Caught On Tape: Janis Joplin Jams Otis Redding Tune With Bandmate, And It’s Awesome

Janis Brings Soul To Amsterdam, 1969

It’s no secret that Janis Joplin was a tremendous fan of soul singer Otis Redding; in fact, from the moment she saw him live in 1966 to the day she died, Janis credited Otis with teaching her how to “push” a song “instead of sliding right over it,” and changing her concept of singing. When Janis toured Europe for the first time in 1969 with the Kozmic Blues Band, she took Redding’s ‘I Can’t Turn You Loose’ with her and as an added bonus, performed it as a duet with Kozmic Blues Band sax player Snooky Flowers.

Fun Fact: When Otis Redding played the Fillmore in 1966, it was a three night booking; Janis was in the front row every single night.

If you thought Janis was electric on her own, wait until you hear her jamming with Snooky – these two were unstoppable that night! Between Janis being hilariously excited when introducing her friend to no doubt dancing along next to him until it was her turn to jump in with a verse, the energy between Janis and Snooky Flowers is pure joy.

Amazing what she was capable of when she left the psychedelic rock that was Big Brother and the Holding Company in pursuit of the soul and blues-infused rock that came so naturally to her!

+ I Can’t Turn You Loose lyrics +

Huh I can’t turn you loose now
If I do I’m gonna lose my life
Ooh I can’t turn you loose now
If I do I’m gonna lose my life
I can’t turn you loose to nobody ha
I love you baby, yes I do now
Hip shaking mama, I told ya
I’m in love with only you
Gotta baby do it baby why don’t ya
I’ll give ya everything that you want

Gotta, gotta
Keep on holding on
Never gonna turn you loose
I can’t turn you loose
Gotta gotta keep on holding on
Gotta gotta

I can’t turn you loose now
I’m in love with the prettiest thing ooo
I never, never turn you loose now
Because the sweet love she bring me
I can’t turn you loose to nobody baby
I love you baby, yes I do
Hip shaking mama, I love ya
I’m in love with only you
Honest baby, do it baby why don’t ya
And I’m gonna give ya everything you want

Gotta gotta ha
Keep, keep on holding on ha
Never gonna turn you loose now
Never gonna lose you babe

I can’t turn you loose
Never, I’m never gonna turn to you loose
I’m gonna keep holding on, turn you loose
Gonna keep a grip on ya
I can’t turn you loose
Gotta gotta keep on holding on
Early in the morning
And I love to hold ya
I can’t turn you loose
Never gonna turn ya
Gotta to keep on holdin’
Hold on to me baby
Gotta gotta gotta