1980 - June: “The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack”

The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack is a powerhouse collection of rhythm and blues that captures the essence of the iconic film.  It features a blend of classic blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll performed by legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown, and Cab Calloway.  The Blues Brothers originated as a musical comedy act created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” in the late 1970's.  Inspired by their shared love for blues and R&B music, Aykroyd and Belushi created fictional characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, as their alter egos.  The act gained popularity, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album in 1978 and eventually to the creation of the Blues Brothers motion picture in 1980.  In the film, parolee Jake Blues is joined by his blood brother Elwood Blues on a “mission from God” to save the Catholic orphanage in which they were raised by reuniting their band and raising the $5000.00 for the property tax bill.  Their quest brings them to a number of characters played by iconic artists including Cab Calloway and James Brown.  The resulting soundtrack stands as a testament to the enduring power of blues music and left an indelible mark on both the film and music industry.John Lynch dons his suit and dark sunglasses to bring us this feature. Minnie the Moocher<br />Cab Calloway originally presented Minnie the Moocher back in 1931, and reprises the song for this film.  Calloway was a regular performer at the Cotton Club in Harlem, and a popular vocalist of the swing era.  Calloway plays Curtis in the film, a father figure and mentor to the Blues Brothers, and performs this song as a warm-up to the concert.Jailhouse Rock<br />As the movie ends with Jake and Elwood back in prison after successfully paying off the tax bill for the orphanage.  The band plays Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" for the inmates as the credits roll.  Jake Blues (Belushi) takes lead on this upbeat number.Think<br />Aretha Franklin covers her own song as Mrs. Murphy, trying to persuade her husband Matt Murphy to not join the band.  Franklin had a lot of difficulty lip synching the song and would have preferred to just sing it live.  The Blues Brothers join her on this cover.Gimme Some Lovin'<br />The Blues Brothers cover this piece originally performed by the Spencer Davis Group and made famous by Steve Winwood.  While the song was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, in the film it gets a decidedly cooler reception in the honky tonk bar in which it is performed.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Lookin' for Love by Johnny Lee (from the motion picture “Urban Cowboy”)<br />With the decline of disco, crossover country & western hits became popular.  John Travolta starred in this movie which capitalized on the popularity of country music. STAFF PICKS:Train in Vain (Stand By Me) by the Clash<br />Bruce brings us the third single from the Clash's third album, “London Calling.”  This was a double album, and a post-punk turn by the group.  The song was originally intended to be a giveaway flexi single, but was put on the album at the last minute when that deal fell through.  Mick Jones wrote and sings lead on this song, inspired by his tumultuous relationship with Stiltz guitarist Viv Albertine.Free Me Big by Roger Daltrey<br />Wayne features the front man for the Who in a solo effort written by Argent guitarist Russ Ballard.  The song is on Daltrey's 1980 solo album “McVicar” It also appears on the soundtrack for the movie "McVicar" in which Dalt