The Blues Brothers are an American blues and soul revivalist band….which was founded in 1978 by comedy actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live wherein Belushi was in character as lead vocalist “Joliet” Jake Blues…..and harmonica player / 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, performing “Hey Bartender.”
The band began to take on a life beyond the confines of the television screen….thus releasing an album, Briefcase Full of Blues, in 1978….and then having 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. The band reformed in 1988 for a world tour and again in 1998 for a sequel to the film, Blues Brothers 2000. They make regular appearances at musical festivals worldwide still today.
The truth of the matter is that both Akyroyd and Belushi are legends of comedy today….but their “side gig” as The Blues Brothers reached far beyond their comedy….cuz folks all over the world show up still today as The Blues Brothers at sporting arenas and stadiums everywhere. ENJOY!!!
