As a devoted fan of John Belushi and his iconic work, I’ve always been captivated by the raw energy and authenticity he brought to every role he played. The recent discovery of an old interview with Belushi from 1979, found in the Audible audio documentary “Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude,” offers a fascinating glimpse into his perspective on the criticisms surrounding his groundbreaking musical comedy, The Blues Brothers.
In an unprecedented conversation from 1979, John Belushi shares his thoughts on the criticisms that The Blues Brothers, his musical comedy, faced during its release. This rare interview is included in the Audible documentary “Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude,” and as reported by EW, it was conducted by music critic Steve Bloom. Three years before Belushi’s passing, he speaks candidly about the controversy surrounding the film’s exploitation of a genre deeply rooted in African-American culture and Black artists.
In his defense, Belushi argues that the critics don’t get it, adding that both the audience and his bandmates comprehend his actions.
As a fan, I can understand how bizarre it may seem from the outside why someone does certain things without it being driven by ego, financial gain, or the desire for love and adoration from an audience. The people closest to them, including band members, get it. But for others, there might be a hint of jealousy involved. However, let me clarify that what I do has nothing to do with these motivations. It’s not about stroking my ego or filling my pockets with money. Nor is it about seeking validation from an audience. Instead, it’s an inherent part of who I am, a deep-rooted passion that fuels me from within.
After this, Bloom attempts to pose another query to Belushi, but instead, the humorist voluntarily adds more opinions regarding the criticisms against “The Blues Brothers.” He responds forcefully in defense.
I’ve dedicated my life to music, pouring my heart and soul into creating art with my band. So when people attack me personally, it feels like a low blow. They don’t seem to understand that their criticisms aren’t just targeting me, but the entire band. It’s disheartening because we’ve worked so hard to bring our music to life and share it with the world. I can’t help but feel frustrated when people reduce our efforts to mere schmuckery, especially since they’re doing it for something that means so much to me.
“That’s not the purpose of the Blues Brothers!”
After Bloom’s initial criticism, he provided more background information, admitting honestly that in his opinion, they were targeting you. He even brought up instances of white musicians profiting from Black music while Black artists didn’t see the same financial success. Hearing this defense from Belushi left me feeling slightly taken aback and I found myself fiercely defending my portrayal of the characters in “The Blues Brothers” movie and on “Saturday Night Live.”
As a dedicated fan, I’d like to clarify something important: The Blues Brothers aren’t just about buying one or two blues records. Instead, I urge you all to amass as many blues records as you possibly can! With my band, it’s more than just an introduction; we share the stage and work together, something rarely seen. I have Dan Aykroyd, a talented individual, and we divide everything equally amongst us. We give the audience a chance to enjoy the music of various artists from our albums. Some may doubt my abilities, but that’s not what it’s all about! We might not be fantastic entertainers in the traditional sense, but the essence of the Blues Brothers lies in sharing and celebrating the rich history and talent of blues music.
As a gamer, I’d say: I once played a role in an unforgettable adventure called “The Blues Brothers.” In this game, Jake (John Belushi) and I, his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd), embarked on a mission to preserve the orphanage that shaped our childhood. To achieve this goal, we reassembled our old band. Now regarded as a beloved cult comedy, “The Blues Brothers” remains a treasured late-night viewing experience.
According to Dan Aykroyd, the “Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude” will be available for listening exclusively on Audible starting July 25.
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2024-07-25 16:03