The founding members of the band were drummer Jim Fox, bassist Tom Kriss, guitarist Ronnie Silverman, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, and guitarist Glen Schwartz. In 1968 Joe Walsh replaced Schwartz when Schwartz left the band to join Pacific Gas & Electric. The band then released its debut album Yer' Album. In July of 1970, the band released its second album James Gang Rides Again which included the hit single "Funk #49." By this time, Dale Peters had replaced Kriss on bass. The band opened for The Who during a tour of Britain. After two more albums, Thirds, with the single "Walk Away,", and the live album James Gang Live in Concert, Walsh left the band to perform solo and later join the Eagles.
Vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano then joined the band. Troiano left to join Guess Who and was replaced by Tommy Bolin. Bolin left in 1974 to replace Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. After two albums, "Bang" and "Miami", Bolin was replaced by vocalist Bubba Keith and guitarist Richard Shack, who made "Newborn" (which featured a cover of the Elvis Presley song "Heartbreak Hotel"). The band broke up following a final recording, "Jesse Come Home" (which referred to the band's namesake, the outlaw Jesse James), which was made with the collaboration of early member Phil Giallombardo. Fox was the only remaining member of the original quintet when they disbanded early in 1977.
The "classic" lineup of the band (Walsh, Peters, Fox) reunited to perform at an election rally for Bill Clinton in 1996, appearances on The Drew Carey Show in the 1998-99 season, and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2001, drawing fans from all over the globe.
As of May 2004, Glenn Schwartz was playing guitar and singing Thursday nights at "Major Hooples" in the Flats, Cleveland.
In summer 2006 the Walsh/Peters/Fox lineup of the group toured the United States. In August 2006, the trio appeared performing live on The Howard Stern radio show on Sirius satellite radio.
Funk #48
James Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby says she needs me, I need her too
Gotta tell you baby, if I had my way
Lots of pretty money, you'd belong to stay
Baby says be careful, best believe I will
Baby says she's leaving, ha! I love her still
The lyrics to James Gang's song Funk #48 seem to be about a man and a woman who love and need each other. The man believes the woman when she says she loves and needs him, and he reciprocates these feelings. He wants her to stay with him always, and he hints that he would use money to keep her by his side. The woman warns him to be careful, possibly indicating that they are involved in a risky or dangerous relationship, but the man declares that he will always love her, even if she decides to leave.
Overall, Funk #48 explores the complex emotions and dynamics of a romantic relationship. The lyrics express love, need, devotion, and even a hint of possessiveness. There may be a sense of danger or excitement as well, as hinted by the woman's warning to be careful. The song's upbeat tempo, funky guitar riffs, and catchy chorus contribute to its overall energy and appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby says she loves me, I believe she do
My partner tells me that she loves me, and I have faith that it's true
Baby says she needs me, I need her too
My significant other claims that she requires me, and I feel the same way
Gotta tell you baby, if I had my way
Let me just tell you, my dear, if I had complete control over everything
Lots of pretty money, you'd belong to stay
I would shower you with an abundance of money and material possessions to ensure that you remain with me
Baby says be careful, best believe I will
My partner advises me to exercise caution, and I assure her that I will do just that
Baby says she's leaving, ha! I love her still
My significant other tells me that she is departing, but I still have strong feelings of love towards her
Contributed by Connor N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CapAnson12345
They should have done a whole album of funks.
Docta ROCtaka
I would gather 49 funks is enough for some kind of epic tale into the funkaverse.
Rollin' Mark
@Docta ROCtaka There is a Funk #50 also...
Docta ROCtaka
@Rollin' Mark EP then?
Rollin' Mark
@Docta ROCtaka Analog Man (2012) Is that what you meant?
Docta ROCtaka
@Rollin' Mark I remember this after your suggestion. I can definitely relate. I like it more now than when I listened to it on the radio when it was released. Thanks
creativebobbo
I had this album when I was a kid. I played it to death. At the end of side one the end grooves repeated "Turn me over" Side two played "Play me again" LOL Good stuff.
Jim M
I'd forgotten that
TheEvilDrR
Somehow that is not surprising, and hilarious. Joe always seems to have had a quirky sense of humor. Prolly one of the many reasons why I love this band.
PeterSpaeter96
So Joe Walsh still owes us Funks #1 to #47, doesnt' he?