Disclaimer: First of all, I’m not a blues brother since there are likely copyright issues that go along with claiming that, but I sure do look like one. Thankfully, the Blues Brothers franchise doesn’t own the look. Sunglasses, suits, and fedoras are for everyone. I’m certain Hollywood borrowed it from any number of old-time blues guys like Mississippi John Hurt who dressed up in their Sunday best to perform.
Jackson, MI: We receive an invite from my wife’s cousin and husband to attend a holiday ball to support music programs in Jackson. Because this is a black-tie event, my wife buys me a tuxedo. She found a good deal on one and thought in the long run it could save us money. I’m not big on dressing up, but this tuxedo was comfortable.
The second time around: I gained weight and next year when the time came to go to the ball again—nothing fit! I did wear the jacket, but it was so tight around the shoulders I looked ridiculous. Plus, the vest was impossible. Jesus would have had an easier time feeding 4,000 people with 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish than he would have had trying to button that vest up across my wide expanse of a stomach. The vest was a no go! Hence, there I was at this fancy dinner with doctors, dentists, and art collectors feeling out of place with my jacket on the back of my chair and no vest. All the men were wearing their tuxedos, and I was walking around with a white dress shirt and a tie. According to my wife, I complained too much. Hence, she vowed to make sure next year was different. But then Covid happened.
Pandemic pounds: When the holiday ball started up again, I suggested we not go. Wrong answer! I do love hanging out with my wife’s cousin and husband, but dressing up is not my thing. For me suits are uncomfortable and tight and make me feel out of place.
A determined wife! Bluesmom was not having it. She was on a mission to provide me with the proper attire to attend this ball. Her motivation was two-fold. She wanted me to look good but also didn’t want to hear the complaining about how tight everything was.
Tuxedo 2: Apparently, a lot of other men have grown out of their tuxedos too, because there were some pretty good deals on-line. When the second one arrived in the mail, we were hopeful. Not even close!
Tuxedo 3: My wife is now franticly trying to find a smaller used tuxedo on ebay, but time is running out. She makes the order. It’s delivered. I try it on. SMH
Now what? I could have made it with Tuxedo 3 if I had to, but it would have been a miserable night. Bluesmom is not happy and can’t believe this one doesn’t fit, too. Ordering another used Tuxedo is not an option because the ball is upon us. On the day of the event, she went shopping and came back with a suit from JC Penny. It didn’t fit either but was much better than the rest.
Album cover? The music was done but now I needed a cover. I had an appointment with a photographer but had no idea what to wear. On the day of the shoot, I remembered a gift my wife and boys bought me for Father’s Day about five years ago—Ray-Ban sunglasses and a fedora hat just like the one in the movie. Plus, I had the blue suit from the holiday ball. Troy Johnson, the photographer, let me borrow his skinny tie left over from the 80s. And that was it, I was a blues brother—right? Nope.
My thoughts after the album came out: I wrote all these songs and had no place to play them. That’s when my friend Bob Wright approached me. He was part of a team from our church that went to New Life Rescue Mission, a warming station in Detroit. Our church would provide the guys with a good meal and Bob would give an inspirational message. But Bob couldn’t make it this time, so he asked me if I wanted to play a gospel blues set in his place. Yes!
A defining moment: In the beginning, the blues brother get-up was just an album cover. It was a solution to a problem. I didn’t have a cool album cover. The blue suit and Blues Brothers accessories rescued me from that dilemma. However, as I prepared to visit this warming station, I was moved to give these men my best. I didn’t want to go in there dressed in casual attire. I felt like these guys deserved better. I think that verse about whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me came to mind. Did I feel super weird walking in there like I was dressed for a Halloween costume party? Yes! It was a bold move considering this was my first time there, but I had to do it. Go big or go home. If we’re going to do this, we better do it right.
A higher purpose: Bob Wright and his wife Madeliene hosted an event to raise money for foster children. This was my 2nd time dressing up like a blues brother. This event moved me to give 10% of all proceeds to the Methodist Children’s Home Society. If you remember the Blues Brothers movie, Jake and Elwood were on a mission from God to save the orphanage they grew up in. 10% of anything I make through Bluesdad goes directly to the boys’ home in Redford, MI run by MCHS.
Positive energy: I got out of my car to play at Northside Pizza in Hastings, MI. A guy pulled up, smiled at me, and gave me a high five. Not a word was spoken. Secondly, I showed up to play at a block party for a homeless shelter in Toledo, Ohio. People were smiling and approaching me. In both cases, it wasn’t me. It was the suit and glasses and hat. That’s when it really sunk in—the Blues Brothers persona is gold. Everyone (Except the Nazis) loves the Blues Brothers. When I show up wearing the Blues Brothers uniform, people like me before they ever hear me play or sing. Believe me when I say this, I am very happy to take advantage of that!
Present day: So this is who I am now. My goal is to live up to the standard of being a Blues Brother without the getting-chased-by-the-police part. I love to tell people, “Chicago has the Blues Brothers. Detroit has Bluesdad.” It’s been fun for sure.
I accidently sent this out before I could edit it. I apologize for the miscues!
Present day: So this is who I am now. My goal is to live up to the standard of being a Blues Brother without the getting-chased-by-the-police part. I love to tell people, “Chicago has the Blues Brothers. Detroit has Bluesdad.” It’s been an adventure for sure.