Jim Belushi Biography

Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts emerged from actor Jim Belushi's deep-seated passion for music, particularly the blues. Born in Chicago in 1954, Jim began his career in acting, following in the footsteps of his late brother John Belushi. Both brothers were affiliated with The Second City, a renowned Chicago theater group, during the late 1970s, marking the beginning of Jim's foray into television and film.

After John's untimely death, Jim joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, which significantly boosted his film career. He appeared in a variety of notable films, including About Last Night, Little Shop of Horrors, The Principal, and Joe Somebody. Despite his success in Hollywood, Jim's enduring love for the blues led him to establish Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts in the late 1990s. This band comprises accomplished musicians who collectively enhance the blues genre.

The lineup of Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts features prominent artists: Larry Lee Lerma (bass), Johnny Lee Schell (guitar), Glen Clark (piano), Joe Sublett (saxophone and composer), John Rubano (vocals), J.J. Holiday (guitar), Jimmie Wood (harmonica and vocals), Darrel Leonard (trumpet), Tony Braunagel (drums), and Kim Nail (vocals). Together, they bring a wealth of experience, having performed with legendary artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, and Bruce Springsteen, and contributed to the soundtracks of notable films like Indecent Proposal and Home Alone.

The band released their debut album, 36-22-36, in 1998, which showcased their high-energy performances. The album featured singles including 鈥淪mokin鈥 Blues,鈥 鈥淲atch Yourself,鈥 and the title track. While the album received acclaim, the true essence of Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts is best experienced live. Their electrifying performances have won them a dedicated following, including fans like former President Bill Clinton.

In addition to his music career, Jim Belushi has ventured into other projects. In August 2020, he launched a Discovery Channel series called Growing Belushi, which spotlighted his cannabis farm in Oregon. This venture demonstrates his multifaceted interests beyond music and acting.

In August 2022, Jim made an appearance as Brother Zee alongside Dan Aykroyd and The Blues Brothers Band at the inaugural Blues Brothers Con held at the historic Old Joliet Prison. The two-day festival featured a film screening and live performances from various artists, showcasing the enduring legacy of the blues genre and its cultural significance.

Today, Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts continue to perform and tour, remaining a vibrant presence in the blues scene. Their engaging performances and collective musical talent affirm their place within this rich musical tradition.