Grand Funk Railroad is an influential American rock band known for its hard-driving sound and soulful lyrics. Formed in 1969 by Mark Farner, Don Brewer, and Mel Schacher, the band's fusion of hard rock and blues, with elements of R&B, made them a significant force in the early 1970s American rock scene. They are perhaps best known for their hit songs "We're an American Band" and "Some Kind of Wonderful", both of which have become staples of classic rock. Their energetic performances and raw, visceral sound helped pave the way for the heavy metal and arena rock genres.