Jim Belushi shared an exclusive story with PEOPLE about a cherished moment from his early career in Hollywood that involved his late brother, John Belushi. John was a comedian and musician, famously known for his performances on Saturday Night Live and as part of The Blues Brothers. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 33.
John Belushi rose to fame beginning in 1975 as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live. Alongside Dan Aykroyd, he created the iconic characters “Joliet” Jake Blues and Elwood Blues, which led to the formation of The Blues Brothers, a blues and soul band. The duo first appeared as musical guests on SNL in April 1978.
After expanding their lineup to include a full band, The Blues Brothers opened for Steve Martin during a residency at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles in September 1978.
“What I loved most about that time was witnessing the magic both my brother and I were creating in showbiz together,” said Jim Belushi.
Jim Belushi, now 71, shared these reflections with PEOPLE at the premiere of Song Sung Blue during the AFI Fest in Los Angeles on October 26.
Author’s summary: Jim Belushi fondly remembers the early days of his and his brother John’s entertainment careers, highlighting their creative beginnings and the impact of The Blues Brothers on their rise to fame.