Soul, Chaos & Sunglasses: Why The Blues Brothers Still Hits Like 1980

Story By Mitchell Smith

1980 was a crazy year, Pac-Man was released, Ronald Regan was elected president, John Lennon was assassinated, Mt St Helens erupted and the Saturday Night Live skit The Blues Brothers hit the big screen. What started out as a skit by Dan Aykroyd and the late great John Belushi on SNL in 1978 became a hit with a long time following still popular today. The movie itself was a musical, a comedy, and a road house movie that featured many stars and rising stars of the time.

Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles all had parts in this movie. Other rising stars such as Carrie Fisher, Frank Oz, and John Candy all had parts in the film. Along with several musicians including some SNL members the Blues Brothers were on a mission from god to get the band back together and save their childhood orphanage.

There is an epic police car chase and when it comes right down to it this is one of the all time greatest movies ever made. If you have never seen this one the time has come. Have a great weekend everyone.

Synopsis
“Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and his brother Elwood were raised. On a ‘mission from God,’ the brothers hit the road in their battered Bluesmobile, dodging the police, neo-Nazis, angry country bands, and more — all while delivering unforgettable musical performances from legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles.”