The band split in 1977 and reunited in 1980, splitting again in 1983. Since reuniting in 1996 they have remained active, although Farner left the band in 1999. The group currently consists of Max Carl (vocals), Bruce Kulick (guitar), Mel Schacher (bass), Tim Cashion (keyboards), and Don Brewer (drums, vocals).
Despite their name, their music is far from the style known as "funk"; the name "Grand Funk Railroad" is a play on Michigan's "Grand Trunk Western Railroad" line, and it was chosen before "funk" had become the name of a music genre. In 1968, suburban Michigan teens Don Brewer and Mark Farner quit Terry Knight and The Pack and recruited ? and The Mysterians bass player Mel Schacher to form a power trio inspired by contemporary rock n roll.
Early in their career, they headlined a much hyped free concert in Hyde Park, wowing the audience whilst being virtually unknown in the U.K. They also opened for Led Zeppelin in Michigan, their home state. Originally produced and managed by former band leader Terry Knight who brought the group to Capitol records in 1969, they split from Knight in 1972 after money issues left the group nearly bankrupt despite massive commercial success which began after an successful appearance at the Atlanta Pop Festival.
After releasing 12 albums on Capitol (10 platinum), they intend for their final release to be Born To Die in 1975. They actually reunited & recorded one last effort in 1976 with Frank Zappa called "Good Singin' Good Playin' " and then called it quits.
Farner released two solo albums, Mel & Don recorded as Flint with Craig before Craig joined [aritst]Bob Seger's band. In 1981 Mark Farner & Don reformed the band without Mel and released a song on the animated Heavy Metal soundtrack and new album Grand Funk Lives. They toured until 1983.
In 1996 all three original members reunited for a summer tour in which they played to over 250,000 people, and a slate of Bosnian relief dates in 1997 including several TV performances. In 1998 they did a 65+ date tour listed as one of the 10 top grossing tours of the year. In 1999 Capitol issued a 3 disc box set called "Thirty Years Of Funk" 1969-1999, including recent recordings made in 1997.
Original Grand Funk Railroad members Don & Mel still tour and write new material to this day although the group have seen various line up changes, including the absence of original lead singer Mark Farner. Mark is active with his New band Nr'G. They have released 3 CD's since 1999 with For The People released in 2006.
Studio Albums:
* On Time (1969)
* Grand Funk (The Red Album) (1969)
* Closer to Home (1970)
* Survival (1971)
* E Pluribus Funk (1971)
* Phoenix (1972)
* We're an American Band (1973)
* Shinin' On (1974)
* Monumental Funk (1974)
* All the Girls in the World Beware!!! (1974)
* Born to Die (1976)
* Good Singin', Good Playin' (1976)
* Grand Funk Lives (1981)
* What's Funk? (1983)
Live albums:
* Live Album (1970)
* Caught in the Act (1975)
* Bosnia (1997)
* Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999 (1999)
* Live: The 1971 Tour (2002)
Compilations:
1972 Mark, Don & Mel: 1969–71
1976 Grand Funk Hits
1990 The Best of Grand Funk
1991 Capitol Collectors Series
1992 Heavy Hitters!
1999 Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999
2002 Classic Masters
2006 Greatest Hits
Rock & Roll Soul
Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The new generation along with the old
If you could get with it just a little more, it don't take much tryin'
You'll find out if you've got some rock and roll soul, baby
Ain't everybody in the world
So when you know what you got, let everybody know,
You got some rock and roll soul
You got some rock and roll soul
I know it when I'm feelin' groovy,
It's kind of funky like an old-time movie
I can feel it and it's really something,
It's really something when my heart starts pumpin', yeah
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
The Grand Funk Railroad's song "Rock & Roll Soul" is a celebration of the universal appeal and unifying power of rock and roll music. The band invites everyone to their party, regardless of age or background, as long as they have that special something that cannot be easily defined but is commonly known as the "rock and roll soul." The song suggests that this quality is not necessarily tied to musical ability, but rather to a particular attitude and sensibility that is open, enthusiastic, and funky.
The lyrics encourage the listener to discover and embrace their rock and roll soul, which is described as a feeling of grooviness that echoes the funky vibes of old-time movies. This feeling is palpable and exciting, as it makes the heart start pumping and the body moving. The song encourages the listener to proudly proclaim their rock and roll soul to others, as a way of showing solidarity and belonging to a larger community that transcends social and cultural barriers.
