Tune Tuesday – Jackpot (Bruno’s Bop)

For Tune Tuesday, I thought I would celebrate the 69th birthday of Actor/Singer Bruce Willis. I don’t recall just how I stumbled upon this album, but if I had to guess, it was probably playing in my local record store and it caught my ear.

Despite the album being called the “Return” of Bruno, this is actually Bruce Willis’ debut album. It was released in 1987 on the Motown Label, and it featured some R&B, Blues, and Soul music. It also featured some powerful musical guests like The Temptations, Booker T Jones, and The Pointer Sisters!

The album was released to coincide with an HBO “mockumentary” that followed the career of Bruno Radolini (Bruce Willis). The special was nominated for a CableACE Award for writing. The album received mixed reviews.

The first single from the album was Respect Yourself. Bruce did a duet with June Pointer (and the rest of the Pointer Sisters on background vocals) and the song was a hit. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The other singles that followed never broke the Top 40.

The song that always stuck out for me was one called Jackpot (Bruno’s Bop). It begins with Willis toying with the band and doing a little question and answer between band and harmonica. When the song finally kicks in, it just takes off running. It’s a driving jump blues tune with cool sax and harmonica interplay and a gravelling vocal by Willis. If anything, the band and Bruce are sure having fun!

Happy Birthday, Bruno … er, Bruce!

Jackpot (Bruno’s Bop)

Grampa always gave me good advice
A fine lookin’ woman is like a pair of dice
When she flashes her snake eyes
You gotta pay the price
I’m all grown up, the game is goin’ my way
Grampa’s good advice still holds today
Hey, when I get frisky I gotta play

Why not?
I’m hot
Jackpot-tonight!

When you gamble with love, you spin the wheel
Cross your fingers, make your best deal
What you can’t beg or borrow you gotta steal

Now a gamblin’ man’s gotta make ends meet
When the odds get even, they’re tough to beat
But tonight I feel it, I’m on a winning streak

Why not?
I’m hot
Jackpot-tonight!

Why not?
I’m hot
Jackpot-tonight!

Jackpot-tonight!