Happy Birthday, Jon Bon Jovi!
Jon Bon Jovi - frontman of the award-winning rock band Bon Jovi - turns 58 today. He was welcomed into the world on the 2nd of March 1962 - and named John Francis Bongiovi Jr. Little did his parents know the impact he would one day have on the music world!
He was born in New Jersey, USA, to two former
Marines. Father John Francis Bongiovi Sr
was Sicilian while mom, Carol, was a Playboy Bunny (later florist) from German
and Russian descent. John had two
brothers, Anthony and Mathew.
He began playing music in 1975 and by the age
of 13, was proficient on the piano and guitar, and formed his first band, Raze.
He later – though still a teenager - formed the band John Bongiovi and the Wild
Ones, playing the local circuit in New Jersey.
He followed this up with the band - The Rest.
John’s humble beginnings as a floor sweeper
at his cousins recording studio gave him the opportunity he needed to find his
place in the music world. In 1983 John
began writing and singing radio jingles for the station WAPP 103.5. How crazy
it must have been for them when John’s career began to skyrocket!
Later that same year the band Bon Jovi was
formed with Jon on vocals, David Bryan on keyboards, Tico Torres on drums and
Phil X and Hugh McDonald on guitar and bass respectively.
The now legendary band’s first single was the song ‘Runaway’ which made it into the Top 40.
In 1986 the world opened up for Bon Jovi as they released their third album ‘Slippery When Wet’ - which is a must have album in any fan’s collection. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide and boasted three Top 10 hit singles - of which two reached number 1: You Give Love a Bad Name and Livin’ on a Prayer.
Their discography went on to include the
Album “New Jersey” released in 1988 and ‘Keep the Faith’. Later ‘Cross Roads’
and ‘These Days’ were added to the collection as part of an eventual list of 20
studio albums.
Watch: Wanted Dead or Alive (1986)
Watch: Bed of Roses (1992)
Jon had a very successful solo career and
included acting in his CV of impressive skills - with appearances on 30 Rock,
Sex in the City and The West Wing - to name a few.
Whilst appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show,
Jon - along with Bon Jovi - donated $1 Million to the Angel Network Foundation. He also runs the JBJ Soul Kitchen which
serves patrons meals and charges only what they can afford.
Jon certainly is a man with heart.
Happy Birthday John Francis Bongiovi Jr. – you rock star!
Ps. Listen at 8.30am as Gordon pays tribute to Jon Bon Jovi with a special triple play. East Coast Gold plays music from the 60s, 70s and 80s! Listen via the ECR app or here.