American blues revue founded in 1978 by Saturday Night Live cast members Dan Aykroyd (vocals/harmonica, as Elwood Blues) and John Belushi (vocals, as Jake Blues). Backed by a long-running professional band including Steve Cropper (guitar), Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass), and the SNL horns. Originally conceived as a parody on SNL; became a successful touring and recording act.
Released the live debut Briefcase Full of Blues (1978, which hit #1 on the Billboard 200) and the The Blues Brothers soundtrack (1980), among others. The 1980 film The Blues Brothers — directed by John Landis — became a cult classic. Belushi died of a drug overdose in 1982; Aykroyd continued the act with brother Jim Belushi and others.
