Actor Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi’s widow set up Blues Brothers Records

Dan Ackroyd aka Elwood Blues and John Belushi's widow Judy have announced Blues Brothers Records.

The pair has inked an A&R and distribution arrangement with Blue Note Records, a flagship label of the Capitol Music Group.

Dan Ackroyd’s support for blues saw him co-found the famous House of Blues with Belushi in 1992 and launch award-winning radio showElwood’s BluesMobile in 1993. House Of Blues will host the label’s promotional events and BluesMobile will be used to source new talent and feature signed acts across North America on over 150 stations.

“The recorded music industry today presents huge challenges but also great opportunities,” said Aykroyd.“Judy and I are excited to partner with the master ear for talent Don Was and Blue Note Records in fulfilling the true ‘MissionFrom God’—to find, develop and nurture emerging blues performers. After all that’s where American music began in the first place and now it is in the hands of the next generation.”

Blues Brothers Records is based in Los Angeles. Judy Belushi will act as Creative Director for the label, Blue Note President Don Waswill handle A&R duties and Blues Brothers manager and Panacea Entertainment Chairman Eric Gardner will run the label’s administrative side.

“The incredible contribution of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi towards keeping the blues alive cannot be overstated,” said Don Was. “Blue Note is excited to join forces with the long arm of The Blues Brothers in order to discover and nurture new purveyors of this great American idiom.”

The label has begun accepting talent submissions, audio/video links can be sent to[email protected].