8 revelations from Questlove’s new doc about SNL’s music

Questlove’s documentary Ladies and Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music is a celebration of Saturday Night Live’s five decades of iconic live musical performances. The film, premiering Monday, dives deep into the music and behind-the-scenes stories of the show, blending legendary performances with insider anecdotes. Here are eight standout revelations:

Eddie Murphy’s Reluctance for “James Brown Celebrity Hot Tub”
Initially refusing to do the now-iconic sketch, Murphy was convinced by the SNL team, leading to one of the funniest moments of his career.

The Blues Brothers Almost Didn’t Happen
John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s debut as the Blues Brothers was initially cut by producer Lorne Michaels but was reinstated due to time constraints, launching the duo into stardom.

Sinead O’Connor’s Defiant Performance Reconsidered
Her controversial 1992 act of tearing a photo of the Pope, initially criticized, is now viewed more sympathetically in light of revelations about the Catholic Church’s scandals.

The First Live Rap Performance on TV
Funky 4+1’s 1981 SNL performance, featuring MC Sha-Rock, was groundbreaking, showcasing rap on national television for the first time.

Elvis Costello Wasn’t Truly Banned
Despite legend, Costello wasn’t permanently banned after his 1977 stunt of changing songs mid-performance. He returned multiple times, even spoofing the moment.

“D* in a Box” Barely Made It**
The Lonely Island’s 2006 parody sketch with Justin Timberlake nearly missed the show due to last-minute revisions, but it became an instant classic.

Ashlee Simpson’s Lip-Sync Mishap Had a Backstory
Her infamous 2004 incident wasn’t entirely her fault, as last-minute changes and a drummer’s error revealed pre-recorded vocals, causing chaos on live TV.

Questlove’s Magical Opening Montage
The film’s opening is a mashup of SNL’s best performances, blending artists like Queen, R.E.M., and Busta Rhymes into a seamless and electrifying introduction.