History of Jon Bon Jovi in Timeline
Jon Bon Jovi, born John Francis Bongiovi Jr., is a renowned American musician known for his work as the lead singer and songwriter of the rock band Bon Jovi. Since the band's formation in 1983, they have released 15 studio albums, establishing their place in rock history. In addition to his work with the band, Bon Jovi has also pursued a solo career, releasing two albums. His musical talents extend beyond singing to songwriting and playing the guitar. He has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
March 2, 1962: Birth of Jon Bon Jovi
On March 2, 1962, John Francis Bongiovi Jr., known professionally as Jon Bon Jovi, was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
1974: Early Music Career
In 1974, Jon Bon Jovi started his music career by forming his first band, Raze, and participating in a school talent contest.
1980: Formation of The Rest
By 1980, Jon Bon Jovi had formed his first original band called The Rest, which opened for New Jersey acts like Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
March 1983: Finalization of Bon Jovi Lineup
In March 1983, the final lineup of Bon Jovi was established, with the addition of bassist Alec John Such and drummer Tico Torres, joining Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and David Bryan.
1983: Formation of Bon Jovi
In 1983, Jon Bon Jovi formed the rock band Bon Jovi, alongside David Bryan, Alec John Such, Tico Torres, and Richie Sambora.
1984: Release of First Album
In 1984, Bon Jovi released their self-titled debut album.
1985: Release of Second Album
Bon Jovi released their second album, "7800° Fahrenheit", in 1985.
1986: Breakthrough with "Slippery When Wet"
Bon Jovi achieved global success with their third album, "Slippery When Wet", in 1986, which included hit singles like "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer".
1989: Marriage to Dorothea Hurley
During a stop in Los Angeles on The New Jersey Syndicate Tour in 1989, Bon Jovi secretly took a trip to Las Vegas and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, on April 29 at the Graceland Wedding Chapel.
1990: Release of "Blaze of Glory" Soundtrack
In 1990, Jon Bon Jovi released his first solo album, "Blaze of Glory", as the soundtrack for the movie "Young Guns II".
1990: Uncredited Role in "Young Guns II"
Jon Bon Jovi had a brief, uncredited role in the 1990 film "Young Guns II".
1991: Launch of Jambco Records
Jon Bon Jovi founded his own record label, Jambco Records, in 1991, and produced albums for Aldo Nova and Billy Falcon.
1991: Awards for "Blaze of Glory"
In 1991, "Blaze of Glory" won an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single, a Golden Globe Award, and earned Jon Bon Jovi nominations for an Academy Award and a Grammy Award.
1993: Birth of Stephanie Bongiovi
Bon Jovi's daughter, Stephanie, was born in 1993.
1995: Birth of Jesse Bongiovi
Bon Jovi's son, Jesse, was born in 1995.
1997: Release of "Destination Anywhere" Album and Film
Jon Bon Jovi released his second solo album, "Destination Anywhere", in 1997, along with a short film of the same name starring Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Whoopi Goldberg, and himself.
2002: Birth of Jake Bongiovi
Bon Jovi's son, Jake, was born in 2002.
2004: Birth of Romeo Bongiovi
Bon Jovi's son, Romeo, was born in 2004.
2004: Support for John Kerry
In 2004, Bon Jovi toured extensively on behalf of presidential candidate John Kerry, appearing at and playing acoustic sets with Richie Sambora at rallies for the Kerry-Edwards ticket throughout the United States.
2004: Ownership of Philadelphia Soul
In 2004, Jon Bon Jovi became the founder and primary owner of the Philadelphia Soul, an Arena Football League team.
2005: Donation to Angel Network
In 2005, Bon Jovi (the band) donated $1 million to the Angel Network foundation during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
2006: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame
Bon Jovi was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
2006: Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation Founded
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation (formerly the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation) was founded in 2006.
July 2007: Philadelphia Housing Project
In July 2007, Jon Bon Jovi announced a project that would rehabilitate a block of 15 homes in north Philadelphia.
2008: Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton Campaign Debt
The 2009 Manhattan fundraiser that Bon Jovi played at was to lessen some of Hillary Clinton's $6.3 million 2008 campaign debt.
January 18, 2009: Obama Inauguration Concert Performance
On January 18, 2009, Bon Jovi performed a duet at the Obama Inauguration Concert of the Sam Cooke classic "A Change is Gonna Come" with Bettye LaVette.
