The Blues Brothers are an American blues band founded in 1978 by comedians … Read Full Bio ↴The Blues Brothers are an American blues band founded in 1978 by comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live. Belushi and Aykroyd, respectively in character as lead vocalist "Joliet" Jake Blues and harpist/vocalist Elwood Blues, fronted the band, which was composed of well-known and respected musicians. The band made its debut as the musical guest on the April 22, 1978, episode of Saturday Night Live.

The band then began to take on a life beyond the confines of the television screen, releasing an album, Briefcase Full of Blues, in 1978, and then having a Hollywood film, The Blues Brothers, created around its characters in 1980.

After the death of Belushi in 1982, the Blues Brothers have continued to perform with a rotation of guest singers and other band members. Aykroyd reunited the original band in 1988 for a world tour and again in 1998 for a sequel to the film, Blues Brothers 2000. Aykroyd and the band, occasionally joined by Belushi's brother Jim, make regular appearances at musical festivals worldwide.

Soul Finger
The Blues Brothers Lyrics

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Good evening everyone and welcome
To the United States of America
And indeed we have congregated here at this time
To celebrate a most treasured wellspring of contemporary music

It is the sound which historians in the far future might catalog
Under twentieth century pre-light-emitting-diode euphoric
But today the sound lives and tonight is sampled exclusively

For your entertainment pleasure

From the music capitals of this continent

This is the hard hitting show band of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues
Ladies and gentlemen, these are The Blues Brothers

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of The Blues Brothers' song "Soul Finger/Funky Broadway" serve as an introduction and a tribute to the genre of soul music. The song itself is a medley of two classic soul tracks, "Soul Finger" by The Bar-Kays and "Funky Broadway" by Wilson Pickett. This medley perfectly embodies the style of The Blues Brothers, who were known for their energetic and soulful performances.

The lyrics of "Soul Finger/Funky Broadway" exude a sense of excitement and celebration. The reference to "contemporary music" and the suggestion that this sound might be cataloged by future historians create a sense of cultural reverence. The announcement of The Blues Brothers as a "hard hitting show band" solidifies their status as a group that is serious about their craft.

Throughout the song, the lyrics are minimal, allowing the music to shine. The Bar-Kays' signature horn section is front and center, and the rhythm section is tight and groovy. When the medley transitions to "Funky Broadway," the energy level only increases, with Wilson Pickett's powerful vocals making a lasting impression. Overall, "Soul Finger/Funky Broadway" is a perfect embodiment of The Blues Brothers' mission to not only pay tribute to the greats of soul music but also to infuse their own personality and flair into the genre.

Line by Line Meaning

Good evening everyone and welcome
We greet you all and extend a warm welcome

To the United States of America
This is the nation where we are gathered

And indeed we have congregated here at this time
We have gathered here today for a specific purpose

To celebrate a most treasured wellspring of contemporary music
We are here to honor and appreciate a significant genre of modern music

It is the sound which historians in the far future might catalog
This sound may be recorded by future historians

Under twentieth century pre-light-emitting-diode euphoric
It is an ecstatic sound originating in the 1900s

But today the sound lives and tonight is sampled exclusively
Even now the music endures, and we are privileged to hear it performed tonight

For your entertainment pleasure
To provide you with enjoyment and amusement

From the music capitals of this continent
This music hails from the most prominent cities of the region

This is the hard hitting show band of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues
The Blues Brothers, consisting of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues, are the accomplished performers putting on the show

Ladies and gentlemen, these are The Blues Brothers
We present to you, The Blues Brothers

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ben Cauley, Carl Cunningham, James Alexander, Jimmy King, Phalon R. Jones, Ronnie Caldwell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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