Throughout the years, Bon Jovi has changed and evolved its sound, but the catchy, radio-friendly songs haven’t. They’ve also stayed true to their audience, which has seen the band become a household name.
The story behind the success of the group is as much about family and loyalty as it is about rock music. Jon Bon Jovi, born March 2, 1962, grew up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the son of a barber and Playboy Bunny turned florist. He had two brothers – Matthew and Anthony. From an early age, he showed a love for music and would often play guitar in his spare time.
By the time he was 17, Jon had begun writing his own material. He formed his first band, The Wild Ones, and played in local bands around the area. In 1978, he met drummer Tico Torres and guitarist Richie Sambora. The band became Bon Jovi and they signed a contract with PolyGram Records in 1983.
In 1986, the band released their third album, Slippery When Wet. It strayed from their heavy metal roots and reached the top of the charts. With classic hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” it was a commercial success that cemented the band’s rock star status.
After the success of Slippery When Wet, the band refocused their efforts on a new image. Working with songwriter extraordinaire Desmond Child, they decided to move away from their heavy metal sound and work towards a pop-oriented style. This helped them broaden their appeal and make the transition to a more mainstream image.
Bon Jovi continued to release albums in quick succession. Crush, the band’s eighth studio album in 2000, was a hit and introduced them to a younger generation. It was followed by Bounce (2002) and an acoustic-based album, This Left Feels Right (2004).
On the personal front, Jon Bon Jovi nurtured a career in acting and appeared on a number of television shows, including Moonlight and Valentino. He has also written for a few films and directed one, titled Running Scared. Bon Jovi members have also stayed busy with charity work. They have donated time and money to various causes, including the American Red Cross. They have also performed at several fundraisers for politicians, including a Manhattan concert for Hillary Clinton to help lessen her campaign debt in 2009.
Even after all the ups and downs over the years, the band members remain close and supportive of each other. They continue to tour together, most recently in 2019 and 2020. The band has also branched out and recorded a few solo projects. In 2019, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is clear that this group of musicians truly loves what they do and respects their audience. And they will continue to do it for as long as possible. Their upcoming album is called Have a Nice Day and will be released in 2022.