BLACKJACK was a band that showcased the rich talents possessed by former RCA recording artist Michael Bolotin. The group also proved to be a springboard to greater things for the majority of its members. As a solo artist Bolotin had recorded two albums of heavily R&B influenced material, but BLACKJACK transformed the man into a Hard Rock star capable of taking on David Coverdale at his own game.

Bolotin was joined in BLACKJACK by former HOOKFOOT guitarist Bruce Kulick (brother of fellow guitarist Bob Kulick), bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Sandy Gennaro. Additional keyboard work was supplied by Jan Mullaney. Both Haslip and Mullaney had previously played together in CARILLO.

The band released a self-titled album through Polydor in 1979 (featuring the Bob Kulick co-written 'Love Me Tonight' and 'The Night Has Me Calling For You'), BLACKJACK delivered a heavier sophomore effort, the Eddy Offord produced 'World's Apart', before fragmenting as Bolotin set his sights on resuming his solo career, albeit re-inventing himself as MICHAEL BOLTON. As Bruce Kulick hooked up with the GOOD RATS for the 'Great American Music' album, Sandy Gennaro joined Canadian guitarist PAT TRAVERS' band.

Although denied commercial success with his first two releases (although they turned him into something of a cult icon in AOR circles) the renamed MICHAEL BOLTON would be transformed into a huge, international artist by the end of 80's by heading in a more mainstream direction.

Michael's eponymous solo rebirth and the ensuing 'Everybody's Crazy' were recorded with an incredible array of East Coast based Hard Rock talent including ex TOUCH members Mark Mangold and Craig Brooks, Bob and Bruce Kulick, Jan Mullaney, ALDO NOVA and ex RAINBOW and URIAH HEEP bassist Mark Clarke.

Bassist Jimmy Haslip was to emerge as session guitarist on MAX CARL's 1987 MCA album 'Circle' after a spell with YELLOW JACKETS. He had also played bass on RAY GOMEZ's 'Volume' album back in 1980. Gennaro featured on the debut 1986 album by German AOR band CRAAFT. Bruce Kulick of course would famously join KISS and after a lengthy stint with the self "Hottest band in the world" , after having his tenure terminated by the much vaunted late 90s original KISS reunion, would found UNION in alliance with ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE vocalist John Corabi. Kulick would also be the prime motivator for a glut of tribute albums. By 2001 the guitarist had joined up with yet another major American Rock institution in GRAND FUNK RAILROAD.