A Look at Jon Bon Jovi

In a career that has taken him from the streets of Sayreville to arenas around the world, Jon Bon Jovi combines glam metal with stadium rock to create a unique sound that has sold millions of records. A philanthropist, he’s also made headlines for founding and owning the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul as well as for his $1 million donation to Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network foundation.

After high school, Jon Bon Jovi got a job sweeping floors at a recording studio in New York City where he rubbed shoulders with a variety of musicians who recorded demo tapes during off hours. The experience convinced him that he had the talent to make it as a professional musician, so he moved to New Jersey and set up a studio of his own with a couple of early mates. Their first single, Runaway,” became a hit on local radio after being included on a compilation album featuring amateur groups. This success led to a record deal with PolyGram’s Mercury division, which required Jon to assemble a permanent band. He enlisted guitarists David Bryan and Alec John Such, drummer Tico Torres and bassist Dave Sabo (who would later be replaced by Richie Sambora). Mercury executives anglicized the band name to Bon Jovi after Jon’s cousin, part-owner of a New York club, suggested it.

Although he’s always maintained that rock music is his first love, Jon has expanded into acting and songwriting. He’s appeared in a number of TV shows, including Ally McBeal and Sex and the City and scored songs for several films. Jon has also developed a passion for philanthropy, donating money to various causes and participating in several benefit concerts.

Throughout his career, Bon Jovi has remained true to his roots and his fans. The band’s third album, Slippery When Wet, was a huge commercial success, selling more than 14 million copies worldwide. Its biggest hits were “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”

After the band went into temporary retirement in 1989, Jon concentrated on his solo career. He appeared in his first movie, Young Guns II, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Song, Blaze of Glory. During this time he married his sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, a karate instructor. He also founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006 to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. In addition, he has endorsed Democratic presidential candidates including Al Gore and John Kerry and performed acoustic sets during rallies for John Kerry in 2004. He’s also worked on environmental and civic initiatives and holds a doctorate of humanities from Monmouth University.