Jon Bon Jovi was born John Francis Bongiovi, Jr. on March 2, 1962 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to parents John and Carol Sharkey. His mother was a former Playboy Bunny, and his father was a machinist. Bon Jovi’s family is full of famous names and he is even a blood relative to Frank Sinatra, being related through his maternal grandmother.
Having sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, Bon Jovi is one of the most successful modern rock bands in history. The band’s iconic hits and powerful lyrics have made them an enduring presence in pop culture and on the music scene.
Bon Jovi has been together for more than three decades, and they are still going strong. The band has a large following around the world and continues to tour regularly. The band’s hits and lyrical content are incredibly popular among fans of all ages.
In the late 1980s, Bon Jovi became a household name in the United States, largely because of their third album, Slippery When Wet. The album’s songs, like “Runaway” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” were all Top 40 hits. This success catapulted the band into international fame.
Jon Bon Jovi was not only a successful singer, he also invested his time into helping those in need. During the COVID lockdown, he helped feed thousands through his community restaurants and food bank near his homes in hard-hit New York and New Jersey. The singer has always been a vocal advocate for those who cannot help themselves.
As the band continued to release new albums, it became clear that the group would continue to find success. The 1984 album, Slippery When Wet, was a major breakthrough for the band. It was the first album to spawn three Top 10 singles, and it included the hit songs “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Bon Jovi released their eponymous debut in 1984, which generated a few hit singles including the Top 40 hits “Runaway” and 7800deg Fahrenheit.” The following year, the group released the double-album These Days. The album was produced by Desmond Child, who wrote two of the albums biggest hits. It was a very different album for Bon Jovi, and it was the first album to showcase their ability to write great songs.
In the 1990s, Bon Jovi had several conflicts with their management team. Jon Bon Jovi fired his manager and business advisers in 1991, essentially closing ranks to take control of the band. After resolving their issues, the band headed back to the studio with producer Bob Rock to record their fifth album. The band’s sixth album, These Days, was a hit and it featured the songs “These Days” and “Dance With Me Tonight.”
After the release of this album, Bon Jovi took a step back to concentrate on their live shows. The band has toured the world and their shows are some of the most highly attended events in rock. They have received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2018, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.