Regardless of your age, you’ve heard of Bon Jovi, and have probably even seen them perform live. This American rock band was formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983. Members include singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald. The group has achieved global fame, and their hit songs are well-known all over the world.
After the success of “Runaway,” Bon Jovi entered a major label bidding war. They signed to Polygram/Mercury. Before entering the studio, they replaced Sabo with working guitarist Richie Sambora. Sambora was already a member of Message when Bon Jovi met him. They were quickly successful, and their music remained one of the hallmarks of the 1980s. Inductee Insights will be released each week to highlight artists who have changed rock history and influenced pop culture.
During the 1990s, Bon Jovi’s popularity rose. They appeared in ‘The Return of Bruno’ with Gwyneth Paltrow and Kathleen Turner. In 1988, they also co-produced Cher’s fourth studio album, ‘Heart of Stone’. The group went on a world tour to promote this album, which sold more than a million copies. In 1990, the band released the soundtrack of the movie ‘Blaze of Glory’.
In 1991, Jon Bon Jovi signed a record deal with Derek Shulman. The band parted ways with their former management, but the conflict eventually came to an end after the band relocated to the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. They began working with Bob Rock on their fifth album, which was released in 1992. They have since reunited with former manager Robert Friend. This was the beginning of their storied career.
Jon Bon Jovi married his high school sweetheart Dorothea Hurley in 2000. While critics say Bon Jovi has gotten too corporate, they’re missing the point. Jon Bon Jovi has always been a “control freak.” He admits it himself in his 2000 song, “I’m a control freak.” He knows what it takes to make it as a rock star. That’s what sets him apart from other bands.
The band has been a major force in popular music for decades, but their success only grew with time. The 1980s saw the band’s first single, Runaway, get a little airplay on local radio stations. With this single, Bon Jovi started to gain a wider fan base and sold nine million copies in their native country. They also enjoyed significant success in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Japan. The album was a smash hit all over the world.
After years of steady success in the 1980s, Bon Jovi released their eighth studio album, Bounce, in 2002. Bounce was supported by an extensive international tour. Following the success of Bounce, the band re-recorded many of its classic songs for an acoustic release, This Left Feels Right, which also included a DVD. The band’s career continues to grow today. They’re arguably one of the greatest rock bands ever.