The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers started as a comedy sketch on Saturday Night Live in 1977, with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd playing two musicians trying to save rhythm and blues. What began as a bit quickly turned into a real band, and their 1978 debut album Briefcase Full of Blues included songs like Sweet Home Chicago and Hey Bartender.

Their live shows were loud and energetic, backed by musicians like guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Donald Dunn. They covered classic blues and soul numbers, putting their own spin on tracks such as Minnie The Moocher and She Caught The Katy. The act's mix of comedy and genuine musical chops gave it an appeal that went beyond the original SNL audience.

After John Belushi's death in 1982, the band reformed with James Belushi on vocals, but the dynamic had changed. They kept performing and recording, with later albums like Super Blue in 1988, but the early years with the original duo defined what people remembered. Their music showed up in movies and their look became part of pop culture, even as debates about their authenticity as a blues act lingered.