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From Grand Funk to Grace: Bay City Author Kris Engelhardt Writes the Tale of Mark Farner & Grand Funk Railroad By Robert E. Martin Kristofer Engelhardt is a rabid fan of Classic Rock 'n Roll. The Bay City native became enamored with music the first time he caught The Beatles perform as a youngster back in the sixties, and throughout much of the 1970s and '80s he gained a widespread reputation for his rock 'n roll photography. A few years ago, Kris entered the arena of publishing, authoring a definitive book on the work The Beatles released after their breakup entitled, Beatles Undercover. Now, Kris has just completed his second book entitled From Grand Funk to Grace: The Authorized Biography of Mark Farner. At 312-pages, the new book traces the life and times of Mark Farner and Grand Funk Railroad, one of Michigan's most notable rock 'n roll legends. Including numerous rare photographs and a CD of several new Farner recordings in the 'limited edition' version, the book is quickly being stocked in retail houses throughout the U.S. and Canada. How did the idea of developing a biography about Farner evolve? "Actually, Mark Farner contacted me," explains Kris. "I'd interviewed him for my last book "Beatles Undercover." There is a chapter in that book on Mark and he was impressed with the book. Being somewhat local and knowing some of the same people in the biz, we stayed in contact. He called me one morning about two years ago and said, "Would you be interested in doing MY story?" Once he got involved in the project, was it more difficult or easier than Kris anticipated? "The actual writing took about a year from start to finish. I was anxious and ready to roll because I didn't have a writing gig and thought it was a great story. I spent about four months doing the research and basic outline. I also realized the direction I wanted it to go in and formed the questions I needed to have answered. Once I got Mark to the table (which is NOT easy), he was a breeze! He was completely open and very cooperative. So was everyone else I interviewed which included well over 50 people." In researching and interviewing Mark, what was the most surprising thing Kris learned that helped to inform and shape his opinion of Mark? "How much alike we were in certain areas," reflects Kris. "There was that warm familiar feeling. Plus, there was that whole similar age, music and mid-Michigan background. We also have kids about the same age with many of the same problems, so we could relate on that level. We definitely have one very common interest -- FOOD! Mark loves to eat and I love to cook and eat, so it was a match made in Engelhardt/Farner heaven, set around our kitchens." Author Kris Engelhardt with Mark Farner of Grand Funk The biography includes a CD of several rare and unreleased songs by Farner. How did that come about? "The CD that comes with the book was pretty much Mark's side of the project. It was a great and very finished tape of home demos of Mark's that kind of got away from him and began trading hands among fans. Consequently, he decided to put it out with the book before it got bootlegged. Most of the songs were recorded around the time of his (difficult to find) solo album "Just Another Injustice", his first for Frontline Records, a Christian-based label." "However, only two of the songs on the CD ended up being released. So, seven of the nine songs are previously unreleased and exclusive to the book. Most are up tempo rockers in the "Bad Time (To Be In Love)" vein but with a religious message." In talking to other notable musicians, what was the general consensus about Mark's role in contributing to the legacy of American Rock Music? "Without exception, everyone I talked to had a great deal of respect for Mark, in spite of some of his outspoken views. They always found him a genuine person who was down to earth, hard working, polite and a family man. They took note of the fact that he had a conscience about things. You don't need to go much further than the back of the book to gather what notables like, Eddie Van Halen, Paul Shaffer, Ted Nugent, Charlie Daniels and the group Journey think of how important his contributions to popular music are. Producers and engineers particularly, took note of his talent, and confidence in the studio and on stage -- and how professional he is." What did Kris feel was the biggest challenge that Mark had to overcome in his career first on a personal basis and secondly on a professional one? "Well, on a personal level, his father was killed in a car accident when Mark was nine years old. That really shattered his life for awhile, but fortunately a man by the name of Fortune came along and has been a father figure to Mark to this day. The failure of Mark's first marriage was also a major challenge for him." "But, without doubt, the biggest challenge to Mark on both a personal and professional basis was what I refer to in the book as, "The Terry Knightmare!" Terry Knight was Grand Funk Railroad's first manager. Terry had been a DJ in Flint and fronted an early incarnation of Grand Funk called Terry Knight and The Pack of which Mark was a member.) Knight and Grand Funk were locked in a bitter lawsuit for several years and it cost Grand Funk a bundle financially and emotionally for years to come. Mark has also had his woes with the IRS over the years which has caused him considerable grief." According to Kris, thus far sales of the biography have been tremendous and beyond everyone's expectations. "The book was just released and is creeping its way into all of the major retail outlets in the US, Canada and the UK." Does Kris think Mark is or ever can be as vital an artist as he was when his fame blossomed? "Yes, absolutely. All of his brilliant talents are still intact. His voice is still clear and strong. His guitar playing is smooth and fluid. He just needs to have the right management and to get out there and do it!" "I think Mark is greatly disliked by the majority of his peers in the music business because of his outspoken beliefs on Christianity and his political views, which are to the right of center. Those values and beliefs are not shared by the majority of his peers in the music business and that has had an affect on his being accepted and being successful. " "I think it's the primary reason Grand Funk isn't in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. After all, this band had six platinum and 11 gold albums, selling over 25 million records." For more info on the book: "From Grand Funk To Grace (The Authorized Biography of Mark Farner)" or "Beatles Undercover" go to: http://www.beatlesundercover.cncoffice.com Copies of the book signed by Mark and Kris and including the limited edition CD, are available directly by sending a check for $25.00 inclusive of priority postage and handling to: Rock 'n' Record Research 424 Ricoma Beach Bay City, MI 48706."
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