Heart of Stone

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it's the Zoo Crew here, floating on those mellow waves of sound from THE ZOO, where the records spin like leaves in a gentle breeze. We're dropping the needle on "Heart of Stone" by Blackjack from their self-titled album "Blackjack." This track has that deep, soulful groove that pulls at your heartstrings, blending rock with a touch of funk that feels like a warm embrace from the universe. Let's dig into some far-out trivia and stories about this song, pulled from old interviews, quotes, and those echoing social media vibes that keep the memories alive.

Blackjack's "Heart of Stone" is the second track on their 1979 debut album, clocking in with that dusky soul-funk-rock vibe that's got unbelievable singing and some killer guitar work lighting it up. Produced by the legendary Tom Dowd at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, it was released on June 18, 1979, capturing the band's raw energy in a way that still resonates. In a review from rock enthusiast Mike Ladano, it's described as a standout number where the focus is on the vocals, impressing with its blend of soul and rock elements. Bruce Kulick, the guitarist, has shared on social media how the band poured their hearts into the record, posting promo shots from 1979 that show the group in their prime, ready to rock the world.

One cool story comes from Kulick's reflections in interviews, like one with Ultimate Classic Rock, where he talked about the album's creation amid high expectations from Polydor Records. The label poured a ton of money into the debut, hyping it up big time, but it got overshadowed by hits like Supertramp's "Breakfast in America." Kulick recalled second-guessing choices, wondering if they picked the wrong singles or tours, but he looks back fondly, saying it all fit together in the end. Though not specific to "Heart of Stone," he mentioned the band's love for British blues-rock like Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, which influenced tracks like this one, giving it that powerful, rolling feel.

Fans on platforms have reminisced about how "Heart of Stone" showcases Michael Bolton's early rock voice, before he went solo. In drum cover posts on Facebook groups, enthusiasts highlight the song's rhythm, noting it's from Blackjack, the rock band that featured Bolton's powerful pipes. Kulick posted on his Facebook, "In 1979, I was in Blackjack, a rock band with Michael Bolton, Sandy Gennaro (drums), and Jimmy Haslip (bass). We had a major record deal with Polydor," sharing a promo video that captures the essence of their time together. It's trivia like this that shows how the song was part of a brief but intense chapter, with the band releasing two albums before parting ways.

Another bit of trivia: The album was recorded with top-notch production, and "Heart of Stone" features lyrics about reaching out in the lonely night, closing doors, and finding connection, written in that classic rock style. Social media quotes from fans often point out how it's a hidden gem, with Bolton's husky delivery and Kulick's guitar adding layers of emotion. In one interview, Kulick quipped about the challenges, saying they were faithful to the band but opportunities like joining Kiss came later, showing how "Heart of Stone" was part of a pivotal moment in their careers.

Now, let's flow into how Blackjack got started, drawing from bio info on the artists. Michael Bolton, born Michael Bolotin on February 26, 1953, kicked off his music journey in the mid-1970s, diving into hard rock and heavy metal scenes. He performed under his real name back then, hustling for a solo deal that eventually led to Blackjack. As Kulick shared in his Rolling Stone chat, "Around this time, Michael Bolotin gets this fantastic opportunity. He went for a solo record deal, and the people around him at the label wanted a band. Bands were better than solo artists." So, Bolton reached out to Kulick, who had just left Meat Loaf's band, and they assembled the group.

The lineup came together with Jimmy Haslip on bass, a guy Kulick called their John Paul Jones, who later won Grammys in jazz-fusion, and Sandy Gennaro on drums, a hardworking Zep fan from Staten Island. They bonded over influences like Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, creating a big blues-rock sound. Signed to Polydor, they hit the studio with producer Tom Dowd, releasing their self-titled debut in 1979, followed by "Worlds Apart" in 1980. The band toured nationwide, opening for acts and building a following, but as Kulick reflected, "We hyped it so much that we didn’t have a chance out of the gate. The phones didn’t ring with the songs."

Bolton had been grinding in music since his teens, starting with local bands and evolving his style. His bio highlights over 50 years in the industry, but Blackjack was that key rock phase where he honed his voice in a band setting. Kulick, born December 12, 1953, started with various projects before Blackjack, bringing his guitar prowess from sessions and tours. The band lasted about a year, but it paved the way for their futures—Bolton going solo and changing his name, Kulick joining Kiss. Haslip founded Yellowjackets, and Gennaro played with many artists. It's a story of dreamers coming together in the late '70s rock scene, chasing that cosmic connection through music.

For you Zoo Freaks craving more, check out Michael Bolton's official website at https://www.michaelbolton.com, where his discography nods to those early rock days including Blackjack. Follow him on official Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/michaelbolton, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michaelbolton, and X at https://x.com/mbsings for updates and throwbacks. Bruce Kulick's official website is at https://www.brucekulick.com, detailing his time with Blackjack and the album. His official Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/officialbrucekulick, where he shares stories like the 1979 promo. If you're into fan vibes, the Rock Candy Magazine Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/139634569939476 has posts discussing Bolton's early rock band Blackjack.

We've got a special nod to our own pad—keep the good times rolling at THE ZOO, where the music connects us all like stars in the night sky. Blackjack's tale is one of passion and fleeting magic, starting from a solo dream turning into a band adventure. "Heart of Stone" might not have topped charts, but its spirit endures, reminding us of rock's timeless flow. Peace and love, Zoo Freaks—keep tuning in for more groovy spins!