Heat oven to 350*F. Grease bottom only of one 9 x 5 inch or two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans with shortening.
In a large bowl, stir sugar, butter, eggs, bananas and buttermilk until mixed. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt just until moistened. Stir in blueberries. Pour into pan(s).
Bake 9 inch pan about 1 hour 15 minutes, 8 inch pans 55 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Loosen sides of loaf from pan; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, about 2 hours before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days or refrigerate up to 10 days.