Even superfans will be blown away by these secrets! In this video, we uncover 10 wild facts about TheBluesBrothers that slipped under the radar for decades. · TheBluesBrothers didn't just bend genres—it ran straight through them at full speed. But behind the music and mayhem was a production that nearly came apart more than once. The script was a mess. The budget spiraled. One actor disappeared into the city mid-shoot. And somehow, it all worked. In 1980, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi starred in TheBluesBrothers, which spawned tons of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the famous John Belushi backflip story. 22 years later, in 2002, Aykroyd teamed up with John's brother Jim and returned to the sight of one of their biggest moments. · TheBluesBrothers is one of those films that never gets old. Released in 1980, it quickly became a cult classic, known for its high-speed car chases, epic musical numbers, and an ensemble cast of legendary stars. Real Blues Brothers, Real InstrumentsWhen Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi decided to transition their Blues Brothers act from a comedic sketch to a serious musical endeavor, they didn't just bring their characters to life on the stage; they brought together a supergroup of musicians to back them. The band, featuring legendary figures like guitarist Steve Cropper and saxophonist "Blue Lou" Marini, wasn't just a backing band; they became an integral part of the Blues Brothers' identity. This group of musicians, who were among the bes...See full list on screenrant.comQueen of Soul Couldn't Fake It?The inclusion of music legends inThe Blues Brothers film added a layer of authenticity and excitement, bringing their iconic sounds to a new audience. Among these legends was Aretha Franklin, whose performance of "Think" is one of the film's highlights. However, Franklin faced a challenge unfamiliar to most professional singers: lip-synching to her own recording. According to John Landis in a tribute written for The Hollywood Reporter, this was a struggle not unique to Franklin; many of the f...See full list on screenrant.comStreet Cast For Ray Charles?Ray Charles’ unforgettable appearance in The Blues Brothers as a music shop owner is not just memorable for his musical prowess but also for the spontaneous dance it incites. What makes this scene truly special, as John Landis revealed (via Yahoo), is that the dancers were not professionals but rather everyday peoplefound on the streets of Chicago. This decision was partly due to the fact that the film's stars, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, were not particularly skilled dancers themselves. By...See full list on screenrant.comBlues Brothers: Surprisingly Holy?Despite its R-rated content and behind-the-scenes controversies, The Blues Brothers received an unexpected endorsement from the Vatican in 2010,being declared a "Catholic classic" alongside films like The Ten Commandments and It's a Wonderful Life. This recognition, bestowed by the Vatican's official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, in celebration of the film's 30th anniversary, underscores the movie's underlying message of redemption and mission. The film, which tells the story of two brothe...See full list on screenrant.comCalloway's Disco Moocher? Not This Time!Cab Calloway's performance in The Blues Brothers is a standout moment, perfectly capturing the film's celebration of classic music. Calloway, a jazz icon, delivers a rendition of "Minnie the Moocher" that harks back to its original 1931 release. However, this nearly wasn't the case. John Landis recalls in The Blues Brothers DVD commentary that Calloway had initially wanted to perform a disco-style version of the song, a recent re-recording that veered away from its jazz roots. Landis's decisi...See full list on screenrant.comCops Dig Jake Blues?The Chicago Police Department loved John Belushi. By the time The Blues Brothers was released, Belushi was a massively popular comedian due to his time on Saturday Night Live and the success of National Lampoon’s Animal House. In short, Belushi was so famous that he could essentially do whatever he wanted. Producer and writer Mitch Glazer even recalled times when police officers would recognize Belushi on the street and give them a ride home. Aykroyd even went as far as calling Belushi the “u...See full list on screenrant.comBlues Brothers: Record Breakers?There were plenty of explosions, special effects, and car chases in The Blues Brothers. After Jake and Elwood escape from The Palace Hotel Ballroom, they rush to Chicago City Hall to pay the Roman Catholic Orphanage’s tax bill. This led to a police chase, with the two characters in the run. Dozens of police cars chased them through the streets of Chicago, and a total of 103 cars were destroyed during filming. They held the world record (via Jalopnik) for most cars destroyed in a film for two...See full list on screenrant.comBelushi's Bigger Payday?John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd were two of the original cast members on Saturday Night Live, but Belushi hit fame before Aykroyd did. Aykroyd would, of course, go on to star in films like Ghostbusters and Coneheads, but Animal House really kickstarted Belushi's career. Because of Belushi’s previous acting experience, his paycheck reflected it. Aykroyd got paid $250,000 for The Blues Brothers while Belushi got double that at $500,000 (via Vanity Fair). Belushi could have continued his acting car...See full list on screenrant.comReal Mall, Real Mayhem!While many films build giant sets to destroy for filming purposes, The Blues