Everyone knows the black suits, thin ties and sunglasses of the Blues Brothers, but far fewer know the Pacific Northwest musician who inspired them. Curtis Salgado was born in Everett, Washington in 1954 and rose through the Eugene, Oregon scene fronting the Nighthawks before spending six years co-fronting the Robert Cray Band on vocals and harmonica, featured on Cray's 1980 debut before parting ways in 1982. When John Belushi arrived in Eugene to film Animal House, he started attending Salgado's gigs, and Salgado taught him the history, phrasing and swagger of the blues. Briefcase Full of Blues was dedicated to him, and Cab Calloway's mentor character in the film was named Curtis in tribute.

This episode follows why Salgado never cashed in on that connection and instead became the ultimate journeyman: fronting Roomful of Blues from 1984 to ...