<Li> Armand Cerami as Trooper Daniel </Li> <P> The characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, were created by Belushi and Aykroyd in performances on Saturday Night Live . The name "The Blues Brothers" was the idea of Howard Shore . The fictional back story and character sketches of blood brothers Jake and Elwood were developed by Aykroyd in collaboration with Ron Gwynne, who is credited as a story consultant for the film . As related in the liner notes of the band's debut album, Briefcase Full of Blues, the brothers grew up in an orphanage, learned the blues from a janitor named Curtis, and sealed their brotherhood by cutting their middle fingers with a steel string said to have come from the guitar of Elmore James . </P> <P> Belushi had become a star in 1978 as a result of both the Blues Brothers' musical success and his role in National Lampoon's Animal House . At one point, he managed the triple feat of being the star of the week's top - grossing film, top - rated television show, and singing on the number - one album within a year . When Aykroyd and Belushi decided they could make a Blues Brothers film, the bidding war was intense . Universal Studios narrowly beat Paramount Pictures for the project . John Landis, who had directed Belushi in Animal House, was aboard as director . </P> <P> However, the project had neither a budget nor a script . On the former issue, Universal head Lew Wasserman thought the film could be made for $12 million; the filmmakers wanted $20 million . It would be impossible to settle on a specific amount without a screenplay to review, and after Mitch Glazer declined to help him, Aykroyd wrote one on his own . </P>

Blues brothers were on a mission from god