The 1980 movie The Blues Brothers has held up as a classic for a lot of reasons, but perhaps most of all for Aretha Franklin’s transcendent performance. Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, commands the screen in this iconic documentary. Her groundbreaking performance of “Think”—which serves as the film’s climax—will become one of the most indelible highlights of this movie and musical history.
In the movie “The Blues Brothers,” Aretha Franklin steals the show as a diner owner. Her passionate advocacy convinces her husband to reconsider his life’s direction. Her performance of “Think” showcases not just her infamous sass, but her awe-inspiring vocal prowess. It nails the playfulness and gonzo spirit that made the movie so memorable. Franklin, looking fierce, flanked by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd still dressed in their now-famous goofy costumes. Her appearance turns the scene into a colorful, emotional jubilee of soul music, too. The upbeat tempo of her performance in the movie differs significantly from the original recording, which was released in 1968.
“Think” was co-written by Franklin and her then-husband, Ted White, and produced by Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records. By September, the song had rocketed to No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. It even knocked the top spot on the R&B chart. Although it may not have reached the same iconic status as other Franklin hits like “Respect” or “(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman,” its lively execution in “The Blues Brothers” has cemented it as a favorite among fans.
What carries Franklin’s performance—including her sublime jazz-influenced spirit and exuberance — is tons of fun on-screen, to the point of being infectious. At the 3:40 mark, her energetic delivery includes an enthusiastic “haaaaaaay,” which has become a memorable moment in the film. This intimate but powerful scene serves as a reminder of Franklin’s extraordinary genius. It replicates the playful chemistry between Belushi & Aykroyd, who are intent on trying to get their band back together.
Aretha Franklin’s legacy certainly does live on, exemplified by her indelible performance in The Blues Brothers. She’s even more alive in the landmark 2019 documentary Amazing Grace. This documentary captures incredible footage from her two-night stand at a Los Angeles church in 1972. It powerfully captures the size and breadth of her profound influence on music and culture. The documentary is a wonderful tribute to her mind-boggling legacy as an artist…and an icon.
Audiences and critics alike are honoring Aretha Franklin’s amazing impact on music and culture. HER JOYOUS PERFORMANCE IN The Blues Brothers is a smile-inducing touchstone of her exceptional talent. It inspires empathy and reminds people of their own past experiences for every person that has seen the MaxRetreat. This reminder cements her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