Brothers destroyed an actual mall. The iconic scene was filmed in Dixie Square Mall in Harvey, Illinois, which had recently been closed due to crime and gang activity in the area. According to a documentary on the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Blues Brothers, the then-empty mall was filled with actual merchandise from stores, with the promise that any merchandise undamaged would be returned. The parking lot of the...See full list on screenrant.comLove on the Set: Blues Brothers StyleThe Blues Brothers came out three years after the massive success of Star Wars and snagged one of the film’s stars: Carrie Fisher. Fisher played the mystery woman who was Jake's ex-fiancée. In real life, though, she was engaged to Dan Aykroyd. Belushi set them up on set after Aykroyd gave her the Heimlich maneuver when she choked on a Brussels sprout (via People). They fell in love and eventually got engaged. Aykroyd even revealed they thought about having children together, which didn’t end...See full list on screenrant.comJun 18, 2025 · For Chicago, TheBluesBrothers wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment. And 45 years later, Jake and Elwood are still wearing their suits, still driving that battered Bluesmobile, and still carrying the city’s soul with them, wherever they go. Why did the Blues Brothers fall behind in production?One of the many reasons why The Blues Brothers fell behind in production was because Belushi constantly disappeared or didn’t show up to set. Aykroyd even admitted to Vanity Fair that part of the film’s budget was for cocaine for night shoots.How many cars were destroyed in the Blues Brothers?For Chicago, The Blues Brothers wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment. And 45 years later, Jake and Elwood are still wearing their suits, still driving that battered Bluesmobile, and still carrying the city’s soul with them, wherever they go. The film held the record for most cars destroyed in a movie at the time—103 in total.Is the Blues Brothers based on a true story?Set in Chicago and based on Saturday Night Live characters, The Blues Brothers features several musical celebrity cameos such as Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. Despite The Blues Brothers being over 40 years old, there are still some facts you might not know about the cast and the making of the movie.Are the car chases in the Blues Brothers real?Yes, the car chases in The Blues Brothers are real and are considered some of the most thrilling scenes in the film. 6. What is the plot of The Blues Brothers? · Discover 30 astonishing facts about the iconic film TheBluesBrothers and dive into the fascinating world of music, comedy, and adventure.
· TheBluesBrothers didn't just bend genres—it ran straight through them at full speed. But behind the music and mayhem was a production that nearly came apart more than once. The script was a mess. The budget spiraled. One actor disappeared into the city mid-shoot. And somehow, it all worked.
In 1980, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi starred in TheBluesBrothers, which spawned tons of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the famous John Belushi backflip story. 22 years later, in 2002, Aykroyd teamed up with John's brother Jim and returned to the sight of one of their biggest moments.
· TheBluesBrothers is one of those films that never gets old. Released in 1980, it quickly became a cult classic, known for its high-speed car chases, epic musical numbers, and an ensemble cast of legendary stars.
Real Blues Brothers, Real InstrumentsWhen Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi decided to transition their Blues Brothers act from a comedic sketch to a serious musical endeavor, they didn't just bring their characters to life on the stage; they brought together a supergroup of musicians to back them. The band, featuring legendary figures like guitarist Steve Cropper and saxophonist "Blue Lou" Marini, wasn't just a backing band; they became an integral part of the Blues Brothers' identity. This group of musicians, who were among the bes...See full list on screenrant.comQueen of Soul Couldn't Fake It?The inclusion of music legends inThe Blues Brothers film added a layer of authenticity and excitement, bringing their iconic sounds to a new audience. Among these legends was Aretha Franklin, whose performance of "Think" is one of the film's highlights. However, Franklin faced a challenge unfamiliar to most professional singers: lip-synching to her own recording. According to John Landis in a tribute written for The Hollywood Reporter, this was a struggle not unique to Franklin; many of the f...See full list on screenrant.comStreet Cast For Ray Charles?Ray Charles’ unforgettable appearance in The Blues Brothers as a music shop owner is not just memorable for his musical prowess but also for the spontaneous dance it incites. What makes this scene truly special, as John Landis revealed (via Yahoo), is that the dancers were not professionals but rather everyday peoplefound on the streets of Chicago. This decision was partly due to the fact that the film's stars, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, were not particularly skilled dancers themselves. By...See full list on screenrant.comBlues Brothers: Surprisingly Holy?Despite its R-rated content and behind-the-scenes controversies, The Blues Brothers received an unexpected endorsement from the Vatican in 2010,being declared a "Catholic classic" alongside films like The Ten Commandments and It's a Wonderful Life. This recognition, bestowed by the Vatican's official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, in