Bon Jovi Bio
John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.was born on March 2, 1962 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
The son of a florist and a hairdresser, Bongiovi attended St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey for his first two years. He was later transfered to Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, New Jersey.
At 17, he had a custodial position sweeping the floors at his cousin's recording studio. Tony Bongiovi owned The Power Station, which was recording Christmas in the Stars: The Star Wars Christmas Album at the time. Tony recommended John for the song "R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas" which was his first professional recording.
John attracted the attention of Atlantic Records and Mercury Records, and began to put together a band called the John Bongiovi Band. Derek Shulman signed them to Mercury Records, and suggested they change their name to Bon Jovi.
Their first self-titled album was released on January 21, 1984. It was a huge success, reaching gold status in the U.S. The group opened for ZZ Top in Madison Square Garden in the U.S. and for the Scorpions and Kiss in Europe.
Their next album did not receive as great a response as the first. 7800°Fahrenheit received cool reviews: "a pale imitation of the Bon Jovi we have got to know and learned to love".
Slippery When Wet was another story altogether. "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Livin' On A Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" were all smash hits that received frequent attention on major radio stations and are still considered classics today. This album sold 26 million copies thanks to help from songwriter Desmond Child.
List of albums include:
Bon Jovi - 1984
7800°Fahrenheit - 1985
Slippery When Wet - 1986*
New Jersey - 1988*
Keep the Faith - 1992
These Days - 1995
Crush - 2000
Bounce - 2002
Have a Nice Day - 2005
Lost Highway - 2007*
*These albums made it to the number one position in the US and in many other countries. (Last updated 2/18/08)
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