Great audiobook about the history of the Blues Brothers, a movie and comedy duo I've been a fan of for decades.

This is a well-researched and detailed book about one of the most popular duos of their era and the movie where they displayed their talent. There is so much interesting information in the book about the people involved and the history behind so much of the comedy acts. It's heartbreaking to read how fame led to drug use and death for some of these most talented people. Such a waste and so sad.

What a bargain! For the price of a single book you receive the following:
(1) a biography of John Belushi;
(2) a biography of Dan Aykroyd;
(3) a history of Second City;
(4) a history of National Lampoon;
(5) a history of Saturday Night Live;
(6) a history of Animal House;
(7) mini-biographies of several blues and soul legends; and
(8) a history of The Blues Brothers.

I've left out quite a bit. How can a book this dense be so readable? How can it not be a doorstop? Daniel de Visé is talented, and so is the team at Atlantic Monthly Press. The book flows, too-- all the disparate parts fit together. There are so many ways this book could've been a disjointed mess. Instead, it's the exact opposite. I highly recommend it.

I would like to thank Dreamscape Media for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.

🕶 Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were legendary as part of the early incarnation of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Their friendship and chemistry resulted in many unforgettable moments, but the advent of the Blues Brothers will be their most memorable. This is their story.

🕶 De Vise writes an in-depth history, not only of the Blues Brothers, but the road that led Aykroyd and Belushi to film one of history’s most memorable comedic films. Not many stones are left unturned as the book tells a thoroughly researched story of the two halves that made up the infamous duo. For those of us that saw the first appearance of the Blues Brothers on Saturday Night Live and wore out our copy of Briefcase Full of Blues, this is a must read. Even casual fans or those that have seen the movie will be drawn into the recounting of Aykroyd and Belushi’s career.

🕶 It takes a bit to get to the story of the film, but the headwinds the always over budget and behind schedule production faced was fascinating. It is a near miracle the movie was finished. There is certainly melancholy felt while reading as we know how the story ends for larger-than-life Belushi – a comedic original whose life was cut painfully short by a life of excess. The book deals with this with a note of compassion, delving into the demons and insecurity that plagued him.

🕶 This is a 👍👍 thumbs up, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star biography for sure.

I requested this book from NetGalley because I remember watching the Blues Brothers movie as a teen and loving it. My husband also has their first cd and we’ve enjoyed listening to it for at least 25 years. The book did a great job teaching us more about the lives of John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd. There were a few times where it felt like there could have been a bit less detail, but overall I really enjoyed the book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. It felt like he was a true fan of the Blues Brothers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Blues Brothers is one of my all time favorite movies, so when I saw this book available on NetGalley I had to request it.

This book covers the friendship of John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, the history of improv including the creation and early years of Saturday Night Live, and the making of The Blues Brothers, but despite the title it reads mostly like a biography of John Belushi. The book starts with Belushi's early years and ends with his death, and the act's first appearance on SNL doesn't take place until the 50% mark. Before that point we learn about Belushi and Ackroyd's starts in comedy and there are several passages covering their time at SNL and Belushi's role in Animal House (another fantastic movie). The back half of the book covers the creation of The Blues Brothers including many of the behind the scenes problems with filming. There is a lot of name dropping throughout the book which would probably feel more nostalgic to someone who grew up in this era but as I grew up in an age where these were already considered cult classics I had less familiarity with some of the more obscure people. Despite this, I still really enjoyed this book, and I think it would be even more impactful and entertaining for those who grew up in this generation.

While I enjoyed the reading experience the narration by Johnny Heller was fine but not my favorite, so I will likely be picking up a physical copy of the book if I purchase it.

Splendid audiobook! The story was engaging and the narration excellent. This behind the scenes look at The Blues Brothers shed light on the movie but also delved into the history of Chicago comedy, SNL, national lampoon, and the actors in the film as well.
A fun and informative listen for anyone but a must listen for fans of the film!

This is the true story of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, the talented duo of The Blues Brothers

I grew up in this era. I just thought I knew stuff. I didn’t know half the stuff going on. This book is so well researched and includes so much! I loved all the memories and names this author threw into the mix.

I really never knew all the information about SNL and the making of Animal House. Such great talents in improv and creativity! And such a waste and sadness lose part of this duo to drugs! The drug use is astounding! I do not see how John Belushi continued as long as he did.

The narrator, Johnny Heller, is FANTASTIC! I have listened to him on a few other audiobooks and he is someone I remember. Very cool sounding voice!

Need a good biography that brings back memories….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.

The Blues Brothers was a film created by, and a vehicle for, former SNL cast members John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, two of the show's popular stars. This book mostly follows John Belushi's rise to stardom and fall, and introduces all the famous facts that cross his path in his short life.

Fair warning, if discussion of drugs and alcohol is a problem for you, avoid this book.

Holy crap, did the SNL cast do a LOT of narcotics. There's SO MUCH drug use. SO. MUCH. John started his life as the guy who never did drugs, never even drank. But we all know how he ended it. As I listened to this book, it was just the biggest downward spiral and I felt alternatively frustrated and heart-sick over this guy who never seemed to feel like he was enough, and had to supplement his personality with so many substances.

