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Dan Aykroyd Makes Show About Funny Music Friends on Audible
July 23rd, 2024
Dan Aykroyd, the iconic actor-comedian, dons his classic Blues Brothers attire to offer a nostalgic reflection on the dynamic duo's journey that he embarked on with the late John Belushi. Their legacy unfolds in the Audible Original “Blouse Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude,” where Aykroyd narrates the inception of their partnership on a cold night in Toronto in 1973 and guides us through to the present day, where their influence endures with performances still in demand.
In an homage to African American culture and the music they adored, the Blues Brothers were born out of pure affection and reverence for the genre. The documentary not only chronicles their rise to fame, with memorable stints on "Saturday Night Live," but it also delves into the success of their album "Briefcase Full of Blues," the landmark 1980 film with its classic soundtrack, the tragic passing of Belushi, and Aykroyd's dedication to continue the legacy.
Joining Aykroyd in reminiscences are his subsequent partner Jim Belushi, musicians, film directors, and others who shared their adventures, including previously unreleased interviews with John Belushi himself. The story reveals the skepticism faced by the duo, including from "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels, and how they defied the expectations of the entertainment industry. They seized a unique moment, a transitional beat between disco and New Wave, to reintroduce the world to the blues in their own inimitable style.
The Blues Brothers' celebrated tale is peppered with star-studded cameos and iconic music performances, and it showcases how they played a pivotal role in reviving the careers of several blues legends when they were most needed. Despite initial resistance from some conservative quarters of the country, the Blues Brothers' cultural impact was undeniable, promoting a resurgence of interest in blues music globally.
With ongoing tours, including an upcoming event at the historic Joliet Prison, Aykroyd expresses gratitude for the continued relevance of the Blues Brothers, likening it to a lasting legal partnership built on a foundation of authenticity and respect for the music. Aykroyd cherishes the moments he shared with musical greats and remains committed to ensuring the spirit of the Blues Brothers and the music they celebrated continues to thrive.
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💭 Discussion Questions
1
. How did the Blues Brothers contribute to the resurgence of blues music according to Dan Aykroyd in the Audible Original documentary?2
. What challenges and skepticism did Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi face from the entertainment industry, and how did they overcome them as depicted in 'Blouse Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude'?3
. In what ways does Dan Aykroyd highlight the concept of authenticity and respect in 'Blouse Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude', and why does he believe these qualities are central to the Blues Brothers' legacy?📖 Vocabulary
🌐 Cultural context
Dan Aykroyd is a Canadian-American actor known for "Saturday Night Live." The Blues Brothers is a popular American act known for its celebration of blues music and has a significant legacy. The 1980 film is a cult classic, and John Belushi was an esteemed comedian and actor.
🧠 Further reading
Teen pop
Teen pop is a dynamic genre of pop music expressly produced and directed at young audiences, particularly teenagers. The young artists near the same age as their audiences often rocket to stardom during their teens. Featuring an amalgamation of sounds drawn from various musical styles, teen pop stays rooted in mainstream pop, with its hallmark being infectious tunes and a strong emphasis on the artist's commercial image. Lyrics commonly touch on subjects that are a focal point in teenage lives like romance, maturation, and socializing, understanding the experiences and emotions particular to this age group.
The genre occasionally faces criticism for lacking authenticity and being excessively commercial. Despite this, teen pop remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae captivating listeners worldwide. Teenagers, often having discretionary funds to spend, eagerly invest in music, surrounding themselves with products that relate to their favorite singers. Teen pop is more than just music; it's a cultural phenomenon that affects teens' dress sense, vocabulary, and societal behaviors. The bond teenagers share with their favorite teen pop artists is potent and influential, significantly sculpting their personal and cultural identities.
On a technical note, teen pop borrows from other music forms such as R&B, rock, electronic, and hip-hop, yet maintains a consistent core of memorable choruses, vocal enhancements like Auto-Tune, and lively tunes. The lyrics written speak to the teenage condition, covering topics from youthful romance to the social structures within high school, often with playful sexual implications. A teen idol's image, portraying an ideal blend of desirability and emulation, is as much a part of teen pop as the music itself.
New wave music
New wave, a genre that blends pop sensibilities with the energy of punk, rose to prominence between the 1970s and 1980s. Initially a vague term covering a range of post-punk styles, "new wave" eventually came to represent a diverse array of pop music including synth-pop, alternative dance, and post-punk. Emerging alongside punk in the late 1970s, new wave's golden era spanned into the early 1980s.
Characteristically, new wave music often displayed a playful and light-hearted attitude, featuring unique and catchy guitar hooks, engaging rhythms, a significant use of synthesizers, and an eye-catching fashion sense. Its roots can be traced in the do-it-yourself essence of punk, but new wave artists were typically more influenced by earlier decades and pop music rather than punk's raw, politically charged edge.
In its heyday, especially in the United States, any pop or rock act that used synthesizers was likely labeled as new wave. The genre saw a proliferation of hits, with artists and bands often reaching the charts with one memorable song.
The advent of MTV in 1981 played a crucial role in propelling new wave to greater heights, as the television channel frequently showcased new wave artists. However, in the UK, the emergence of the New Romantic movement marked the decline of new wave at the start of the 1980s. In contrast, the US saw the genre persist a bit longer until it gradually waned amidst competing musical trends.
Despite experiencing a downturn in popularity, the allure of new wave has been rekindled since the 1990s, benefiting from a surge of nostalgia and an appreciation for artists who draw inspiration from its distinctive style.
Ant & Dec
Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, known as Ant & Dec, are two renowned faces on British television. Their partnership began in their youth as child actors on the CBBC drama "Byker Grove," where they portrayed characters named PJ (played by McPartlin) and Duncan (played by Donnelly). This bond blossomed into a friendship that has endured both on-screen and off.
Following their acting stint, Ant & Dec cleverly transitioned into a pop music duo named after their "Byker Grove" characters. Eventually, they found their true niche as television presenters. Their hosting repertoire includes popular UK shows such as "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!," "Britain's Got Talent," and "Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway," among others. Commended for their versatility, Ant & Dec have taken on the annual Brit Awards, presented in 2001, 2015, and 2016, and have also acted in the film "Alien Autopsy" in 2006.
Their influence on UK popular culture has been so significant that, in a BBC poll conducted in 2004, they were ranked as the eighteenth most influential people in British culture. Additionally, they own Mitre Television, their own production company.
Their early professional paths were slightly varied; McPartlin had a brief experience on the children's show "Why Don't You?" before joining Donnelly on "Byker Grove." Their rapport was fortified through their characters' intertwined storylines, and they have since been recognized for being inseparable in their on-screen engagements. Emphasizing their close-knit partnership, it is reported that they have insurance policies on each other's lives.
Ant & Dec's shared interests extend beyond work—they are dedicated fans of the Newcastle United football club, symbolizing their roots in Newcastle upon Tyne. Regardless of their individual beginnings, Ant & Dec rose to fame as a unit, with their comradeship becoming as iconic