Complete List Of The Blues Brothers Band Members

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Remember those words, “We’ll put the band back together.” When John Belushi said that line in The Blues Brothers film, he probably did not realize that musicians for the rest of their lives would usually go to that line when they wanted to put their bands back together again. Furthermore, it wasn’t just about putting bands back together again. People have been using that line in reference to many other things besides just putting bands back together again.

The Blues Brothers are a band founded in 1978 by comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Initially created as part of their musical performances on Saturday Night Live, the band quickly gained popularity, leading to the release of their debut album Briefcase Full of Blues in 1978, which went double platinum. The band’s success continued with the release of the movie The Blues Brothers in 1980, which became a cult classic. The Blues Brothers have released several albums, including Made in America (1980) and The Blues Brothers Band Live in Montreux (1990). In 2026, the archival album The Lost Recordings, featuring thirteen previously unreleased live performances, became available digitally. Known for their energetic performances and accomplished musicianship, the band has seen numerous lineup changes over the years, with many notable musicians contributing to its legacy.

Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd, co-founder of The Blues Brothers, played the character of Elwood Blues. He has been with the band since its inception in 1978. Aykroyd, primarily known as an actor and comedian, contributed to the band’s unique blend of music and humor. He has continued to perform as Elwood Blues and has been involved in various music and film projects. Aykroyd is also known for his roles in films like Ghostbusters and Trading Places.

John Belushi

John Belushi, the co-founder of The Blues Brothers, played the character of Jake Blues. He was with the band from its inception in 1978 until his death in 1982. Belushi’s powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence were key elements of the band’s early success. He also starred in the film The Blues Brothers. Outside of the band, Belushi was a prominent comedian and actor, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and in films like Animal House.

Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper, a renowned guitarist, was an original member of The Blues Brothers beginning in 1978 and remained closely associated with later incarnations of the band until his death in 2025. Cropper’s tenure with the band included playing on their debut album Briefcase Full of Blues and appearing in the film The Blues Brothers. His guitar work was a cornerstone of the band’s sound. Cropper was also famous for his work with Booker T. & the M.G.’s and for co-writing classic songs like “In the Midnight Hour” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

Donald “Duck” Dunn

Donald “Duck” Dunn was the bassist for The Blues Brothers from 1978 until his death in 2012. Dunn’s bass playing was featured on albums such as Briefcase Full of Blues and in the film The Blues Brothers. He was a key member of the rhythm section, providing a solid foundation for the band’s music. Dunn was also a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and played on numerous hits for Stax Records artists like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave.

Paul Shaffer

Paul Shaffer was the original keyboardist and musical director for The Blues Brothers beginning in 1978. He played on the debut album Briefcase Full of Blues and helped arrange the music for the band. Shaffer did not appear in the 1980 film because of other professional commitments, but he rejoined the Blues Brothers for the 1980 tour and Made in America. Shaffer’s contributions were significant in shaping the band’s sound. He is also well-known as the longtime bandleader for Late Show with David Letterman and has had a successful career as a musician and composer.

Matt “Guitar” Murphy

Matt “Guitar” Murphy was a guitarist for The Blues Brothers beginning in 1978 and performed with the group into the early 2000s. He played on albums such as Briefcase Full of Blues and appeared in the films The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000. Murphy’s blues guitar playing was a defining element of the band’s sound. He had a storied career in blues music, performing with legends like Howlin’ Wolf and Memphis Slim before joining The Blues Brothers. Murphy died in 2018.

Lou Marini

Lou Marini, a saxophonist, has been with The Blues Brothers since 1978. Marini played on the debut album Briefcase Full of Blues and appeared in the film The Blues Brothers. His saxophone solos are a highlight of the band’s music. Marini has also had a successful career as a session musician, playing with artists such as Frank Zappa, Steely Dan, and James Taylor. He remained active with The Original Blues Brothers Band in 2026.

Tom “Bones” Malone

Tom “Bones” Malone, a trombonist, saxophonist, trumpeter, and arranger, has been associated with The Blues Brothers since 1978. He played on the debut album Briefcase Full of Blues and appeared in the film The Blues Brothers. Malone’s multi-instrumental talents and horn arrangements have been a significant asset to the band. He has also worked as a session musician and arranger, contributing to projects by Frank Zappa, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and David Letterman’s band. Malone remained active with The Original Blues Brothers Band in 2026.

Alan Rubin

Alan Rubin, known as “Mr. Fabulous,” was the trumpeter for The Blues Brothers from 1978 until his death in 2011. Rubin played on albums such as Briefcase Full of Blues and appeared in the films The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000. His trumpet playing added a distinctive sound to the band’s music. Rubin was also a respected session musician, performing with artists like Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Duke Ellington.

