Sideshow Bob's Comic Art :: Published - Other

Blues Brothers original logo art (band logo and movie gig poster)

Artist: Mary Wilshire (All)

8 Comments - 155 Views - 11 Likes

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Additional Images:

John and Judy Belushi

With production-used gig poster mock-up

Movie gig poster

1980 Blues Brothers concert (Dallas Convention Center)

Concert photo (credit: Joe Sia photographer)

Belushi Farms products

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Artwork Details

Title:	Blues Brothers original logo art (band logo and movie gig poster)
Artist:	Mary Wilshire (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Other
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	155
Likes on CAF:	11 12
Comments:	8
Added to Site:	12/15/2024
Comic Art Archive:

Description

This original logo art from the Blues Brothers holds a special place in my heart. As a born-and-bred Chicagoan, the Blues Brothers movie (1980) is a matter of civic pride. But for me, it goes a lot deeper. My dad was a bit of an amateur Chicago historian. Any out-of-town guests would be compelled to sit down and watch the movie (regardless if it was their first or hundreth time seeing it), followed by a ride-by of all the principal filming locations within the movie. Joliet Prison, the 95th Street Bridge, Marquette Park, Maxwell Street, the South Shore Country Club, the infamous Dixie Square Mall in Harvey, Lower Wacker Drive, City Hall and Daley Plaza...all got the star treatment. My fascination with the movie along with an unabiding love for the City of Chicago came with that wide-ranging exposure. Even when I met Pee-Wee Herman at NYCC, my entire interaction with him revolved around his Blues Brothers bit part at the Chez Paul ("wrong glass, sir..."). However, there are very few actual props from the movie floating around.

When the gig poster production artwork from the movie was up for auction at the epic Planet Hollywood auction this year (2024) at Heritage, I jumped at the chance. The production art is slightly off from the final production gig poster (some elements were expanded, others shrunk, and the ties on the logo were cut down and the Elwood/Jake signatures were removed), but all the major elements remain. Labelled as "A", I can imagine a "B" somewhere exists that lines up perfectly with the famous gig poster from the movie. This poster was sold orginally by Leslie Hidman Auctioneers in Chicago at the 1990 John Belushi Memorial Auction auction in Chicago by John Belushi's widow, Judy. Until that final production version pops up (and it might never do so), this is the best it gets. Except...the logo art is a stat.

Enter Mary Wilshire. Early in Mary's career, before working on New Mutants at Marvel, she did some spot illustrations, which included this logo work done for the movie. I'll do a proper write-up of that process, which Mary has been so kind to describe to me.

Done on vellum with India inks, the logo was used famously on the gig poster, but also merchandising, promotion materials and later as backdrops for the Blues Brothers band tours. When it popped up at Hake's (Mary had gifted it to Gary Guzzo, a Marvel veteran and comic industry legend who recently passed), I decided it would take a force of nature to prevent me from getting this lot. It's an iconic piece of Americana, and I'm honored to be its custodian.

The Blues Brothers production poster mock-up, with the original logo art, are shown in the additional photos.

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About the Owner

	Sideshow Bob ( 7 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	September 2012
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Rick W
Member Since 2017

Posted on 12/15/2024

Mary was on a mission from God.

George H
Member Since 2009

Posted on 12/15/2024

I had my eye on this one as well but after reading your write-up I'm so glad it's in your collection! As a lover of muisc, art, and concert posters this is super cool to see and read about. Major congrats my friend and thanks for sharing the additional details.

Dan T
Member Since 2019

Posted on 12/15/2024

I will never not be fascinated by how much it must have cost for them to have a full on police chase through a shopping mall.

Absolutely glorious piece of art. Congrats!

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

Posted on 12/15/2024

And remember, people, that no matter who you are and what you do to live, thrive and survive, there're still some things that makes us all the same. You. Me. Them. Everybody. Everybody.

M L
Member Since 2015

Posted on 12/16/2024

Love it! So graphic and memorable- nice get!

K Gearon
Member Since 2011

Posted on 12/17/2024

"We're getting the band back together!" Love the flick, love the OA. Congrats!

Kasra Ghanbari
Member Since 2004
CAF Administrator

Posted on 12/18/2024

Wow, that's an incredible score!

Rabid Ferret
Member Since 2005

Posted on 1/20/2025

Love this!!

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