In Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude, a delightful new Audible Original by Dan Aykroyd, he reminds us of a time in 1978 when his buddy and collaborator John Belushi was simultaneously the star of a huge popular album, motion picture, and television program. Briefcase Full of Blues was the record in question. The Blues Brothers, Aykroyd and Belushi’s band, moved from being a fun side project to a powerhouse band with their own, now-famous movie, The Blues Brothers, from 1980. (Obviously, Saturday Night Live was the show, and Animal House was the movie.) Even though Belushi passed away in 1982, Aykroyd and John’s brother James Belushi continue to play as the Blues Brothers; they have a show scheduled for August 17 at
The eyes flashed awake, saying, Hey, listen. Every day is a blessing in life. I’m very appreciative. I’m incredibly appreciative of everything that has occurred to me, both good and bad, and that I get to enjoy the luxury of being a little older. Many people haven’t. I lost my brother, my friend Paul Allen (owner of the Seattle Seahawks), and John Belushi at a young age. We lost a great deal, but I’m still here, therefore I’m grateful, content, and glad.
It was thrilling, for sure, but I also felt a little nostalgic—perhaps there are other ways to put it. In addition, I had to force myself to relive some of the anguish while I was composing the copy. stuff made me realize that I hadn’t fully thought through a lot of stuff.