June 4, 2009: Benefit show for Jon Corzine
On June 4, 2009, Bon Jovi performed an acoustic benefit show for Democratic Governor Jon Corzine at the NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey.
June 24, 2009: Message of Solidarity with Iran
On June 24, 2009, Bon Jovi, Sambora, and Andy Madadian recorded a musical message of worldwide solidarity with the people of Iran.
2009: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 2009, Jon Bon Jovi was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
December 15, 2010: Appointment to White House Council
On December 15, 2010, Bon Jovi was appointed by Barack Obama to the White House Council for Community Solutions.
2010: "Everybody Hurts" Charity Single
In 2010, Jon Bon Jovi was one of 21 artists singing on "Everybody Hurts", a charity single organized by Simon Cowell aiding victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
January 24, 2011: Casting in "New Year's Eve"
On January 24, 2011, Jon Bon Jovi was confirmed for a role in the film "New Year's Eve", playing a successful rock star.
October 19, 2011: JBJ Soul Kitchen Opening
On October 19, 2011, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation opened the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey.
2011: "Slippery When Wet" Sales Milestone
By 2011, "Slippery When Wet" had sold 28 million copies worldwide.
2011: Interest in Atlanta Falcons
Jon Bon Jovi expressed interest in purchasing a 15% stake in the Atlanta Falcons for $150 million in 2011.
December 13, 2012: Golden Globe Nomination for "Not Running Anymore"
Jon Bon Jovi's song "Not Running Anymore", from the "Stand Up Guys" soundtrack, was nominated for a Golden Globe Award on December 13, 2012.
2012: Billboard's "Power 100" Ranking
In 2012, Jon Bon Jovi was ranked number 50 on Billboard magazine's "Power 100" list of the most powerful and influential people in the music business.
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. However, the team was sold to Terry Pegula, owner of the Buffalo Sabres.
2016: Clarification on Sinatra Relation Rumor
In 2016, Jon Bon Jovi clarified in an interview that he was not related to singer Frank Sinatra, dispelling a longstanding rumor.
2016: Hillary Clinton Fundraiser
Bon Jovi played at a 2009 Manhattan fundraiser for former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
2017: Support for Jim Renacci
In 2017, Bon Jovi raised money for Jim Renacci, a Republican representative from Ohio's 16th congressional district and then a potential candidate for Ohio governor.
2018: Induction into U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2018, Bon Jovi was inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2019: Extensive Music Catalog and Sales
As of 2019, Bon Jovi had released 15 studio albums, five compilations, and three live albums, selling over 130 million records worldwide.
2019: Honorary Doctorate from University of Pennsylvania
In 2019, Bon Jovi received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from University of Pennsylvania.
October 24, 2020: Joe Biden Drive-in Event
On October 24, 2020, Bon Jovi performed at a drive-in event for Joe Biden at Dallas High School in Dallas, PA.
2020: Release of "A Jon Bon Jovi Christmas"
In 2020, Jon Bon Jovi released "A Jon Bon Jovi Christmas", a Christmas single featuring three new holiday songs.
2020: Endorsement of Cory Booker
In the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Bon Jovi endorsed fellow New Jerseyan Cory Booker for President of the United States.
January 20, 2021: "Celebrating America" Performance
On January 20, 2021, Jon Bon Jovi and the Kings of Suburbia performed a cover of the Beatles song "Here Comes the Sun" as part of the "Celebrating America" Inauguration of Joe Biden event.
October 2021: Positive COVID-19 Test
In October 2021, Jon Bon Jovi tested positive for COVID-19 at a fan event in Florida.
November 12, 2021: Recovery from COVID-19
Bon Jovi recovered from COVID-19 by November 12, 2021.
2021: Honorary Doctorate from Princeton University
In 2021, Bon Jovi received a second honorary doctorate from Princeton University.
April 2022: Reflection on COVID-19 Experience
In April 2022, Bon Jovi spoke of how much his COVID-19 experience had affected him, including in his songwriting.
2023: JBJ Soul Kitchen Expansion
As of 2023, three additional JBJ Soul Kitchens have been opened—one in Toms River, another at the Newark campus of Rutgers University, and a third one inside the Gilligan Student Union at New Jersey City University.