Jon Bon Jovi is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, an organization that works to break the cycle of poverty and hunger in communities around the world. Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million albums worldwide.
Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on March 2, 1962, to barber John Bongiovi and Playboy Bunny-turned florist Carol, Jon Bon Jovi grew up idolizing local rock stars like Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. He began playing music in local bands at age 16, eventually joining the band Atlantic City Expressway, which later became John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones.
In 1980, Bon Jovi recorded a demo tape with studio musicians that included the song “Runaway.” The song was featured on a radio station’s compilation tape and received regular airplay. The exposure helped him land a contract with Mercury Records. The label suggested he change the name of his band to Bon Jovi, a nod to the band’s early influences of Alice Cooper, Van Halen, and Dokken.
The band’s debut album, Slippery When Wet, was released in 1986. It was a massive hit, propelling the group to international superstardom. Over the next few years, the group released more hits, including You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, and Livin’ on a Prayer. The band has also been a major draw for live performances, selling out stadiums around the globe.
Bon Jovi is a longtime friend of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former head coach Bill Belichick, and the band has performed several times at Gillette Stadium. In 2021, the band released the single “Limitless,” which is an ode to the spirit of limitless possibility. The song also features an appearance by rapper Drake. In 2017, Bon Jovi donated $2 million to help combat the opioid crisis in New Jersey.
Jon and his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, have four children: daughter Stephanie and sons Jesse, Jake, and Romeo. The rocker is also an active philanthropist, and has established the Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to fight for the homeless, children with special needs, and veterans.
While he’s best known for his work with Bon Jovi, Jon has also had a storied acting career, starring in films such as Moonlight and Valentino, The Leading Man, Destination Anywhere, Little City, Homegrown, Pay It Forward, U-571 and Cry Wolf, and appearing on television shows like Sex and the City, 30 Rock, Las Vegas, and Ally McBeal. In addition to his music, Bon Jovi has also nurtured a passion for directing. He’s directed two movies, The Longest Yard and The Island at the End of the Universe. Jon has also been involved in a number of charitable efforts, donating money to help rebuild homes damaged by natural disasters and supporting arts education. In 2018, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Bon Jovi as a member. The band celebrated the occasion with a surprise performance.