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Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude

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Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude

Written by: Dan Aykroyd
Narrated by: Dan Aykroyd
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About this listen

The sound. The suits. The sunglasses. The Blues Brothers have firmly cemented their place as pop-culture icons in the annals of entertainment history. But how did a band that debuted as a goofy sketch on Saturday Night Live in 1976 go on to have a hit movie and a number one record in the space of just four short years? Simple. They were “on a mission from God”.

Now, nearly 50 years later, Elwood Blues (aka Dan Aykroyd) is on another mission—to tell the full story of how two young actors went from blues lovers to Blues Brothers. In this fascinating audio documentary Aykroyd “gets the band back together”, taking listeners on a road trip through time—from late nights in the early days with John Belushi at Dan’s speakeasy in Toronto, to working with blues legends Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles on The Blues Brothers movie, through the founding of House of Blues, the Blues Brothers 2000 sequel, and beyond.

Along the way, Aykroyd is joined by band members, friends, filmmakers, and cohorts who witnessed the Blues Brothers’ birth and meteoric rise firsthand, including Jim Belushi, Paul Shaffer, Curtis Salgado, John Landis, Steve Jordan, and more. Also featuring conversations with the late Judy Belushi Pisano, and a previously unheard interview with John Belushi himself.

Thoughtful, entertaining, and endlessly illuminating, Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude is a joyous celebration of the legendary band that kick-started a blues revival and launched a lasting legacy.

©2024 Applied Action Research Inc. (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC Entertainment & Celebrities
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Editorial Review

They got the blues
I remember seeing the Blues Brothers debut on Saturday Night Live. I thought it was just another skit. I kept waiting for the punchline or something funny to happen, maybe their suits would fall off, something dumb like that. And then I realized these guys were for real, and they really knew what they were singing about. I loved everything – the suits, the glasses – and they had some moves. I enjoyed this listen because it fills in the blanks, as a great oral history should. It is happy, cool and touching. Dan Aykroyd’s narration is driving and energetic, yet sensitive. One special fact about the Blues Brothers: They didn’t take the goods from the Black men and women of the blues before them and run. They involved them, they respected them to the utmost – James Brown, Aretha and many more who had faded away were working again. I loved Aykroyd’s imitation of Ray Charles when he was explaining how to play something. With so much appropriation in the world, Jake and Elwood did the right thing and did it very well, and became cultural icons for the ages. —Yvonne D., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude

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Profile Image for Johnathon Stuart

Excellent quality and fantastic presentation!

An excellent story and great listen. Dan Aykroyd might be making some stuff up or exaggerating the truth but it's a final nd emotional performance overall. Very insightful with loads of guests

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Amazing!!!

Brings back great memories from my college days seeing them on snl and in the theatre.

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Profile Image for Gerry Corcoran

A comedy legend retold

This is an awesome short production about the hostory of The Blues Brothers, told by Dan Aykroyd himself, with the aid of a ton of blues legends and other celebrities who helped them along the way. Even if you're not a fan of the act, there's some great storytelling in this and it's produced very well. This is the kind of comedy act that we don't get anymore.

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Dan delivering at a 12

I am one of those kids mentioned in the audiobook who grew up watching this movie with my family. One of the greatest compliments I ever recirleved was shouted out a car window as I walked down a New York street "Hey Blues Brother" from the window of a low rider. it made my night, this was an insight into the story behind the collaboration. it was truly illuminating and Dan brings his bombastic and earnest delivery. Truly a delight for the fans and to listen so soon after Judith's passing it was wonderful to hear.

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Dan Aykroyd reading it!

A story I never knew and very interesting! So glad to had listened and hear it told by Canadian Dan Aykroyd himself!!!

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Profile Image for Randy Lahey

A great listen for Blues Brothers fans

A great history of how the band came to be featuring the movie's stars providing their take on the phenomenon. Recommended.

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Blues Brothers Forever!

Great story , brings back lots of memories! Love the nostalgia of watching the original movie! Highly recommend listening to this story. Now I’m going to rewatch this movie

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Finally

Loved this back up story of the Blues Brothers and hearing from Dan and the others still alive and kicking.

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Great story telling

I loved the contextual information he shared and his take on things. Really enjoyable listening.

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No one tells a story like Dan Aykroyd

So glad Danny told this story, and that he got the band back together, so to speak, to help tell the tale. A beautiful, reverential tribute. Just wonderful.

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