New Jersey has birthed many rockstars and celebrities spanning generations. Bruce Springsteen was born there, as was more modern rock-pop star Bon Jovi. But easily the most famous person to ever have a New Jersey birth certificate is Jon Bon Jovi.

He’s one of the most famous musicians, ever, and the namesake for the band that put American rock and roll on the global map, Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi never really had a bad year once they hit the big time. They conquered the 80s, kept their title in the 90s, and reminded everyone that they were still the kings in the 2000s.

The Birth of Bon Jovi

John Bon Jovi himself started performing at 13 in his native New Jersey. He met and started playing music with David Bryan when he was 16 – and they created the band Atlantic City Expressway. That band didn’t last long, but that’s okay – whatever needed to happen for Bon Jovi to come together is okay with us. After a few years, Jon’s other projects fell apart and led him to put Bon Jovi together. It took a few different phone calls, but in 1983, the band was formed. The members included Jon Bon Jovi (of course), Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, and David Brian at the beginning.

Global Success

Jon Bon Jovi had a record deal already lined up, which helped launch their first self-titled album. That album had a hit single, “Runaway,” which helped them run away with their success. Their next album, 7800 Degree Fahrenheit, went gold and started the Bon Jovi obsession. They put Slippery When Wet, a year or so later, which had the legendary songs “Dead or Alive” and “Livin on a Prayer.” They put out more than 20 albums in their lifetime, and they don’t seem to be done yet (if rumors can be believed). Speaking of rumors, a little birdie told us they’re coming to an arena near you.