The band has sold over 120 million albums worldwide, earned a number of Grammy and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Their strategy was simple: write well-crafted rock songs with a deliberate pop sheen, play your heart out every time you take the stage, and always exceed the expectations of your fans. Over the course of three decades, the group would sell millions of tickets and fill arenas around the world.
Jon Bon Jovi was born John Francis Bongiovi Jr in Sayreville, New Jersey in 1961. His parents were barbers and florists and he was inspired by area artists like Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band. He picked up the guitar when he was 15 and joined a local band called The Lovin’ Machines.
By 1979, the group had changed its name to Bon Jovi and was performing regularly in Atlantic City clubs. Jon’s first big break came when a local radio station added his song Runaway to a playlist. The track began to receive regular airplay, and Jon decided it was time for a full band. He recruited bassist Alec John Such and drummer Tico Torres. He also tapped hometown guitarist Richie Sambora, who became one of the band’s signature writers.
Bon Jovi would go on to dominate the music scene with an arsenal of All-American hits that crossed genres and found a broad audience. Despite the huge success, the band faced numerous challenges over the years. Several members would leave and come back, but the ultimate goal of the band remained the same. The band would go on to release more than a dozen major studio albums and chart numerous hit singles.
As the band continued to tour, the members of Bon Jovi built a family culture that bonded them. They sparked social change in their communities, and they worked tirelessly to raise money for various charitable causes. They even helped rehabilitate a block of abandoned homes in north Philadelphia.
In 2009, the band would face turmoil when Sambora left the band due to alcohol abuse and exhaustion. He would later enter rehab twice. Although he has not rejoined the group, Sambora co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits.
In 2016, the 58-year-old singer underwent vocal fold medialization surgery to alleviate loose vocal folds, but he has not retired from performing. In addition to touring, he has recorded an album and performed on Broadway. He has also written music for movies and TV shows and was a guest star on the show The Sopranos. He and his wife of 10 years, Lindy Green, have two children. He is also a producer and has written for other musicians including Michael Bolton and Billy Joel. Jon has been active in politics, donating to Democratic candidates and hosting fundraisers for the 2008 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. He has spoken out against domestic violence and has been an advocate for veterans and military families. He is also a motivational speaker and has penned an autobiography.