The Blues Brothers, formally, variously
The Blues Brothers' Show Band and Revue and
The Blues Brothers' Rhythm and Blues Revue, are an American
blues and
rhythm and blues revivalist band founded in 1976 by comedy actors
Dan Aykroyd and
John Belushi as part of a
musical sketch on
Saturday Night Live. Belushi and Aykroyd, in character as lead vocalist "Joliet" Jake Blues (named after
Joliet Prison) and harmonica player/backing vocalist Elwood Blues (named after the
Elwood Ordnance Plant, which made TNT and grenades during World War II), fronted the band, which was composed of well-known and respected musicians. The Blues Brothers first appeared on
Saturday Night Live on January 17, 1976. The band made its second appearance as the
musical guest on the April 22, 1978 episode of
Saturday Night Live. They made their third and final appearance on November 18, 1978.