Jim Belushi reveals what it was really like to watch his brother John get into ‘Blues Brothers’ role

Jim Belushi recalls his brother John's iconic Blues Brothers moment

Jim Belushi shared a heartfelt memory from his early Hollywood days, reflecting on his late brother John Belushi’s rise to fame through his legendary role in The Blues Brothers.

“I loved that moment, to see my brother just hit the top of his chart.”

John Belushi became one of comedy’s emerging stars as a founding cast member of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. Together with Dan Aykroyd, he created The Blues Brothers, a musical and comedic act blending blues and soul. Their first performance aired on “SNL” in April 1978, later evolving into a full touring band.

By September of that same year, they were opening for Steve Martin during his Universal Amphitheater run in Los Angeles. Jim fondly remembered attending those shows, calling it one of his favorite experiences from that era.

“I’ll tell you what I loved: I loved going to the Universal Amphitheater when they came to LA and they opened for Steve Martin,” Jim, 71, told People during the premiere of his film “Song Sung Blue” at AFI Fest in Hollywood.

Tragically, John Belushi passed away just two years later, on March 5, 1982, from a suspected drug overdose. Following his brother’s death, Jim stepped into the role of Zee Blues at the request of Aykroyd, performing alongside him as Elwood Blues.

Author’s Summary

Jim Belushi emotionally revisits his brother John’s peak as a Blues Brother, portraying both pride and loss while honoring his enduring musical and comedic legacy.

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New York Post New York Post — 2025-11-03

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