American R&B revue formed in 1978 by Saturday Night Live cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi (1949-1982). Originally a recurring SNL sketch (1976-1979) before launching the recording and touring band with a backing ensemble of veteran R&B session musicians including Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, and Tom Malone.
Released Briefcase Full of Blues (1978, #1 on the Billboard 200) and the soundtrack to the The Blues Brothers film (1980, directed by John Landis). Belushi died in 1982 of a drug overdose; Aykroyd has continued the project with various replacement "Blues Brothers" including Jim Belushi (John's brother) and John Goodman.
