Mark Farner

The Profile

Mark Farner is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, co-founder and lead singer-guitarist of Grand Funk Railroad. Active since the late 1960s, he later pursued a solo career with albums including Mark Farner (1977) and Wake Up... (1989).

Co-founded Grand Funk Railroad in 1969 and served as its lead singer and guitarist; wrote or co-wrote staples such as I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home) and Bad Time; known for high-energy performances; has Cherokee ancestry.

One review zooms in on Mark Farner’s 1989 solo album Wake Up..., lamenting weak, ‘moderate’ rock, blunt guitars, and overtly devout lyrics. The piece contrasts this with Farner’s high-energy Grand Funk Railroad years. Overall tone: nostalgic but critical.