During their long and successful career, Bon Jovi has sold more than one hundred million records worldwide and performed more than two thousand concerts in over fifty countries. They are considered one of the most popular rock bands of all time. They have earned numerous awards and nominations, including two Grammy awards and an Academy Award. They have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their song “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a favorite amongst many.
Bon Jovi was formed in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983 by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and keyboardist David Bryan. The lineup included bassist Alec John Such and drummer Tico Torres. Jon Bon Jovi’s cousin recorded the band’s first demo, “Runaway,” in a recording studio in New York. The song was an instant hit and led to the formation of Bon Jovi.
Bon Jovi had extensive recording sessions during the late 1980s. Their third studio album, Slippery When Wet, sold more than twenty million copies and reached the top of the charts with three hits. In addition, Bon Jovi received an Award of Merit at the American Music Awards in 2004. The group toured extensively during the late 1980s.
Bon Jovi was considered to have one of the most successful tours of the year in 2008. They were crowned the top touring band of 2008 with their Lost Highway tour. They toured for a full year and made $227 million in ticket sales. The band’s homecoming concerts in New Jersey broke all VH-1 ratings records. In addition, Bon Jovi received a fan ballot award with more than one million votes. The band also sold out two homecoming concerts in New Jersey in 2001.
During their sabbatical period, Bon Jovi members explored solo projects. They also performed more promotional performances. One of them was a charity single to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Another was a duet with Bettye LaVette. During this time, they re-recorded the song “Bon Jovi” with local musicians. This song remained a major hit and reached the top forty on the Billboard music charts. They also toured for a presidential candidate.
Jon Bon Jovi toured for presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004. They performed at a rally for Kerry-Edwards ticket. They also played a benefit concert for Democratic Governor Jon Corzine at the NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey. They also performed at a Manhattan fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.
Jon Bon Jovi is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has been awarded for “Hottest Live Show” at the My VH1 Music Awards in 2001. The band has been nominated for the Grammy Awards, the Academy Awards, and the Golden Globe Awards. They have also won several awards, including a Golden Globe for the song “Blaze of Glory.”
Richie Sambora was also a member of Bon Jovi. The two met in 1989 at the Video Music Awards. They started dating in 1990 and split up a year later. In the same year, Sambora released a solo album. He also helped produce Cher’s album.