celebration of the film's 30th anniversary, underscores the movie's underlying message of redemption and mission. The film, which tells the story of two brothe...See full list on screenrant.comCalloway's Disco Moocher? Not This Time!Cab Calloway's performance in The Blues Brothers is a standout moment, perfectly capturing the film's celebration of classic music. Calloway, a jazz icon, delivers a rendition of "Minnie the Moocher" that harks back to its original 1931 release. However, this nearly wasn't the case. John Landis recalls in The Blues Brothers DVD commentary that Calloway had initially wanted to perform a disco-style version of the song, a recent re-recording that veered away from its jazz roots. Landis's decisi...See full list on screenrant.comCops Dig Jake Blues?The Chicago Police Department loved John Belushi. By the time The Blues Brothers was released, Belushi was a massively popular comedian due to his time on Saturday Night Live and the success of National Lampoon’s Animal House. In short, Belushi was so famous that he could essentially do whatever he wanted. Producer and writer Mitch Glazer even recalled times when police officers would recognize Belushi on the street and give them a ride home. Aykroyd even went as far as calling Belushi the “u...See full list on screenrant.comBlues Brothers: Record Breakers?There were plenty of explosions, special effects, and car chases in The Blues Brothers. After Jake and Elwood escape from The Palace Hotel Ballroom, they rush to Chicago City Hall to pay the Roman Catholic Orphanage’s tax bill. This led to a police chase, with the two characters in the run. Dozens of police cars chased them through the streets of Chicago, and a total of 103 cars were destroyed during filming. They held the world record (via Jalopnik) for most cars destroyed in a film for two...See full list on screenrant.comBelushi's Bigger Payday?John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd were two of the original cast members on Saturday Night Live, but Belushi hit fame before Aykroyd did. Aykroyd would, of course, go on to star in films like Ghostbusters and Coneheads, but Animal House really kickstarted Belushi's career. Because of Belushi’s previous acting experience, his paycheck reflected it. Aykroyd got paid $250,000 for The Blues Brothers while Belushi got double that at $500,000 (via Vanity Fair). Belushi could have continued his acting car...See full list on screenrant.comReal Mall, Real Mayhem!While many films build giant sets to destroy for filming purposes, The Blues Brothers destroyed an actual mall. The iconic scene was filmed in Dixie Square Mall in Harvey, Illinois, which had recently been closed due to crime and gang activity in the area. According to a documentary on the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Blues Brothers, the then-empty mall was filled with actual merchandise from stores, with the promise that any merchandise undamaged would be returned. The parking lot of the...See full list on screenrant.comLove on the Set: Blues Brothers StyleThe Blues Brothers came out three years after the massive success of Star Wars and snagged one of the film’s stars: Carrie Fisher. Fisher played the mystery woman who was Jake's ex-fiancée. In real life, though, she was engaged to Dan Aykroyd. Belushi set them up on set after Aykroyd gave her the Heimlich maneuver when she choked on a Brussels sprout (via People). They fell in love and eventually got engaged. Aykroyd even revealed they thought about having children together, which didn’t end...See full list on screenrant.comJun 18, 2025 · For Chicago, TheBluesBrothers wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment. And 45 years later, Jake and Elwood are still wearing their suits, still driving that battered Bluesmobile, and still carrying the city’s soul with them, wherever they go. Why did the Blues Brothers fall behind in production?One of the many reasons why The Blues Brothers fell behind in production was because Belushi constantly disappeared or didn’t show up to set. Aykroyd even admitted to Vanity Fair that part of the film’s budget was for cocaine for night shoots.How many cars were destroyed in the Blues Brothers?For Chicago, The Blues Brothers wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment. And 45 years later, Jake and Elwood are still wearing their suits, still driving that battered Bluesmobile, and still carrying the city’s soul with them, wherever they go. The film held the record for most cars destroyed in a movie at the time—103 in total.Is the Blues Brothers based on a true story?Set in Chicago and based on Saturday Night Live characters, The Blues Brothers features several musical celebrity cameos such as Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. Despite The Blues Brothers being over 40 years old, there are still some facts you might not know about the cast and the making of the movie.Are the car chases in the Blues Brothers real?Yes, the car chases in The Blues Brothers are real and are considered some of the most thrilling scenes in the film. 6. What is the plot of The Blues Brothers? · Discover 30 astonishing facts about the iconic film TheBluesBrothers and dive into the fascinating world of music, comedy, and adventure.
· For Chicago, TheBluesBrothers wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment. And 45 years later, Jake and Elwood are still wearing their suits, still driving that battered Bluesmobile, and still carrying the city’s soul with them, wherever they go.
· Discover 30 astonishing facts about the iconic film TheBluesBrothers and dive into the fascinating world of music, comedy, and adventure.
