Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jon Bon Jovi
How Jon Bon Jovi built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jon Bon Jovi is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor, best known as the founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi. Formed in 1983, the band has released 16 studio albums. Bon Jovi has also released two solo albums, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
1974: Formation of First Band
In 1974, Jon Bon Jovi formed his first band, Raze, and participated in a talent contest at his school.
1980: Formation of The Rest
By 1980, Jon Bon Jovi had formed his first original band, The Rest, which opened for New Jersey acts.
March 1983: Formation of Bon Jovi Band Members
In March 1983, Bon Jovi called bassist Alec John Such, who then brought in drummer Tico Torres and guitarist Richie Sambora, establishing the founding members of the band Bon Jovi.
1983: Formation of Bon Jovi
In 1983, Jon Bon Jovi founded the rock band Bon Jovi.
1984: Release of Bon Jovi's First Album
In 1984, Bon Jovi released its first album.
1985: Release of Bon Jovi's Second Album
In 1985, Bon Jovi released its second album.
1986: Release of "Slippery When Wet"
In 1986, the band Bon Jovi achieved widespread success with its third album, Slippery When Wet, which sold 28 million copies worldwide.
1990: Uncredited Role in "Young Guns II"
In 1990, Jon Bon Jovi had a brief, uncredited role in the film Young Guns II.
1990: Recording of "Blaze of Glory"
In 1990, Jon Bon Jovi recorded the soundtrack to the movie Young Guns II, known as Blaze of Glory, marking his first solo album.
1997: Release of "Destination Anywhere" Album and Short Film
In 1997, Jon Bon Jovi's second solo album, Destination Anywhere, was released along with a short movie of the same name.
1999: "Next 100 Years" Recording by J-Friends
In 1999, the Japanese version of the song "Next 100 years", with lyrics by B'z's Koshi Inaba, was recorded by Johnny & Associates's special unit called J-Friends for the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake relief.
April 2003: Release of "J-FRIENDS Never Ending Spirit 1997-2003" DVD
In April 2003, the live version of the song "Next 100 years" was included in a DVD, "J-FRIENDS Never Ending Spirit 1997-2003".
2004: Campaigning for John Kerry
During the 2004 presidential campaign, Jon Bon Jovi toured extensively on behalf of presidential candidate John Kerry.
2004: Ownership of Philadelphia Soul
In 2004, Bon Jovi became founder and primary owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.
2005: Donation to Angel Network Foundation
In 2005, Bon Jovi (the band) donated $1 million to the Angel Network foundation during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
2006: Founding of Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation
In 2006, The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation was founded to support community efforts to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
July 2007: Rehabilitation Project Announcement
In July 2007, Jon Bon Jovi announced a project to rehabilitate a block of 15 homes in North Philadelphia.
January 24, 2011: Casting in "New Year's Eve" Film
On January 24, 2011, it was confirmed that Bon Jovi would be cast in the film New Year's Eve as a successful rock star.
October 19, 2011: Opening of JBJ Soul Kitchen
On October 19, 2011, the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant, opened in Red Bank, New Jersey, allowing patrons to pay what they can afford.
2011: "Slippery When Wet" Sales
As of 2011, the album "Slippery When Wet" had sold 28 million copies worldwide.
December 13, 2012: "Not Running Anymore" Golden Globe Nomination
On December 13, 2012, it was announced that Jon Bon Jovi's song "Not Running Anymore" was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
2014: Bidding for Buffalo Bills
In 2014, a group of investors including Bon Jovi made it to the final round of bidding to acquire the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.
2019: Bon Jovi's Album Releases and Performances
As of 2019, Bon Jovi had released 15 studio albums, five compilations, and three live albums and has performed over 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries.
2022: Bon Jovi's Last Tour
In June 2024, Bon Jovi performed live for the first time since the end of the 2022 tour at the opening of JBJ's restaurant.
2023: JBJ Soul Kitchen Expansion
As of 2023, three additional JBJ Soul Kitchen locations have opened.
June 8, 2024: Opening of JBJ's Restaurant
On June 8, 2024, Jon Bon Jovi opened a rooftop restaurant and bar, JBJ's, in Nashville, Tennessee, with a grand opening performance by Bon Jovi and the band.
September 11, 2024: Prevention of Suicide Attempt
On September 11, 2024, Bon Jovi helped prevent a woman from jumping off the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville.
