"The Blues Brothers" is a classic musical comedy film that was released in 1980 and directed by John Landis. It's known for its iconic characters, memorable music, and hilarious moments. Here are some interesting facts about the movie and the song "Soul Finger":
"Soul Finger" by The Bar-Kays: The song "Soul Finger" was not originally created for "The Blues Brothers" movie. It was actually a 1967 hit by the Memphis-based band The Bar-Kays. The song became a soul and funk classic and was included in the film's soundtrack to help establish the band as the backing group for the Blues Brothers.
The Blues Brothers Band: The Blues Brothers band featured in the movie was a real working band. It was formed by comedians John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who portrayed Jake and Elwood Blues, respectively. The band included renowned musicians like Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, and Matt "Guitar" Murphy, among others.
Musical Guest Appearances: "The Blues Brothers" featured several musical guest appearances, including performances by Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, and James Brown. These appearances added to the film's musical authenticity and showcased some of the greatest talents in soul and R&B music.
High-Speed Chases: The film is also known for its numerous high-speed car chases and stunts. The famous car used by the Blues Brothers, a 1974 Dodge Monaco, was affectionately known as the "Bluesmobile." It was equipped with a powerful police engine and was involved in many destructive stunts throughout the movie.
Belushi's Training: John Belushi took harmonica lessons from renowned blues harmonica player Curtis Salgado to prepare for his role as Jake Blues. Salgado also played a small role in the film as a member of the band.
Success of the Film: "The Blues Brothers" was a commercial success, grossing over $115 million worldwide. It helped revive interest in blues and R&B music and became a cult classic over the years.
Belushi's Dedication: John Belushi was extremely dedicated to his role as Jake Blues. He gained weight for the role and even performed many of his own stunts. His commitment to the character is a testament to his acting prowess.
Record for Most Cars Destroyed: The film holds a Guinness World Record for the most cars destroyed in a single movie. Over 100 cars were wrecked during the various chase scenes.
Cult Following: "The Blues Brothers" has developed a dedicated cult following over the years. Fans of the film often participate in events known as "Blues Brothers Rallies," where they dress up as characters from the movie and reenact scenes.
Legacy: The success of "The Blues Brothers" led to various spin-offs, including a popular animated series and several live concerts featuring Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi (John Belushi's brother) as the Blues Brothers. It also inspired a sequel, "Blues Brothers 2000," released in 1998.
"Soul Finger" and "The Blues Brothers" continue to be celebrated in popular culture, and the film's music remains a cherished part of American music history.