If you love rock music, then you may know Bon Jovi. The American rock band was formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983. The band’s lineup is Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, guitarist Phil X, bassist Hugh McDonald, and drummer Tico Torres. Although the band is primarily known for its riffs and melodic vocals, it’s no less popular for its unique style.
After their first album, the lineup has changed twice. In 1994, bassist Alec John Such left the band. The lineup was then a quartet without a bassist. Hugh McDonald, who had played bass on the band’s first single, “Runaway,” was introduced as a replacement for Alec. The band subsequently agreed not to replace Alec, though. This is a sign of respect for their former bassist.
Bon Jovi reformed for the recording of their fifth album, Keep the Faith. While the album wasn’t a commercial blockbuster, it did produce the top-selling adult contemporary ballad “Bed of Roses,” which helped sustain the band’s success. Their next release, Cross Road, was a greatest-hits collection that featured the Top Ten ballad “Always.”
In 1984, Bon Jovi released their self-titled debut album. The album was certified gold and generated a Top 40 hit, “Runaway”. In 1985, the band released their second album, 7800deg Fahrenheit, which went platinum and served as a prelude to their breakthrough album, Slippery When Wet. Its lyrics were co-written by Richie Sambora and Desmond Child. The album was a success, and the group became a popular touring act.
The band released their sixth studio album, “These Days,” during a European tour. It debuted at number one in the United Kingdom and spent four consecutive weeks at the top. Many other countries also saw the band’s success. Their first single, “This Ain’t a Love Song,” was a rhythm and blues-inspired ballad. The band sold 130 million albums worldwide. The band’s music was featured in movies like “Monsters in Heaven,” “Saving Private Ryan”, and “Pay It Forward.”
In recent years, Bon Jovi has been blending their sound to meet the times. They have been blending hard rock with other genres, such as confessional adult contemporary and reflective country. Bon Jovi has even been credited with inspiring the creation of MTV’s Unplugged series. They have performed acoustic sets at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989. Their vocal versatility is often praised by critics. They can switch from acoustic to live electric work without losing their signature sound.
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon Bon Jovi grew up in Sayreville, New Jersey. He played the club circuit at a young age. At sixteen, he worked at a New York recording studio owned by his cousin Tony Bongiovi. However, after being rejected by dozens of record labels, he found success in the New Jersey club circuit. His new album has sold over 130 million albums worldwide and continues to fill arenas around the world.