Jon Bon Jovi is an American rock musician with a long-standing career, selling over 120 million albums. The band is known for its All-American sound and solid songcraft. It has a global following and has charted seven #1 singles in the United States. Jon has a strong sense of responsibility towards his community and has given back through various charitable endeavors. He is cautious not to let fame become a priority and remains focused on writing music.
Jon was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1962. His family was of Italian and Slovak descent. His father, who owned a hair salon, encouraged his musical talent and taught him how to play piano and guitar. Jon became a singer and songwriter in his early teens, opening for local bands such as the Asbury Jukes and Southside Johnny and the Bombers. In high school, he formed a ten-piece rhythm and blues group called Atlantic City Expressway with guitarist David Bryan and bassist Alec John Such. He later played with other groups including The Rest and John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones.
In 1982 one of Jon’s demo songs,
After signing with PolyGram, the band released their first two albums – Slippery When Wet and New Jersey. The latter featured the breakthrough hit
Over the next 20 years, Bon Jovi continued to expand its success with a string of albums that included Blaze of Glory, The Circle, and Keep the Faith. The band was also active in the acting world with starring roles in Moonlight and Valentino and the film U-571, as well as appearing on television shows such as Ally McBeal.
The events of September 11, 2001, profoundly affected the band. Immediately after the attacks, Jon and Richie Sambora filmed Public Service Announcements for the Red Cross and participated in the America: A Tribute to Heroes live telethon. They also performed at two Monmouth County Alliance of Neighbors concerts to help families nearby the sites of the World Trade Center disaster.
In addition to his band’s work, Bon Jovi has ventured into other projects such as a children’s book and a line of baby clothes. He owns two Super Bowl rings as a part owner of the New England Patriots and is involved with a number of charities in his home state of New Jersey. In 2006, he established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to cater to those less fortunate. He has a passion for music and is a staunch advocate for the troops, donating millions to support their efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.