Released in 1980, The Blues Brothers is one of the most unique and beloved films in American cinema history.

Combining comedy, action, music and unforgettable characters, the film follows Jake and Elwood Blues as they embark on a mission to save the orphanage where they were raised.

Directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, the film became a celebration of American music culture and introduced millions of people to the legends of blues, soul and rhythm & blues.

At Lynn’s American Diner, The Blues Brothers represents everything we love about American culture:

Great music.

Great characters.

Great cars.

And bringing people together.

Quick Facts

Release Date: June 20, 1980

Director: John Landis

Written By:

Dan Aykroyd

John Belushi

Produced By:

Robert K. Weiss

Starring:

John Belushi

Dan Aykroyd

Carrie Fisher

John Candy

Featuring Performances By:

Aretha Franklin

James Brown

Ray Charles

Cab Calloway

Genre: Musical Comedy / Action / Road Movie

Running Time: 133 minutes

Studio: Universal Pictures

Story

Jake Blues is released from prison and reunited with his brother Elwood.

After discovering that the orphanage where they grew up is facing financial problems, the brothers decide to reunite their old band and organise a concert to raise money.

Their mission becomes a legendary journey across America.

Along the way they encounter:

Police pursuits

Rival musicians

Country bands

Political chaos

Some of the greatest performers in music history

John Belushi as Jake Blues

John Belushi created one of cinema's most memorable characters as Jake Blues.

Already famous through:

Saturday Night Live

Comedy performances

The National Lampoon productions

Belushi brought his unique combination of:

Comedy

Energy

Musical talent

Physical performance

to the role.

Jake Blues became an iconic American character.

Dan Aykroyd as Elwood Blues

Dan Aykroyd co-created The Blues Brothers and played Elwood Blues.

His partnership with Belushi began during their time on Saturday Night Live, where the Blues Brothers characters were first created.

Aykroyd's passion for blues music helped make the film a genuine celebration of American musical history.

The Music: The Heart of the Film

The greatest achievement of The Blues Brothers is its music.

The film features performances from some of the greatest musicians ever:

Aretha Franklin

As Mrs. Matt Murphy, Franklin delivers the unforgettable performance of:

🎵 "Think"

James Brown

Performing:

🎵 "The Old Landmark"

Ray Charles

Performing:

🎵 "Shake Your Tailfeather"

Cab Calloway

Performing:

🎵 "Minnie the Moocher"

The film introduced these legendary performers to new generations.

American Music History

The Blues Brothers is more than a comedy.

It is a celebration of the musical traditions that shaped America:

Blues

Soul

Rhythm & blues

Gospel

Rock ’n’ roll

The film helped preserve and popularise these sounds around the world.

The Bluesmobile

One of Cinema’s Greatest Cars

The Bluesmobile, a modified 1974 Dodge Monaco police car, became one of the most recognisable vehicles in movie history.

The car represents:

The American road trip

Freedom

Rebellion

A love of automobiles

Like the classic cars in American Graffiti, the vehicle became part of the story itself.

Chicago: The Soul of the Film

Chicago plays a central role in the identity of The Blues Brothers.

The city was one of the birthplaces of electric blues and became a home for legendary musicians.

The film showcases:

Chicago streets

Music venues

American city culture

It captures a unique moment in American musical history.

The American Diner Connection

Few films understand the importance of gathering places like The Blues Brothers.

Throughout American history, places such as:

Diners

Music clubs

Roadside restaurants

Local venues

have been where communities come together.

They are places where stories are shared and memories are created.

That is exactly the spirit of Lynn’s American Diner.

The Famous Car Chase

One of the most spectacular elements of the film is its legendary car chase.

Featuring hundreds of vehicles, the sequence became one of the most ambitious action scenes ever filmed.

The combination of comedy, destruction and incredible driving remains unforgettable.

John Landis

The Director Behind the Madness

John Landis became known for combining comedy with ambitious filmmaking.

His other notable films include:

Animal House (1978)

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Trading Places (1983)

His energetic style perfectly matched the chaos and humour of The Blues Brothers.

Cultural Impact

Over four decades after its release, The Blues Brothers remains a cultural favourite.

Its influence can be seen in:

Music films

Comedy

Live performances

Car culture

American nostalgia

It helped prove that a movie could preserve musical history while entertaining audiences.

The Blues Brothers and Lynn’s American Diner

This film belongs on the walls of Lynn’s American Diner because it represents the experience we want people to remember:

🎵 Great music

🍔 Great food

🚗 Great atmosphere

❤️ Great company

A diner is not just somewhere you visit.

It becomes part of your story.

Why We Love The Blues Brothers

Some films are remembered for their story.

Some are remembered for their stars.

Some are remembered for their music.

The Blues Brothers is remembered for all three.

It is funny, energetic and full of the spirit of America.

The Blues Brothers at Lynn’s American Diner

The Blues Brothers earns its place in the Lynn’s American Diner Movie Archive because it celebrates:

🎬 Film

🎵 Music

🚗 Cars

🇺🇸 Americana

❤️ Community

It captures the feeling of a journey shared with friends.

Related Archive Pages

John Belushi

Dan Aykroyd

Aretha Franklin

James Brown

Ray Charles

Cab Calloway

John Landis

Saturday Night Live

American Graffiti (1973)

Back to the Future (1985)

Grease (1978)

American Music History

Classic American Cars

Did You Know?

The Blues Brothers began as a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live.

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd performed with real blues musicians.

The film used one of the largest car crashes ever filmed at the time.

Many legendary musicians appeared because of Aykroyd and Belushi’s genuine love of blues music.

The soundtrack became a major success around the world.

Lynn’s American Diner Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10

Why It’s On Our Wall

The greatest experiences combine different things:

A great song.

A great meal.

A great story.

A great memory.

The Blues Brothers captures the energy, humour and heart of American culture like few other films.

That is why The Blues Brothers earns its place in the Lynn’s American Diner Movie Archive.

"The places we gather and the music we share become the memories we keep forever."

The Lynn’s American Diner Movie Archive celebrates the films, people and stories that continue to define the rich history of American culture.