Blues Brothers label will nurture talent – Aykroyd

Blues Brothers star and genre aficionado Dan Aykroyd has confirmed the launch of a blues record label named after the cult movie characters.

He and Judy Belushi – widow of co-star John – want to nurture new talent with their project, to be distributed by Blue Note Records.

Aykroyd tells Billboard: “The recorded music industry today presents huge challenges, but also great opportunities. We’re excited to partner with the master-ear for talent, Don Was, in fulfilling the true ‘Mission From God’ – to find end develop emerging blues performers.

“That’s where American music began. Now it’s in the hands of the next generation.”

Namechecking Aerosmith, Jack White and even Miley Cyrus among those who’ve done their bit to promote the blues, Aykroyd adds: “I always want to find the next Gary Clark Jr.”

The lifelong blues supporter – who continues to perform as the Blues brothers with Jim Belushi – last year told how a chance meeting led him to become icon Albert Collins’ roadie for a night, and that it’s still one of the proudest moments of his life.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.