I think Dan Ackroyd credits Downchild Blues Band, specifically the brothers Donnie and Richard (Hock) Walsh. Nothing against Curtis, he's an amazing player and did influence John Belushi. ---------- If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
ah, a snippet from the wonderful SPAH 98 Blues Blow Off - one of the best shows every put together for blues harmonica.
When Belushi was filming Animal House up in Washington, cast and crew stayed at hotel where Curtis' band was the bar house band. It was here that Belushi was inspired to create the Blues Bros. based on what he saw of Curtis. ---------- The Iceman
Dan and John first played on SNL in 1976 playing blues - John saw Curtis in 1977 in Oregon. Unless these facts are mistaken?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blues_Brothers
I've been tricked before!!! ;-) ---------- If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
@jawbone, looks like you're right on the timeline. Regardless, I think Curtis is the guy who gets the credit..
I was lucky enough to get a few lessons from Curtis when I was living in Oregon. This man is about as down to earth as one can get. He's pretty frickin' tough too. After having a portion of a lung removed just a few months ago, he was out in less than 2 weeks singing in Duff's Garage in Portland and is now out on the road promoting his newest record, Soul Shot.
Any of you ever hear him play chromatic? For me Curtis is very underrated as a harp player, mostly because his singing is so over the top and harp becomes secondary... Though definitely more icing on the cake.
Interviews with Salgado he claimed that he was inspiration for Belushi's character, not the whole blues brothers concept.
Could be legend, but the album dedication is a matter of "record" here is from Barret's site
In 1977, comedian/actor John Belushi was in Eugene filming Animal House. During downtime from filming, Belushi caught a typically balls-out Salgado performance. Afterwards the two got to talking and a friendship grew. Before long Salgado began playing old records for Belushi, teaching him about blues and R&B. Belushi soaked up the music like a sponge and soon developed his idea for The Blues Brothers, first as a skit on Saturday Night Live and then as a major motion picture and a best-selling record album and concert tour. The album, Briefcase Full Of Blues, is dedicated to Curtis Salgado, and, as a nod to Salgado, Cab Calloway’s character in the film is named Curtis. The Blues Brothers’ set list was strikingly similar to the shows Salgado was delivering on a nightly basis.
And in that one glorious 1977-1979 period Belushi hit the entertainment tri-fecta......... being involved in the number one late night TV show (SNL), number one album (Briefcase Full of Blues) and number one movie (Animal House).
Alas, it all came crashing down in 1982 when he speedballed his way to an untimely death at the Chateau Marmont.
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RIP - Bluto
Last Edited by on Sep 27, 2012 12:28 PM
Sorry guys, I'm sticking with the Canadians on this one!! Dan Aykroyd had been into blues long before he even met Belushi so I'm holding out for at least equal credit!!!!! But YES, Curtis Salgato Rocks!! I hardly ever change my socks or underwear so I'm not changing my mind!!!!! ;-) Jeepers, I hope we don't start the War of 1812 all over again!! ---------- If it ain't got harp - it ain't really blues!!!!
I tend to agree with jawbone. Salgado no doubt had a profound influence on the Blues Brothers, but Aykroyd was baptized in the blues from his youth, and I still give him the majority of credit for starting the Blues Brothers' phenomenon. I've seen interviews with Aykroyd that conflict with the Salgado story as to how Belushi got hooked on the blues too. I'm not saying either one is true or false, just that there's more than one story. ----------
I wouldn't take the liner notes as gospel. Hard to say how much real knowledge whoever created them actually had. There are much more creditable sources available.
I made my living for seven years with a partner fronting "On a Mission from Jake. The Blues Brothers Dedication Revue." The show was based on a theatre piece I wrote and two characters I created, Little Sonny Cotton and Otis P. Morganfield. We made an intentional effort NOT to be Jake and Elwood, one of the reasons we were the only European BB tribute act to received an endorsement from Dan Aykroyd, written directly to me by Dan in character as Elwood Blues. A great letter which I have framed on my wall. We were also hired by Universal to promote Blues Brothers 2000 in Europe.
What I know is this, although it is true that Curtis Salgado was in large part the inspiration for the character of Jake Blues and lit the fire of that role, it was Akyroyd who first introduced Belushi to the blues.
Generally Jake and Elwood were primarily based on two guys from the Down Child Blues Band. Akyroyd went to school in Ottawa which is when he was first exposed to so many of the greats, even once sitting in on drums with Muddy Waters. If you listen to Elwoods dialog, he is the one that knows his stuff. It was Akyroyd who co-wrote the script.
The act itself was heavily inspired by Sam and Dave, the image by John Lee Hooker and the music was actually a kind of mash up of blues, soul, jazz, etc. Some complained about that but there is little doubt that The Blues Brothers created a revival of interest in the blues not seen since the British invasion.
There is much more to the story. If you would like to know the "real truth" check out the documentary "Stories Behind the Making of The Blues Brothers." Fascinating stuff. ---------- LSC
Last Edited by on Sep 27, 2012 2:26 PM
Really great stuff. Superb harp playing. Love the feel of the song as well. I'd got out of my way and pay money to catch this man. Thanks for posting dude. ---------- LSC
