another band where the drummer also sings.
Mark is half Lacota Indian. Loves his horses
had a moment like that before with Rare Earth "Get Ready" I was like hey I remember this song.
One of the top bands of ALL TIMES!
fortunate to see them in concert
That drummer has the most unnatural "natural" I've ever seen!
"Sweet sweet Connie," was a well known groupie that hung with and ..... with all the bands in the 70s and 80s. Van Halen, etc.
Rocknroller 77, She did more that. More like hung on and took in "all the bands in the 70s and 80s", and 60s ! ! !
Bb jones Jones that's why I said "and....."
My ex wife Connie passed away today. When we first met she told me they were singing about her. She told everyone that lol. Being we were both from Arkansas I believed her for about a year
Somehow, I suspect Connie gave great BJs !!!
Connie Hamzlett from Little Rock I believe. She's mentioned in a lot memoirs
"I love more music than I thought I did." The beauty is that almost everybody does! Great videos.
Great reaction. I love when you pause it and it your just looking around, not saying anything and your just taking it all in and thinking, "Man!". You can see that you were totally digging Grand Funk Railroad. That was a real pleasure to watch.
We never had videos, MTV or anything. Never knew what bands looked like
Another band with the drummer as lead singer is ‘GENESIS’.
Not always with Genesis, another Band with a co lead singer/drummer is Triumph from Canada
Don Henley in the Eagles frequently pulled double duty drumming and singing
@@390galaxie Don't forget Rare Earth
After Peter Gabriel left them.
THE BAND
I managed to talk my brother-in-law to cover this with his local band. They rocked it and the audience’s have been amazed that a bar band does it! Grand Funk ROCKS!!!!
Yes they do
"I love more music then I thought I did" LOVE YU!
Jamel, I love your reaction videos. Love this song We’re An American Band! But don’t worry about thinking the words were, “We’re an American Man,” because often men would sing it as, “I’m an American Man!”
Mark Farner was the hottest musician of his time. He was such a dynamic force in the band overall, but this video actually shows the excellence of each band member, and together they were a dynamic force in the music industry.
Mark Farner is part Cherokee, and he always honored his Native American roots. This is the reason for how he dressed, and the reason why he often is seen riding his horse in videos. It’s about freedom, and that is what America is about. The spirit of America is freedom. Horses also represent freedom and represent America. The horse was a driving factor in the lives of both the Native Americans and the Pioneers, as well as all who built America. When cars were built their engine power was measured in the number of horses, or horsepower. When we were young we often heard men ask, “What is the horsepower of the car?” They asked that when they were either considering to buy the car, or discussing its value. Its value was based then on horsepower, and not on gas mileage per gallon. The motorcycle was considered the Iron Horse. So you see the honor of the Native Americans and the respect for the horse, and it all relates to America and the spirit of freedom of the land, and for all who gave their all to build this nation. The spirit of this nation will always demand freedom, and a horse represents that very spirit. It isn’t the Trojan horse, but the horse of freedom, an American thing, an American Band. Freedom. Go to a place where there are horses and sit where you can watch them. You will see power and a spirit of freedom, especially if they run. When they run they express the ultimate form of being free, free spirited. American!
🇺🇸 🐎 🇺🇸
Yeah I was a teenager when this came out. I bought the LP....the cover was gold and so was the LP. The LP was a see through gold...cool. Everybody rocked out on this. All over the radio
Those days man. My cousin had this on a gold 45 single. Then he played it for me when he got home from work. Blew my little country boy mind.
During their reunion tour of '97, I was fortunate to get to meet Mark, Don, and Mel at Universal Studios, Orlando. As a rarity, I brought along my gold vinyl lp of WAAB and had them autograph it on the vinyl. It's now proudly framed and hanging on the wall.
One of my fav comments by you “they sing this!” LoL 😂 cracks me up every time!!
I was 12-13 in 7th grade when "We're An American Band" came out, and the album was on GOLD vinyl!!
I'm going on 70 years old and I still listen to these guys along with Humble Pie, Uriah's Heap, Old Ozi', and the rest of those gangs while still hitting that good ol' bowl! 😵💫
"I love more music than I thought I did"😅😅👏👏🤟🤟
I'm dying over here😀
This was the style and freedom felt at Woodstock in 1969. A great era to grow up on. Love child, free and easy. Loving everybody, even strangers.
You are so lucky to have so many friends.
With ab fab musical taste.
I can see your grandkids sitting around you, as you put on another song.
Blow their little minds. And they will love you forever for it.
