Some Kind of Wonderful

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Grand Funk Railroad from their 1974 album All The Girls in the World Beware!!! This track, a cover of the 1967 Soul Brothers Six hit written by John Ellison, became a massive hit for Grand Funk, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1975. Fun fact: the song’s iconic line, "Can I get a witness," draws from both Christian revivals and Marvin Gaye’s song of the same name. John Ellison, the original songwriter, once shared in a 2018 interview that the song was inspired by a real-life love, but when his wife asked about her, he cheekily said he didn’t remember—after all, the song’s royalties paid for their house! Grand Funk’s version also found its way into pop culture, featured in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the fictional K-DST radio station, cementing its place in rock history.

Another cool tidbit comes from Grand Funk’s drummer, Don Brewer, who shared vocals with guitarist Mark Farner on this track. In a Songfacts interview, Brewer noted the band’s love for the song’s raw energy, which they heard growing up in Flint, Michigan. The band’s choice to cover it was a nod to their roots, blending their hard rock edge with R&B soul. Fans on Grand Funk Railroad Fan Club on Facebook often rave about how Mark Farner’s gritty vocals and the band’s tight groove made this version unforgettable. Interestingly, Farner, who later became a born-again Christian, recorded a solo album in 1991 titled Some Kind of Wonderful, reworking the song’s lyrics to praise Jesus instead of a romantic partner, showcasing his spiritual journey.

Let’s dive into how Grand Funk Railroad got their start. Formed in 1969 in Flint, Michigan, the band began as a power trio with Mark Farner on vocals and guitar, Don Brewer on drums, and Mel Schacher on bass. Farner and Brewer came from Terry Knight and the Pack, while Schacher had played with ? and the Mysterians. Their manager, Terry Knight, named the band after the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, a major rail line in Michigan, though they had to tweak the name to “Grand Funk Railroad” after objections from the railroad company. Their big break came at the 1969 Atlanta Pop Festival, where their high-energy performance caught the attention of Capitol Records. By 1970, they were outselling every American band, with hits like “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” and a reputation for electrifying live shows that packed arenas worldwide, despite mixed reviews from critics.

Want to keep up with Grand Funk Railroad? Check out their official website at grandfunkrailroad.com for tour dates and news. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, join the Grand Funk Railroad Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other fans and share your love for the band. There’s also a dedicated fan site, Grand Funk Railroad Fans, where you can dive deeper into their discography and legacy. Keep it funky, Zoo Freaks!