Blackstone

Former Rhinoceros members reconvened in 1972 to launch a fresh rock outfit initially called the Blackstone Rangers. Circumstances soon prompted the musicians to trim the name to Blackstone. The original roster featured lead singer John Finley, guitarists Danny Weis and Larry Leishman, pianist Michael Fonfara, and bassist Peter Hodgson. Drummer Richard Steinberg and musician Frank “Zeke” Sheppard joined shortly afterward.

In 1973 the group tracked its debut album, On the Line. Reviewers responded unfavorably to the record, prompting Finley, Leishman, Hodgson, Sheppard, and Steinberg to depart for more rewarding opportunities. Weis and Fonfara persisted a while longer, recruiting bassist John Prakash, singer Mike Stull, and drummer Penti “Whitey” Glan. The band nevertheless folded in 1973, barely twelve months after its formation.