Mark Farner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Farner
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Farner performing in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Born | September 29, 1948 Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, hard rock, CCM |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals, keyboards, harmonica |
| Years active | 1965–present |
Mark Fredrick Farner, born on September 29, 1948, is an American musician. He is best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the famous rock band Grand Funk Railroad. He helped start this band in 1969. Later in his career, he also became a Christian music artist.
Contents
Mark's Early Music Journey
Mark Farner started playing music in the mid-1960s. He was part of several bands like Terry Knight and The Pack. In 1969, he formed Grand Funk Railroad. He started the band with Don Brewer (who played drums) and Mel Schacher (who played bass guitar). Later, in 1972, Craig Frost joined the band on keyboards. Mark Farner has Cherokee descent from his mother's side of the family.
Rocking with Grand Funk Railroad
Mark Farner was the main guitarist and lead singer for Grand Funk Railroad. He also wrote most of their songs. One of his most famous songs is the 1970 hit "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)". He also wrote "Bad Time" in 1975. This song was one of the band's top hits on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.
After Grand Funk Railroad
Solo Music and New Bands
After Grand Funk Railroad first broke up in 1976, Mark Farner started his solo career. He released his first solo album in 1977. In 1981, he and Don Brewer started a new version of Grand Funk. They released two albums together. Mark Farner then went back to making solo music. He released albums like Just Another Injustice in 1988.
Christian Music and Awards
In the late 1980s, Mark Farner became a born again Christian. He found success with his Christian music. His song "Isn't it Amazing" was nominated for a Dove Award. It also reached number 2 on the Contemporary Christian music charts.
Touring with Ringo Starr
From 1994 to 1995, Mark Farner toured with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Ringo Starr was the drummer for The Beatles. This band included other famous musicians like John Entwistle and Billy Preston.
Mark Farner's American Band
In the late 1990s, Mark Farner reunited with Grand Funk for a few years. After that, he went back to his solo career. Today, he tours with his own band called Mark Farner's American Band. They play a mix of classic Grand Funk songs and his solo music.
Health and Recognition
Mark Farner had a pacemaker installed in 2012 due to heart issues. In 2015, he was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame as a solo artist. He was already in the Hall of Fame as a member of Grand Funk Railroad and Terry Knight & The Pack.
Other Interests
In 1999, Mark Farner was honored by the Lakota Sioux Elders. They recognized his Native American background. Members of the Lakota Nation gave him a special ceremonial quilt. He has also received the Cherokee Medal of Honor. This award is from the Cherokee Honor Society.
A book about Mark Farner's life was published in 2001. It is called From Grand Funk to Grace.
Music Albums
Solo Albums
- Mark Farner, 1977
- No Frills, 1978
- Just Another Injustice, 1988
- Wake Up..., 1989
- Some Kind of Wonderful, 1991
- For the People, 2006
- Closer to My Home, 2024
Albums with Grand Funk Railroad
- On Time (1969)
- Grand Funk (1969)
- Closer to Home (1970)
- Live Album (1970)
- Survival (1971)
- E Pluribus Funk (1971)
- Phoenix (1972)
- We're an American Band (1973)
- Shinin' On (1974)
- All the Girls in the World Beware!!! (1974)
- Caught in the Act (1975)
- Born to Die (1976)
- Good Singin', Good Playin' (1976)
- Grand Funk Lives (1981)
- What's Funk? (1983)
- Bosnia (1997)
Other Music Releases
- Closer to Home, 1992 (a collection of his best songs)
- Heirlooms: The Complete Atlantic Sessions, 2000 (re-release of his first two solo albums)
- Red White and Blue Forever, 2002 (a mini-album)
- Live!! N'rG, 2003
- Mark Farner the Rock Patriot, March 9, 2003, Live Extended Versions
See also
In Spanish: Mark Farner para niños
