Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd's family originated in Halifax West Yorkshire, so establishing a rather tortuous circular link with Northern Soul music and putting him firmly in our backyard. The earliest documented similar name to Dan's family in the area is John de Aykerode (Constable of Wadsworth 1381). Originally from Ontario, Canada his father was a political advisor to the Pierre Trudeau, the prime minister, no less.

Dan is interested in genealogy and traced his family tree to Samuel Aykroyd born in Halifax in 1650.  Samuel built houses that still stand in Heptonstall and Pecket Well in Calderdale, West Yorkshire. Dan says he was interested in the paranormal, thus establishing links to his film Ghostbusters. His great grandfather was reputed to have been involved in spiritualism, quite a common interest in the 19th century, as well as being a dentist. After dropping out of university, he went on to become a stand up comic.

Writer of the Blues Brothers Musical he is a big blues and soul fan, an interesting soul dancer, harmonica player and singer. His interest in the blues and soul developed as a result of frequenting the Hibou club in Ottawa and his claim to fame? Filling in one night as a drummer for Muddy Waters. He brought his love of music into Saturday Night Live, the US light night comedy show where the Blues Brothers first made their debut. Together with John Belushi, they turned a comedy double act into an exciting visual soul review and how many people have done that!