This book is filled with fun stories beyond the drugs, though. First about Belushi's time in improv, and then meeting his co-stars and so many big names in Hollywood. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job of sort-of-immitating all of the different accents of each of the SNL actors, so you can get a good reminder of those classic sketches.

If you have fond memories of the original class of SNL and of the Blues Brothers, you'll find plenty to smile about, like how they managed to light an entire abandoned mall, or how many times they had to reshoot the chase down Lower Wacker Drive, or that they had to use liquid mercury to pull a car back from the edge of a ramp before it fell over.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

Description
“They’re not going to catch us,” Dan Aykroyd, as Elwood Blues, tells his brother Jake, played by John Belushi. “We’re on a mission from God.” So opens the musical action comedy The Blues Brothers, which hit theaters on June 20, 1980. Their scripted mission was to save a local Chicago orphanage. But Aykroyd, who conceived and wrote much of the film, had a greater mission: to honor the then-seemingly forgotten tradition of rhythm and blues, some of whose greatest artists—Aretha Franklin, James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles—made the film as unforgettable as its wild car chases. Much delayed and vastly over budget, The Blues Brothers opened to outraged reviews; however, in the years since, it has become a classic.

The saga behind The Blues Brothers, as Daniel de Visé reveals, is epic, encompassing the colorful childhoods of Belushi and Aykroyd; the comedic revolution sparked by Harvard’s Lampoon and Chicago’s Second City; the birth and anecdote-rich, drug-filled early years of Saturday Night Live, where the Blues Brothers were born as an act amidst turmoil and rivalry; and, of course, the indelible behind-the-scenes narrative of how the film was made, scene by memorable scene. Based on original research and dozens of interviews probing the memories of principals from director John Landis and producer Bob Weiss to Aykroyd himself, The Blues Brothers illuminates an American masterpiece while vividly portraying the creative geniuses behind modern comedy.

My Take:
When I review an ARC of an audiobook, I focus less on the story, and more about how the voice actor(s) deliver said story. Here, Daniel de Vise is our narrator and clearly a fan. He reads his words well and it comes across like an animated lecture. If you are truly a fan of "The Blues Brothers," you may enjoy this: but beware, you may learn more than you bargained for.

Amazing backstage access to the cult classic as well as the lives of its stars and director. Johnny Heller does an excellent job narrating, even affecting a believable Belushi throughout.

I think you’ll love the inside look at Akroyd and Belushi’s rise to fame and the absolutely insane production story behind the film. You don’t have to be a die hard fan to enjoy this ride!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my audio copy. These opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

I was really excited to read this book. As someone who grew up in a place where the movie was filmed and the child of a huge John Belushi fan, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the Blues Brothers. Being able to hear the whole story behind the actors and how everything and everyone came together to create the movie was very cool. I loved all the research put into this and enjoyed listening to this book!

Recently my library coworkers were planning a new film series--monthly afternoon musicals. We each picked our favourites and I said The Blues Brothers--no hesitation. I love this movie so maybe I can't be objective about the book. Anyway, here goes...

I liked this book alot but I was expecting a bit more focus on the movie. Roughly the first 40% is about the history of comedy and detailed biographies of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Lorne Michaels. It was fascinating information just not what I was expecting. I should have paid more attention to the subtitle which clearly identifies that these subjects will be covered.

The book made me laugh and broke my heart. I've read a number of books about John Belushi and the chaos of Saturday Night Live's early days but this book had a different perspective. It showed Belushi's wild creativity and great capacity for joy. It also showed how much he was loved by those in his life who tried desperately to keep him away from the drugs that killed him. Belushi's own desire to stop his destructive behaviour and his tragic inability to do so makes the book a devastating read.

I will recommend this book to people like me who love this crazy movie!

I enjoyed the Blues Brothers. There was a lot that I never knew about John Belushi or the backstage antics of Saturday Night Live. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a sneak peek behind the curtain of not only the movie but into the life of John Belushi.

I LOVED this audiobook. If you’re a fan of laughing … this era of comedy, SNL … then stop reading these reviews … get this audiobook & experience it the way I just did.

I love this era of SNL! This book wasn’t just about the The Blues Brothers. It covered at least a decade, early 70’s through early 80’s.

20% in and it’s all about John Belushi, then Dan Aykroyd and the comedians of the era of Second City & The Lemmings. This is a good solid start to the book!! You get a feel for these two performers, where they came from, the crowd they moved in & where they were headed.

This is their origin story.

30% in & you get to meet the first cast of SNL & Lorne Michaels. I didn’t know that Belushi & Aykroyd were such close friends. OMG land shark! The BEEs! The Samurai. This has opened me up to an entire world of SNL backlist to watch. Check!

