BON JOVI
"New Jersey's greatest export."
THE STORY
Bon Jovi burst onto the scene in 1983 from the bars and clubs of New Jersey, blending hard rock riffs with radio-friendly hooks that set them apart from their hair metal contemporaries. Jon Bon Jovi's charisma and Richie Sambora's guitar work made them one of the most dynamic live acts of the decade.
Their 1986 album 'Slippery When Wet' is one of the best-selling rock albums of all time, producing two #1 hits — 'You Give Love a Bad Name' and 'Livin' on a Prayer'. The latter, with its iconic talk-box intro, became an anthem for working-class America.
Bon Jovi's longevity is remarkable — they've sold over 130 million records across four decades and continue to fill arenas worldwide. Jon Bon Jovi was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS
Livin' on a Prayer
Slippery When Wet
You Give Love a Bad Name
Slippery When Wet
Wanted Dead or Alive
Slippery When Wet
Bad Medicine
New Jersey
I'll Be There for You
New Jersey
Always
Cross Road
'Livin' on a Prayer' is one of the most-played songs in radio history. The talk-box intro is instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in the 80s.
FAST FACTS
Records sold
Over 130 million worldwide
#1 hits
4 US #1 singles
Slippery When Wet
Over 28 million copies sold
Hometown
Sayreville, New Jersey
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Jon inducted in 2009