The Blues Brothers Hats – 5 Fascinating Facts

As one of the most beloved comedic and musical duos of all time, The Blues Brothers were known for their sounds, their moves, and, of course, their hats. Composed of original SNL cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, the duo made history in both film and television while sporting their favorite black accessories.

Here are 5 fascinating facts about The Blues Brothers and their hats:

1. The style preferred by The Blues Brothers was the pork pie hat.
2. The Blue Brothers, along with their iconic hats, were conceived long before their feature film in 1980.
3. Dan Aykroyd’s affinity to hats may have inspired the costumes for the duo.
4. The Blues Brothers hats hold similarities to both the costumes of Laurel and Hardy, and the overall Blues scene.
5. The duo’s hats were not the only accessories worn in the film.

As they grew in success in both television and film, The Blues Brothers and their signature hats became increasingly more recognizable by the public. Keep reading to find out more about their unforgettable accessories!

1. The style preferred by The Blues Brothers was the pork pie hat

The style of hat worn by the pair was black, classic, and sleek, making the style somewhat difficult to discern for someone unfamiliar with hats. While the structure of the hats closely resembles the general shape of a fedora, for example, the hats that were worn were actually pork pie hats. The hats get their name from a traditional British dish – you guessed it – pork pie, which is said to have a similar shape. Read about the difference between pork pie and fedora hats in this article.

2. The Blue Brothers, along with their iconic hats, were conceived long before their feature film in 1980

When their first feature film was released in 1980, The Blues Brothers were launched into even greater fame than they had experienced so far. While both actors and this specific act was already known and loved by many who watched Saturday Night Live, many who were unfamiliar with the television show were introduced to the comedy duo with the movie. These fans may not be aware that The Blues Brothers existed long before their big screen debut, as Aykroyd and Belushi were original SNL cast members and met even before the show began.

3. Dan Aykroyd’s affinity to hats may have inspired the costumes for the duo

It seems it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly whose idea it was to have the duo sport matching hats. It is important to note, though, that Dan Aykroyd seems to have gravitated towards head accessories – whether in his personal life or specifically for comedy routines. To get his role as an SNL cast member, Aykroyd was once said to have been wearing a bowler hat (or derby), as he stormed into the audition room. It might have been his idea after all!

4. The Blues Brothers hats hold similarities to both the costumes of Laurel and Hardy, and the overall Blues scene.

It’s no secret that hats were far more popular in the time of The Blues Brothers, both in entertainment and in regular life. While the comedy duo’s costumes seemed to be a nod to the blues scene, where hats were regularly worn by musicians, it was also similar to the old time comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy. Rather than pork pies, that pair wore wrongly-sized bowlers. Comedy fans will often note the connection between the two.

5. The duo’s hats were not the only accessories worn in the film

If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Blues Brothers, they are “saved” and taught music by a janitor at the orphanage where they find themselves. Just like their future selves, the janitor wore a pork pie of his own.