In a recently unearthed interview, late comedian John Belushi addresses criticism surrounding the all-White musical duo, Blues Brothers, which he formed with Dan Aykroyd for "Saturday Night Live." Belushi defends their appropriation of Black music culture, citing their genuine love and respect for the genre.
In an unearthed 1979 interview shared for the first time as part of the Audible documentary, "Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude," John Belushi responds to criticism the band received as White men occupying spaces in the blues culture, which was predominantly spearheaded by Black artists.
Soho Weekly News music critic Steve Bloom in 1979 questioned Belushi's authenticity, stating, "Can Belushi sing the whites?" and "Why the Brothers ain't got no blues."
John Belushi Defends Blues Brothers Amidst Cultural Criticism
Belushi responded with bewilderment and dismissed the notion that his intentions were driven by ego, money, or fame. He emphasized his genuine interest in the blues and his respect for the genre's Black pioneers.
"It's just weird, you know? 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. ... 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."
John Belushi Defends Blues Brothers Amidst Cultural Criticism
Bloom argued that White musicians had historically profited from Black music while Black musicians themselves struggled to achieve financial success. However, Belushi rejected this accusation, citing his band's inclusive nature and their efforts to share the spotlight with Black artists.
"That's not the purpose of the Blues Brothers," Belushi said. "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."
John Belushi Defends Blues Brothers Amidst Cultural Criticism
Belushi expressed frustration over the criticism, which he felt was unfair and disrespectful to his bandmates. He believed that the Blues Brothers were simply spreading their love of blues music with audiences.
"I’m not f---ing fantastic, but that’s not the point."
John Belushi Defends Blues Brothers Amidst Cultural Criticism
Belushi's untimely death in 1982 at the age of 33 cut short his career and the Blues Brothers' legacy. However, their impact on music and pop culture remains evident through their enduring popularity and influence.
In the Audible documentary, Belushi's fellow Blues Brother, Dan Aykroyd, reflects on the loss of his friend and artistic partner.
John Belushi Defends Blues Brothers Amidst Cultural Criticism
"After a night of drinking brandy, smoking cigarettes and consuming cocaine, John succumbed in Bungalow 3 of the Chateau Marmont in L.A. to a non-self-administered injection of mixed cocaine and heroin, commonly known as a speedball," Aykroyd says. "He was 33 years of age. I was 29."
Belushi's widow, Judy Belushi Pisano, recalls the devastating moment she received the news of his passing.
John Belushi Defends Blues Brothers Amidst Cultural Criticism
"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.'"
Despite the challenges and controversies they faced, the Blues Brothers remain an iconic duo that left an unforgettable mark on music and entertainment.
