Bon Jovi is the quintessential hair band of the ’80s, and one of the most successful rock bands of all time. They have sold more than 120 million albums, charted seven #1 singles and countless Top Ten hits, and continue to tour the world. The band’s business acumen and solid songcraft have enabled them to remain a force in the music industry for decades.
Jon Bon Jovi, lead vocalist and keyboardist, has been the face of the band for over 40 years. Born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon’s parents were both musicians. He has been playing piano since the age of 7, and also excelled at trumpet, violin, and viola.
In 1980, he recorded a demo of his original song Runaway at his cousin’s studio with the help of session musicians. A local radio station included the song on a compilation tape and it began to get some airplay. That’s when Jon realized that he needed more than just session players, and recruited drummer Tico Torres, bassist Alec John Such, and guitarist Richie Sambora to form the band Bon Jovi. Pamela Maher, a friend of the band’s manager suggested the name, which was anglicized from their first initials.
After releasing their third album Slippery When Wet in 1986, the band began to stray from heavy metal. They worked with songwriter extraordinaire Desmond Child to create a more mainstream sound that spawned hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The record spent eight weeks at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 and became their biggest commercial success to date.
Over the years, Bon Jovi has seen lineup changes but they have maintained a core of four members that have stayed together for decades. In the Hulu docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Story of Bon Jovi, the band opens up about their past and present.
In addition to touring, the band owns their own arena football team in Philadelphia and is active in philanthropy. They have their own foundation to combat issues that force families into economic despair. Jon has even delved into acting, appearing in a few films and television shows including the acclaimed movie Moonlight. He is also an avid sports fan and has campaigned for Al Gore, John Kerry, and Barack Obama in various political races. Jon also has an extensive business portfolio, owning several hotels and restaurants in the New Jersey area. The family man is passionate about his religion and has been a supporter of military service personnel and their families. Jon is the founder of The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which was established in 2006. The Foundation exists to battle issues that force families into financial despair. The organization has distributed over $170 million in grants to charities across the nation. The Foundation also has a strong presence in New Jersey, and serves over 1,600 local families each year. The organization has been recognized by many organizations, including the National Council for Economic Education and the National Governor’s Association.