Jane Curtain, Lorraine Newman, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd …

We’re just 35% in when The Blues Brothers band hits the scene … Dan did a lot of writing for SNL. I’ve seen a big book about SNL on the bookstore shelf, I’m even more intrigued. It’s fascinating to hear the backstory of SNL. So much SNL. The Star Trek skit.

Danny & John did several cross country road trips. Friends.

Oh my. John’s escapades with drugs.

Bill Murray enters the scene & The Coneheads.

We’re up to 1975 & we’re only 43% in. Animal House and National Lampoon.

We meet John Landis. The director of The Blues Brothers. And Animal House!

Going South with Jack Nicholson.

Steve Martin … exccccuuuse me.

Cheese Burger Cheese Burger … The Billy Goat Tavern.

50% … we’re at The Blues Brothers and every sentence is bringing it all back.

I feel I need to give you something to look forward to. I recommend this book and the deep dive you will take after … or like me … while … listening to it.

The Blues Brothers movie was written by Dan Aykroyd & the director John Landis. This book prompted me to stop & buy the HD edition of The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000. Next up will be videos from the early era of SNL. I’m in for hours of belly laughs.

Good choice of narrator.. I’m going to listen to this again. Pre-ordering the book now.

Nope.
This isn't so much Blues Brothers as it is a John Belushi bio. Reads a lot like a term paper.

The Blues Brothers by Daniel De Vise tells the story of the making of the Blues Brothers, but also the friendship between Belushi and Aykroyd. I have seen many biographies about John Belushi, but knew little of Dan Aykroyd before he joined SNL.

Aykroyd grew up in Canada, where he went to Catholic school and where the nun in the Blues Brothers is based off of. He fell in with the comedic crowd in Canada and was then also introduced to fellow Canadian and SNL creator, Lorne Michaels.

At SNL, Belushi and Aykroyd became fast friends. Aykroyd was a big Blues fan and wanted to create a skit around that and the Blues Brothers was formed.

Their friendship reminded me of another famous SNL duo, Chris Farley and David Spade. Farley ultimately suffered the same fate as his idol, passing away at 33.

The book doesn't get into the movie itself until about halfway through. As someone who worked in downtown Chicago for years, I appreciated hearing about the behind the scenes tidbits. The movie resurrected the careers of many singers, including Aretha Franklin.

When Belushi passed away, Aykroyd was working on the script for Ghostbusters. Belushi was to star in it, and his part ultimately went to Bill Murray. The ghost in the movie, Slimer, was based on Belushi.

Even though it has been 42 years since his death, Belushi lives on through his famous characters on SNL, Animal House and Blues Brothers.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy.

_The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic_ by Daniel De Visé, narrated by Johnny Heller, is an engrossing, detailed, and tragic read that delves deep into the work and personal lives of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, their friendship, and addiction that ultimately ended their partnership. Having grown up watching the comedy classics including _The Blues Brothers_, I greatly enjoyed learning about the production of the movie and how the film incorporated and renewed popularity for blues greats such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown, and influenced future entertainment. The book also tells the personal stories of the actors and the drug culture so easily available to them. The narrator Johnny Heller is perfect for the content, and does well giving voice to De Visé’s writing.

As someone who has seen the Blue Brothers countless times. (First hyper fixation / special interest of my life. ) I was thrilled to go into this book relatively blind to content.

Beyond learning facts that I didn't know of the movie, there are biographies and peeks into John and Dan's lives pre-friendship and throughout the years. To me their act was always near and dear to my heart given my love of blues music and that the Blues Brothers was the first movie that I can remember sharing with my father at a very young age.

I was left in tears from how Daniel De Visé wrote of John's death and funeral. I knew about John's death but unlike docs I've seen. This book had gave looks into the history of the drug usage and the implosion of the comedian. It is so tragic to know more of the events that led up to his death and its effects.

The book is woven in a way that I finished the read in one sitting and though it made me sad it is definitely a book that I will be picking up once it is released.

The Blues Brothers were on a mission from God to save the orphanage where they grew up. The movie was on a mission from Aykroyd to introduce us to great music and musicians of another era. De Visé's mission is to tell us how one man's obsession with the blues and law enforcement and friendship/partnership with Belushi led to the duo performing as Joliet Jake and Elwood, recording an album, opening for Steve Martin, getting the band together again, making a movie and eventually creating a brand.

The book includes a lot of details about Belushi's and Aykroyd's background and time at Second City, National Lampoon and SNL, including costars, girlfriends and nemeses. Much of that information has been available in various books and documentaries, but what I found myself stopping to pay close attention to was the story about how they came to film in Chicago. There was an unspoken ban on officially filming in the Windy City until The Blues Brothers came along. Because of Aykroyd, Belushi and Landis, it's understood that that is why we have so many other memorable films where the city basically is its own unspoken character. We also learn about went on behind the scenes: editing, cinematography, costumes, location scouting, hiring extras (and the drama), dealing with the unions and avoiding working with county officials.

Narrator Johnny Heller does a great Belushi and a fine job with the others. There are places where the editing is obvious because the voice sounds unintentionally different. It's distracting, but it doesn't take away from the story.