Jon Bon Jovi is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor and entrepreneur who founded the band Bon Jovi in 1983. The band is famous for its power ballads and soaring guitar riffs. The group has sold over 130 million albums worldwide and continues to tour around the world. Bon Jovi has also embarked on a solo career, and is the founder of the Soul Foundation that supports innovative community efforts to break the cycle of poverty.
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on March 2, 1962, Bon Jovi was raised by his mother Carol and father John, a hairdresser who created his son’s signature mane. He was influenced by local rising stars such as Bruce Springsteen and the Asbury Jukes and began hanging out at clubs as an underage teenager, determined to become a rock star. Bon Jovi’s first big break came when he submitted a demo tape to local radio station WAPP, which ended up being played by DJ Chip Hobart. He later met drummer Tico Torres and bassist David Bryan, with whom he formed the band Bon Jovi.
After 15 months of touring to promote Slippery When Wet, the band was in need of a hit to give them some breathing room. “I’ll Be There For You” fit the bill perfectly, a heartfelt, upbeat track that proved they could write and perform a big song without sounding bloated or overly serious. The empowering lyrics make the song feel real and the vocals of Jon and Richie Sambora compliment each other beautifully.
Another track from their 1988 album New Jersey, this emotive power ballad signalled a shift away from the band’s glam metal roots and towards more mature, slower songs. It’s a fan favourite that continues to be performed live, with the chorus a particular highlight.
Bon Jovi’s vocal problems have been the source of much speculation, but there is no doubt that they were exacerbated by their grueling schedule in the ’80s as they toured relentlessly to promote the Slippery When Wet and New Jersey albums. It’s not surprising that the strain started to take its toll on the band, and vocalist Jon Bon Jovi has spoken openly about his struggles with his voice, which have prompted him to announce his retirement from the band in 2024.
Hulu’s upcoming docuseries Thank You, Goodnight promises to delve into the band’s “most public moments of friction,” including the 2013 departure of guitarist Richie Sambora. The series will also feature interviews with all current members of the band.
Outside of the band, Jon Bon Jovi has also nurtured a burgeoning acting career, appearing in films such as Moonlight and Valentino and The Leading Man, and on television as a recurring character on Ally McBeal. He has also co-founded and served as majority owner of an Arena Football League team, the Philadelphia Soul. Besides his music and acting, Jon has a keen interest in charitable work and established the Soul Foundation in 2004 to support innovative community efforts to break the cycle of poverty.