Grand Funk’s New US Open Soundtrack

Grand Funk’s rock anthem, and 1973 US pop No. 1 ‘We’re An American Band,’ has a new starring role on network television — as the music behind a new Fox Sports trailer for its US Open golf tournament coverage.

The trailer is part of the network’s $15 million marketing campaign for its coverage of the famous event. The clip begins with President John F. Kennedy in golfing action, playing a shot at Hyannisport Club in 1963. It also includes footage of Elvis Presley to a voiceover that says “Like rebels and rock ‘n’ roll, it’s become a stage for greatness.”

“This is not only one of the biggest marketing events in the history of Fox Sports, but it may well be the biggest in the history of the US Open,” Robert Gottlieb, executive VP of marketing for Fox Sports Media Group, told Ad Age.

‘We’re An American Band,’ which holds a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, was GFR’s first hit as Grand Funk, after they dropped the ‘Railroad’ from their name. Four years after their first Hot 100 entry with ‘Time Machine,’ it was also their first No. 1 single, topping the chart for a week at the end of September 1973. The trio from Flint, Michigan had a second No. 1 the following year with their cover of Little Eva’s ‘The Loco-Motion.’

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Format: UK English