Jim Belushi recently shared a cherished memory from his early days in Hollywood, recalling the proud moment of watching his brother, the late John Belushi, fully embrace his role in The Blues Brothers.
“I loved that moment, to see my brother just hit the top of his chart.”
John Belushi became a standout comedic performer as part of the first “Saturday Night Live” cast in 1975. Together with Dan Aykroyd, he developed The Blues Brothers, which evolved from a sketch into a real blues and soul band.
The duo debuted as musical guests on “SNL” in April 1978 and soon turned their act into a full band. By September that year, they were opening for Steve Martin at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles.
“I loved going to the Universal Amphitheater when they came to LA and they opened for Steve Martin,”
Jim recalled during the premiere of his new film “Song Sung Blue” at AFI Fest in Hollywood. “And John was so magnificent. I loved that moment, to see my brother just hit the top of his chart.”
Tragically, John Belushi died two years later, on March 5, 1982, from a suspected drug overdose. After his brother’s passing, Jim eventually joined Aykroyd as Zee Blues, continuing the beloved musical legacy of The Blues Brothers.
Author’s Summary: Jim Belushi fondly remembers watching his brother John shine in The Blues Brothers, a performance that became a lasting symbol of comedy and music history.