About
Anyone who has ever craved plain white toast and four fried chickens understands that the Blues Brothers were on a mission from god. Joliet Jake and his brother Elwood were created by the late, great John Belushi and his partner Dan Aykroyd. The duo began as a way to warm up the audience before Saturday Night Live broadcasts, but soon became a semi-regular act on the show, and later graduated to a legitimate touring band with hit albums and a feature film. Their trademark look was inspired by the modernists of English subcultural yore, blues enthusiasts who donned three-button black suits, skinny black ties, porkpie hats and Wayfarer sunglasses. Backed by the likes of guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn (legends from the Stax studio's house band), as well as other well-known session players, the Blues Brothers covered standards from the Stax-Volt vaults with genuine affection. Although they began as a sketch, the two turned a new generation onto classic blues and soul.
- Eric Shea
- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.