Bon Jovi
Biography
Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983. The band is fronted by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi (born John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.), with other current members being keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, lead guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald. Over the course of their career, the band has become one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold more than 130 million records worldwide.
Formation and Early Years
Jon Bon Jovi began playing music in his early teens, performing in several bands. In 1980, he recorded his first single, "Runaway," at his cousin's recording studio with the help of studio musicians. After the song started getting airplay on local radio, Jon Bon Jovi formed the band by recruiting David Bryan, Alec John Such, Tico Torres, and guitarist Richie Sambora. The band signed with Mercury Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1984, which featured the Top 40 hit "Runaway".
Breakthrough and Stardom
The band's third album, "Slippery When Wet," released in 1986, was their commercial breakthrough, catapulting them to global stardom. The album featured some of the band's most iconic songs, including "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Livin' on a Prayer," and "Wanted Dead or Alive". "Slippery When Wet" was a massive commercial success, selling over 28 million copies worldwide and spending eight weeks at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Their follow-up album, "New Jersey" (1988), was also a huge success, producing two number-one singles: "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There for You".
The 1990s and a Shift in Sound
After a hiatus in the early 1990s, during which Jon Bon Jovi released a successful solo album, the band returned with "Keep the Faith" (1992). This album marked a change in the band's sound, moving towards a more mature rock style and away from the glam metal of their earlier work. The decade also saw the release of the multi-platinum greatest hits album "Cross Road" (1994), which included the massive hit single "Always". Bassist Alec John Such departed from the band in 1994 and was replaced by Hugh McDonald.
21st Century and Continued Success
Bon Jovi entered the new millennium with the album "Crush" (2000), which featured the worldwide hit "It's My Life," introducing the band to a new generation of fans. Throughout the 2000s, they continued to release successful albums, including "Have a Nice Day" (2005) and "Lost Highway" (2007), which incorporated country music influences. Longtime guitarist and co-songwriter Richie Sambora left the band in 2013. Despite the lineup change, the band has continued to tour and record, releasing albums such as "This House Is Not for Sale" (2016) and "2020" (2020). In 2024, the band released their 16th studio album, "Forever".
Legacy
Bon Jovi has maintained a remarkable level of success and relevance for over four decades. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Beyond music, Jon Bon Jovi is known for his philanthropic work, particularly with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which aims to combat hunger and homelessness. The band's enduring appeal lies in their anthemic songs, high-energy performances, and ability to connect with audiences across generations.