Jon Bon Jovi is a multi-platinum American rock musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist. He is the founder and frontman of Bon Jovi, which has sold over 130 million albums worldwide. He has also released two solo albums. He is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2024 was named MusiCares Person of the Year. He is an avid philanthropist, having founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation which works to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair.
Born John Francis Bongiovi Jr. in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon started playing music in his early teens, inspired by local acts like the Asbury Jukes and Southside Johnny. By the time he was 17, he had formed his first band, Atlantic City Expressway, and by the end of the 1970s, was opening for national acts such as the Doobie Brothers and the Four Seasons at New York’s legendary Apollo Theater.
He began writing songs in his spare time, and in 1980, recorded his first single, Runaway, at his cousin’s studio with back-up by studio musicians. It was included on a compilation tape and picked up by a radio station, which led to Bon Jovi’s first recording contract. After the release of their self-titled debut album in 1984, which featured a number of the band’s now-signature power ballads, Bon Jovi went on tour to support the record. It was on that trek that he met drummer Tico Torres and bassist Alec John Such, with whom he formed the Bon Jovi lineup.
In the 1990s, the band’s commercial success continued with such hits as Livin’ on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive. After the band went into temporary retirement in 1989, Jon concentrated on his solo career, which was launched with a guest appearance on the soundtrack of Young Guns II, more commonly known as Blaze of Glory.
Jon and his wife Dorothea have built their own foundation which works to combat issues that force families and individual into economic despair. The couple has opened the JBJ Soul Kitchen food bank, which provides low-cost meals to those in need. They also work with organizations that provide affordable housing and rebuild and refurbish homes.
In 2004, Jon became one of the founders and majority owners of the Arena Football League team Philadelphia Soul (Sambora was a minority shareholder). In addition to music, Bon Jovi has tried his hand at acting, with roles in the films New Year’s Eve and Running Scared. He is also the author of the book It’s My Life. Bon Jovi has also been involved in politics, campaigning for both Al Gore and John Kerry in 2000, and Barack Obama in 2008. In 2010, President Obama appointed him to the White House Council for Community Solutions. He has also made numerous charitable contributions, including to The American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, he has hosted many charity events. He is a longtime advocate for children’s causes, particularly for foster kids and those with special needs.