We're An American Band (1973) 8/19/20

The story is legendary: In 1973, America's Grand Funk Railroad was touring with the British group, Humble Pie (featuring a guitarist named Peter Frampton). The two groups got along famously, and often partied together after their concerts.

One night, they were all drinking together at a bar when they began arguing over the merits of British Rock versus American Rock. Grand Funk's drummer, Don Brewer, stood up and yelled “WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND! The next day, he wrote today's “Great Song of the '70s!”

Well, the story may be legendary, but according to Brewer, it never happened. Apparently, rock critic Dave Marsh made up the story for his book, “The Heart of Rock and Soul.”

The REAL story? Grand Funk was being sued by their former manager, and they desperately needed a hit (and the money that came with it), so Brewer sat down and wrote a song about life on the road with the band—playing concerts, playing poker, and playing with (ahem) groupies—including one named Connie.

He also tried to make the song as “American” as he could, and hoped for the best. (Watch the video!)

He succeeded on all counts. “We're an American Band,” became Grand Funk Railroad's first #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, and Canadians loved it, too: #4 on their Top 40.

Over the years, the song has been covered extensively, by artists like Poison, Kid Rock, Phish, and even The Village People! But the original version remains the best! “We're An American Band:” a “Great Song of 1973!”

Grand Funk Railroad: