Late comedian John Belushi, alongside Dan Aykroyd, created the iconic duo known as the Blues Brothers in the late 1970s on “Saturday Night Live.” This partnership not only entertained audiences but also laid the groundwork for a cult classic that would resonate through generations.
The Blues Brothers gained immense popularity through their weekly sketches, culminating in the release of “The Blues Brothers” movie in 1980. However, their rise to fame was not without controversy. Critics questioned the duo’s place in the blues genre, which has deep roots in Black culture, and this criticism was addressed by Belushi in a recently unearthed 1979 interview featured in the Audible documentary, “Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude.”
In the interview, Belushi confronted the backlash regarding the Blues Brothers being perceived as White men appropriating Black music. Music critic Steve Bloom, who conducted the interview, highlighted the skepticism surrounding Belushi’s ability to authentically represent the blues. Headlines from that time included provocative questions like, “Can Belushi sing the whites?” and “Why the Brothers ain’t got no blues?”
Belushi’s response was candid and passionate. “It’s just weird, you know?” he remarked. “Why would I do these things? The people watching me understand why I do it, and the band members do. The other people – there’s a certain amount of jealousy, I think, involved.” He emphasized that his motivations were not driven by ego or financial gain. “Why do I do what I do? First of all, it has nothing to do with ego, it has nothing to do with money, you know, or the need to be loved by an audience. I don’t have any of those feelings.”
Belushi expressed frustration over the attacks directed at him, noting that they also affected his band. “What the f— do these people think I am, anyway? I can’t f—ing understand why they would attack – see, when they attack me, they attack the band, and I hate when they attack the band, because then it makes them look like schmucks for doing what they did for me.”
Bloom pointed out a historical context, stating, “You see, there’s a long line of cases where White musicians play Black music and make money while the Black musicians don’t make the money, supposedly.” Belushi countered this narrative by asserting the Blues Brothers’ intentions. “That’s not the purpose of the Blues Brothers,” he stated. “I say on the record, ‘Buy as many blues records as you can.’ I introduce my band, which is never done. I share the stage with each member of the group, which is never done. I have Danny Aykroyd, you know; we all split everything right down the middle. I give the people, artists parts of the album. I’m putting them in a movie, you know? Nobody believes me.”
He acknowledged his own limitations, saying, “I’m not f—ing fantastic, but that’s not the point.” This humility reflected Belushi’s understanding of his role within the larger context of the music he loved.
Tragically, just three years after this interview, Belushi’s life was cut short at the age of 33 due to a drug overdose. His untimely death at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles shocked fans and friends alike. The night before he passed away, Belushi was reportedly enjoying the company of friends, including Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, as well as a woman named Kathy Smith, who later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for providing him with the drugs that led to his death.
The news of Belushi’s passing was devastating for those close to him. Aykroyd, who was working on the “Ghostbusters” script at the time, received the heartbreaking call from their agent, Bernie Brillstein. He recalled the moment he had to inform Belushi’s wife, Judy. “Having to tell Judy that John was gone, that I’ll never forget. That’s a piece of trauma that will be with me forever,” Aykroyd shared in a later interview.
Judy Belushi Pisano recounted the moment she learned of her husband’s death. She described how she sensed something was wrong when Aykroyd arrived at their home. “He sort of started to say something and not be able to say it. And he said, ‘I don’t know how to tell you.’ And I kind of like grabbed him and said, ‘Has he been hurt?’ And he said, ‘No, honey, he’s dead.’”
The impact of Belushi’s death was profound, leaving a void in the lives of those who loved him and in the world of comedy and music. Aykroyd reflected on the emotional toll it took on him, stating, “Losing him set me back for a full year, but then I just wanted to go on and do more work and carry on.”
In the years following his death, Belushi’s legacy continued to grow. The Blues Brothers became a symbol of a unique blend of comedy and music, and their influence can still be felt today. The documentary “Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude” serves as a reminder of Belushi’s passion for the blues and his commitment to honoring the artists who paved the way for him.
Belushi’s story is a poignant reminder of the complexities of cultural representation in music and the challenges faced by artists who navigate these waters. His defense of the Blues Brothers against critics highlights the importance of understanding intent and context in the world of art.
As we reflect on Belushi’s life and career, it is essential to recognize the contributions he made to comedy and music, as well as the conversations he sparked about cultural appropriation and representation. The Blues Brothers remain a beloved part of pop culture, and Belushi’s spirit continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Source: NY Daily News