Overall, "Rock & Roll Soul" is a catchy and feel-good song that celebrates the universal appeal and unifying power of rock and roll music, as well as the personal qualities that make someone a true fan of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
We're having a party, yeah, yeah, everybody's invited,
We're creating a fun atmosphere where everyone is welcome to join in.
The new generation along with the old
Both young and old are welcome to participate in this festivity.
If you could get with it just a little more, it don't take much tryin'
Simply try a bit harder to enjoy the event wholeheartedly, and you'll love it.
You'll find out if you've got some rock and roll soul, baby
You'll discover if you possess the passion and spirit for rock and roll if you embrace the music.
Ain't everybody in the world
Not everybody in the world has the capacity to love and appreciate rock and roll.
So when you know what you got, let everybody know,
If you recognize that you have a soul for rock and roll, then share it with those around you.
You got some rock and roll soul
Celebrate and acknowledge the fact that you possess the passion and spirit for rock and roll.
I know it when I'm feelin' groovy,
I can identify the presence of rock and roll soul within me when I'm happy and having a good time.
It's kind of funky like an old-time movie
This passion for rock and roll is of a classic appeal, much like an old movie featuring funky music.
I can feel it and it's really something,
Embracing this passion for rock and roll is a powerful feeling, genuinely impacting me.
It's really something when my heart starts pumpin', yeah
As I get more passionate about rock and roll, my heart starts pumping, overflowing with excitement.
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Share with the people you know that you've discovered that you possess a deep passion for rock and roll.
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Encourage those around you to explore and uncover their own passion for rock and roll music.
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Affirm that you believe you have a soul for rock and roll, and ensure everyone understands.
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Share your passion for rock and roll with as many people as you can.
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Use your passion for rock and roll to connect with and inspire those around you.
Tell everybody you know, you got some rock 'n roll soul
Encourage others to find their own passion or discover passion for rock and roll.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARK FARNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jose Sanchez
fultonco
One of my favorite drummers I used to play with in the early 70’s played very relaxed
With so much feel as this guy does. He was only 14 at the time. It’s very hard to find
Someone with the talent to play like this. I would do just about anything to get
Together with him, but as soon as he started smoking pot, he became a heavy
Drug user all of these years, even at age 61. I would fear for my life to be around
Him by myself and record anything. Don’t know and would not trust anyone who
Is in the same room room. It’s sad, really. I just can’t do it. Anyhow, just imagine
A 14 year old drummer that could actually play most of these songs by this
Group at that age. I never heard him play this song though.
ฐิติพร ขุนพิบูรณ์
We're having a party yeah, yeah
Everybody's invited
A new generation along with the old
If you can get with it just a little Lord
It don't take much trying
You'll find out if you've got some Rock-N-Roll soul baby
Hey everybody in the world so when you know what you got
Let everybody know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
So when you know what you got
Let everybody know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
I know that I'm feeling groovy
It's kinda funky like an old time movie
I can feel that it's really something
It's really something when my heart starts pumping yeah
Tell everybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell eveybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell everybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell everybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell everybody you know
You';ve got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell everybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell everybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Tell everybody you know
You've got some Rock-N-Roll soul
Martie Gerecke
Putting the "funk" in Grand Funk Railroad! Still listening after 50 years!
Jack Schiano
50 years ago in the fall of 1972 this song and this band still rocks 👍👍👍👍
NightWatchman1976
One of the best rock bands, ever! Mark's voice---wow!
David Fahey
Gotta Love these guys the could rock you live. Best I seen live and I seen most of them
Robert Lattin
Just love this song - the excitement - the feeling.
VMBFV
In my opinion, one of the greatest rock tunes ever. Pure energie. Long live keyboards.
Paolo Drago
The album Phoenix (which contains this song) was released in the middle of tough times for Grand Funk (the quarrel with their early producer Terry Night). Many fans feel betrayed because Grand Funk sounded no more "hard". For me it was, and it is, a great album and Rock'n Roll soul is a great tune.
G M S
My favorite tune from GFR. Played it to death on their Grand Funk Hits album. Those were good times.
DARKNESS
Absolutely the most under rated/appreciated bands EVER
ACG7001
@Daniel Golus blew led zeppelin off the stage too