Tom Scott

Tom Scott was a member of the original 1978 Blues Brothers horn section, playing tenor and alto saxophones and singing backing vocals on Briefcase Full of Blues. Although he did not appear in the 1980 film, Scott returned for the band’s 1980 tour and played on the live album Made in America. Beyond The Blues Brothers, Scott built a long career as a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and session musician.

Murphy Dunne

Murphy Dunne joined the film-era Blues Brothers lineup in 1980 when Paul Shaffer was unable to appear in The Blues Brothers. Dunne played keyboards in the film and then performed on the 1980 tour and the album Made in America. He later returned in the sequel Blues Brothers 2000. Outside of The Blues Brothers, Dunne has had a career in acting, appearing in films like Caddyshack II and Stir Crazy.

Willie Hall

Willie Hall joined The Blues Brothers for the 1980 film-era lineup, replacing original drummer Steve Jordan for the movie. He appeared in The Blues Brothers and later returned in Blues Brothers 2000. Hall’s drumming provided a solid groove for the band’s music. He was also a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and played with artists such as Isaac Hayes and Rufus Thomas.

Steve Jordan

Steve Jordan was an original drummer for The Blues Brothers in 1978 and played on Briefcase Full of Blues. He did not appear in the 1980 film, where Willie Hall took the drum chair, but Jordan returned for the band’s 1980 tour and played on Made in America. Jordan is also known for his work with artists like Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and John Mayer. He later became the drummer for The Rolling Stones following the death of Charlie Watts and continued recording with the band in 2026.

Eddie Floyd

Eddie Floyd became a lead vocalist with the reunited Blues Brothers Band in the late 1980s. He was one of the principal singers on The Blues Brothers Band Live in Montreux, recorded in 1989 and released in 1990, and continued to perform with later versions of the band. Floyd is best known for his hit song “Knock on Wood” and has had a successful career as a solo artist and songwriter.

Read More: Top 10 Eddie Floyd Songs

Larry Thurston

Larry Thurston joined the reunited Blues Brothers Band as a lead vocalist during the late 1980s. Alongside Eddie Floyd, Thurston handled lead vocals on The Blues Brothers Band Live in Montreux, recorded during the band’s 1989 reunion period. His powerful soul and blues vocals became an important part of the post-Belushi version of the band.

Leon Pendarvis

Leon Pendarvis joined the reunited Blues Brothers Band as a keyboardist, pianist, background vocalist, and musical director. He played on The Blues Brothers Band Live in Montreux and became part of the band’s later musical history. Pendarvis has also worked extensively as an arranger, composer, conductor, and session musician.

John Goodman

John Goodman performed with The Blues Brothers as “Mighty Mack” McTeer during the 1997 Super Bowl halftime show and played the character in the 1998 sequel film Blues Brothers 2000. Goodman is primarily known for his acting career, including his role on the television show Roseanne and in films such as The Big Lebowski and Monsters, Inc.

Joe Morton

Joe Morton joined the Blues Brothers family in Blues Brothers 2000, playing Commander Cabel Chamberlain, who becomes “Cab Blues.” Morton contributed vocals as part of the expanded Blues Brothers lineup in the sequel. He is also an acclaimed actor with an extensive career in film, television, and theater.

J. Evan Bonifant

J. Evan Bonifant appeared in Blues Brothers 2000 as Buster “Scribbles” Blues, the youngest member of the film’s expanded Blues Brothers lineup. Bonifant performed vocals in the film, while John Popper supplied the harmonica heard for the character.

Birch “Slide” Johnson

Birch “Slide” Johnson was a trombonist in the expanded Blues Brothers lineup associated with Blues Brothers 2000. His work added to the large horn section featured in the later incarnation of the band.

Tommy “Pipes” McDonnell

Tommy “Pipes” McDonnell became one of the vocalists associated with later versions of The Blues Brothers Band. He contributed vocals to the Blues Brothers 2000 project and continued performing with The Original Blues Brothers Band in subsequent years.

Jim Belushi

Jim Belushi, the brother of John Belushi, began performing with The Blues Brothers after John’s death, often taking on the role of Zee Blues. Jim helped carry on the legacy of The Blues Brothers, performing with Dan Aykroyd in various live appearances and recording with him on Blues Brothers and Friends: Live from Chicago’s House of Blues. He is also known for his acting career, with notable roles in According to Jim and K-9.

Read More: Top 10 Blues Brothers Songs

Updated August 19, 2026