The Blues Brothers - Opening: I Can't Turn You Loose (Live Version) (Official Audio)

The Blues Brothers - Opening: I Can't Turn You Loose (Live Version) (Official Audio)
From 'Briefcase Full Of Blues' (1978)

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Jake had a vision. It was his, the only real one he'd ever had, and he clung to it. It had always been the blues. Even back in the Rock Island City orphanage (that sweaty kid factory) Jake and Elwood were saved by the music. Actually, saved by a gray-haired janitor everybody called Curtis. He wore sinister midnight shades, a narrow black tie and a porkpie hat that he kept pushed back on his head. Curtis wrapped his waxy brown hands around his guitar neck and played the most dangerous blues this side of Robert Johnson. The nuns scorched the brothers’ days with holy threats and Curtis rescued them by night. Down in the coolness of his basement he taught them the blues and set in motion their mission: to live the healing message of music.

Silent Elwood never did put more than two sentences together, but all those lost words burned from his Special 20 blues harp. And Joliet tore that voice from some hidden darkness, twisting his chubby body, snarling at the heavens, a born sinner. They used the basement because it was secret and because the echo gave them a nice dirty sound: Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walker, slapping like a bad dream around the chilly room. And then one night, Jake brought in a gleaming E string he said came from Elmore James’ guitar. He held it tight and as it glowed in the bulb light, Jake sliced Elwood’s middle finger and then his own. Now the solo boys with soul in their blood were brothers. Jake and Elwood Blues … the Blues Brothers.

The official Blues Brothers YouTube channel is here to continue the mission. Come here for everything Blues Brothers, from our classic albums to upcoming events and profiles of BB accomplices.

[mikebrown]

I was at the Universal Amphitheater that night. Impossible to believe it was nearly 45 years ago. Wish there was a video.

[hermunkulus]

1:01  

He said this in 1978 and was right on the money.

[caribouwho]

...so much of the music we hear today is preprogrammed electronic disco we never get a chance to hear master bluesmen practicing their craft anymore.

[juliemitzel]

First heard the Briefcase Full of Blues album around 1985 and still love it!

[timothywelch]

The Greatest opening I've ever heard. BAAD AASS!!

[tonylombardi]

September 1978:
9 consecutive nights at the Universal Amphitheater/Los Angeles, opening for Steve Martin.
Great fun set by Jake, Elwood and the band.

[jasobres]

Ironically, I believe I first listened to this record (on vinyl) in 2006!

[VRichardsn]

Such an infections tune, it grabs you the second it starts. I love it!

[Hydrochoerusisthmius]

A bass riff I can listen to for days, months, and years
Healthy tone!

[studogable]

I want this song played at my funeral.

[larryvercauteren]

i live in rock island illinois we used to rock this out in the high school pep band it alwasy got the crowd rockin!

[undergroundmoe]

I think i wouln't have survived this live. What a power.

[Gagehuntsburgers]

Playing a medley of blues Brothers music in jazz band. Absolutely amazing song

[tjeerdteves]

guess I super loved everything about this movei

[thebrummierailenthusiasts]

I like the opening theme of the live version of the blues brothers

[ChefDuane]

Otis Redding's tune, with a little Booker T mixed in, arraigned by Paul Shaeffer. Can't beat it!!

[TyDaTyrant]

Born in 87 listening like it's the 1st time in 2021🙌🏻 I love you Dad

[martymcdonough]

Beautiful! I had this album! Thanks for the posting!

[saints]

Love the bass line by Donald “Duck” Dunn, he could sure play a mean bass guitar

[ogrebattle]

Still have this record in mint condition....