The Blues Brothers

“Juliet” Jake and Elwood Blues (aka John Belushi) and Dan Aykroyd are without doubt the most famous fictitious blues duo in the history of… what? Film? Blues-rock? Comedy? Hipness? First appearing on the US television comedy show Saturday Night Live, the enigmatic brothers—always clad in past-it black suits, black fedoras, narrow ties (black) and sunglasses (always)—were a television hit who expanded into albums, tours and most importantly, a timeless hit film: “The Blues Brothers” (1980).

Blues purists can be sniffy about Jake and Elwood’s music but we reckon they are missing the point. A whole generation of new fans were introduced to soul and R&B classics, including an utterly fabulous performance by Aretha Franklin of her 1968 hit “Think”, while enjoying some great playing by the musicians Aykroyd and Belushi recruited. Want to hear honest, exuberant R&B and Soul? Try The Blues Brothers Soundtrack. As a bonus you get Ray Charles, Aretha, and James Brown. What a deal.