I cut my teeth on this band. Practiced their songs in the basement every Saturday. Ended up seeing them 11 times. Donny Brewer (the guy with the huge Afro that you love !) is the Drummer and did sing a lot of their songs, like Some Kind of Wonderful, but the main vocalist, with the long straight hair, is Mark Farner; he sang a lot, but some of the beauty in this band was when they sang together!!! Fyi... Mel Schacher was the bassist for ? and the Mysterians, who did 96 Tears. Great band...great songs...
You will LOVE, "Foot Stompin' Music".
Oh, yes
The Band had a semi drummer lead, Levon Helm
The Eagles mostly main singer Don Henley was the drummer
Micky Dolenz was the lead singer of the Monkees
Davy Jones was ALWAYS the lead singer of the Monkees, Mickey Dolenz only took over the role after they started the band again after Davy's untimely death.
@@georgewodicka4839 wrong! Mickey Dolenz sung the original I'm a Believer and Last Train to Clarksville. Davey Jones sung Daydream Believer. So they both were lead singers in the Monkees.
Utter nonsense
Mickey Dolenz sang all their hits and all their early A side singles released except two:
"Last Train to Clarksville"
"I'm a Believer"
(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
"Randy Scouse Git"
"Pleasant Valley Sunday"
"Words"
"Valleri"
"Goin' Down"
Davy Jones is known for two songs:
"Daydream Believer"
"A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You"
@@alrivers2297 Not to mention "Not Your Stepping Stone."
You gotta Rock out the BAND. I love The Band.
I'd also love to see you check out the Steeldrivers...bluegrass
It’s such a pleasure watching your surprise and love for the music of us 70’s kids!
You asked about a band with the drummer being the lead singer. Check out “Rare Earth” and the song “Celebrate “(I believe). They played at California Jam and to’ it up!
Genesis has drummer/lead singer. And, as you know, Karen Carpenter in the early years.
After 1975 for Genesis
And don't forget the Eagles, between drummer Don Henley and guitarist Glenn Frey. Queen occasionally alternated on certain songs with drummer Roger Taylor.
@@betsyduane3461 Agreed. Very different band after Peter Gabriel!
@@centuryrox Thanks! Roger deserves more props for writing and singing. ooo, add Levon Helm to the list.
Peter Criss would occasionally sing from behind his kit. . .
grand funk is ear candy. they've always been one of my favorites. loved the reaction
“Sweet Connie” was on the Phil Donahue Show back in the 70’s. She was crazy!
They are from Flint Michigan which is about 40-50 miles north of Detroit. The band is named after the grand trunk railroad that runs through michigan but changed trunk to funk. There is a grand trunk viaduct in flint with the bands name painted on it which was done years ago and is still there. This video I heard was filmed on one of the band members uncles farm somewhere in michigan. Almost like a home movie rather than a music video. The song was their answer to how so many foreign bands back then had taken over rock n roll especially the british invasion.
The 70s, soundtrack to my life!
Your realization is priceless !!
"We're comin' to your town, we'll help you party down!"
This has got to be one of the first music videos made. Years before MTV. And before dirt bikes!!
Levon Helm of The Band was also a lead singer/drummer.
Levon Helm ( R.I.P) was a treasure.... singer / songwriter / drummer & Actor !
We need a video of The Band playing The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down
With Levon singing & drumming away ✌😎
@@bigbow62
Or "The Weight" or "Up On Cripple Creek. Yes he was a treasure. I read his book "This Wheel's On Fire: The Story of Levon Helm and The Band" a couple of months ago. Great book.
Rare Earth's I just Want To Celebrate. You'll love it.
I was a card-carrying Grand Funk fan club member!! Good to see you appreciating one of my favorite all-time bands. Mark Farner was my hero.
Blows me away! I can never get over how he rips those drums and sings with absolute power at the same time! GIVE ERRRR!
Mark Farner (actual lead singer) was a horse trainer, wrote 99.9% of their songs, Din Brewer (drummer and backstabber) write this song, Mel Schacher formerly from ? and The Mysterians (bass player and backstabber) . Grand Funk Railroad was my first most favorite band, and still would be today. RIP GFR
Thanks so much man, this was one of my requests. Other drummer/lead singers are Genesis' Phil Collins and The Eagles' Don Henley.
They were my go to band in the 70s and still are
OOOOOOH THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS BY GFR!!!!🙋♀️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎧🔊
Jamal, I appreciate all of your reactions. You are so genuine and honest. Keep up the great work, brother man.
Don Henley played drums and did/does many lead vocals for the Eagles.
