We’re An American Band – Grand Funk | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#1); 1973
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
From its formation in 1968 until 1973 Grand Funk Railroad muddled around the Bottom 60 instead of the Top 40, while selling out arenas and notching up seven straight Top 20 albums. In March of 1972 the trio had fired originator/manager/producer Terry Knight, added a fourth member, and shortened their name to Grand Funk.
The changes brought immediate results. In July, 1973 We’re An American Band – title of the Michigan group’s ninth album and lead-off single – appeared on their respective charts.
The in-your-face declaration arose during an aftershow bar argument between GF and Humble Pie as to the relative merits of U.S. vs. British rockers. GF drummer Don Brewer summed up his group’s stance by shouting out, “We’re an American band!”
The anthemic song and new producer Todd Rundgren’s commercial touch proved to be a winning combination. Band roared to #1, bringing the critically maligned group the singles success that had previously eluded them.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Todd Rundgren
Lyrics Written by:
- Don Brewer
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).