I love seeing make these discoveries. I’ve been in love with Mark Farner since I was about six. Lol. Love these guys. The Eagles have about 4 people who sing lead, but their drummer, Don Henley sings lead a lot. Phil Collins, drummer for Genesis inns lead after Peter Gabriel’s departure. Dave Grohl, lead singer and guitarist for the Foo Fighters was Nirvana’s drummer.
The best performer in The Eagles was Joe Walsh .
Mark Farner (lead guitarist) was the usual lead singer, but sometimes Don Brewer (the drummer) took the lead -- as he did here. Mark Farner did, as I understand it, about 90% of the writing.
These guys have given us the best live performances ever recorded. My favorite is "Inside Looking Out". That specific live performance is the most intense, passionate, energetic live performance I've ever seen. I will likely die before I see its like again. I think they are the very best -- the top of the heap -- of live performances.
Didn't know the drummer was the lead singer, wow all four limbs and passionate singing. Amazing.
My dad was friends with the Freddy King they mention in the song. He was from Searcy, Arkansas.
Went to many rodeos in searcy AR
Have you ever heard of Pangburn Arkansas? I lived there in 1980, population was 462! A one horse town lol.
The Texas cannonball Freddie King was from Texas
@@davidkastin4240 I currently live in Heber Springs
@@MrFrankenass I did alot of traveling with my job when I lived there. I remember Heber Springs, Cabott, Jackson or Jacksonville? Searcy too.
"Sweet sweet Connie was doing her act. She had the whole show and that's a natural fact". How many people knew Connie and the story behind her? I met Mark Farner at an outdoor concert on the shore of Lake Michigan while on a motorcycle trip out there. They sounded great!
Apparently a lot of people KNEW Connie.
"The hotel detective was out of sight" is a colloquialism for he was really cool.
I grew up with the band. They're from my hometown of Flint, Michigan. I went to school with Craig Frost's (keyboards) brothers, Scott and Jason. Scott was a badass keyboard player (RIP) with whom I played for several years. I was a pro for several years in part due to their influence on me as early as ten years old when I would watch them rehearsing in a neighbor's basement before they became famous.
A little trivia. The Beatles sold out Shea Stadium in six weeks. Grand Funk did it in 72 hours - a record to this day! GFR - THE American band...!
They knew how to rock. Those guys come from Grand Blanc Michigan, about 8 miles south of where I grew up. They got their name from a railroad crossing bridge at the Grand Blanc city limits that said "Grand Trunk Railroad". They shortened it to "Grand Funk". I believe 2 of them are still rocking as Grand Funk in 2022.
THE EAGLES, GENESIS AND THE BAND ALL HAD SINGING DRUMMERS
As did KISS
What's even harder to believe is they were only a 3 piece band.
They were a four-piece by the time this album came out. .
The same reason Stepponwolf isn't in. I have tried for years to get them in the RRHF.
Jamel: Mark Farmer’s mother was Cherokee Indian. When you see him on the horse riding bareback, with his long hair, bare chested, an arm band or two and some sort of neck piece that’s in recognition of his Cherokee heritage. Not Mr. Trojan man!!! Geez
Just wanted to say that Connie Hamzy, aka "Sweet Sweet" Connie, passed away Aug 21, 2021. R.I.P. Connie Hamzy, you have been immortalized
One of the greatest bands ever! GFR should be in the Rock N Roll hall of fame!!
Check out " Get Ready " by Rare Earth. Lead singer is the drummer
Oh, HELL YES!!
Pete Rivera of Rare Earth was one of the greatest drummer/lead vocals of the early rock era. He had such a distinctive style in both that separated them from the rest of the pack. Rare Earth was the first all white HIT PRODUCING band signed by Motown Records. Worth the time to look into them, so many songs you'll recognize.
I was like 7 when I first heard that song. Was hearing the drumming and mesmerized by it.
John Slatter get ready the long version
I love the way that he's open minded about listening to all kinds of music.
Saw them back in high school, Albert king opened.
When rock and roll was truly Rock and Roll!
The great philosopher Homer J Simpson declared this was the highest point in rock'n'roll. It was all downhill after this release.
Ahhh, another Classic cut of vintage G.F.R.
Dude I swear, a lot of your reactions are exactly what I’ve said over years! ESP. “ I like more music than I thought I did!” Epic!
WHATS GOING ON? I LIVED IT! IT WAS THE 70's beautiful time REAL ROCK TALENT CAME OUT. NO TATTOOS NEEDED OR CRAZY DANCING! MUCH DIFFERENT WORLD!
I was a country-girl on those days... Listened to this song many times... We had our pieced together dirt-bikes, our modified (under the shade tree) hot-rods, rode horses topless at midnight .. Skinny-dipping after pickin' up hay ... we WERE America then ... Wow !