Highest Paid Musicians
Bon Jovi is one of the highest paid bands of 2012 having grossed $200 million in 2012 by playing 74 shows over a 12 month period. The band has performed three consecutive sold out concerts in New Jersey (its hometown) at the New Meadowlands Stadium. While the band has yet to release a new album in recent years, a greatest hits album was released in 2010. Frontman Jon Bon Jovi is a 51 year old musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and even an actor. He also has worked for the American Red Cross and has his own non-profit charity named “The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation”.
Jon was always inclined towards music since childhood. His determination to play music landed him in local bands where he performed with his friends and cousin Tony Bongiovi. He started playing in the clubs when he was just 16 years old. He used to mop the floors of his cousin’s studio at 17 years old. All of the hard work further determined Jon to chase his dreams.
Music Career
Jon Bon Jovi recorded his first song called “Runaway” in 1982. The people who helped him record this song were Time Pierce, Roy Bittan, Frankie LaRocka, and Hugh McDonald. Gettin in the business was not an easy task: he approached many record companies which included Atlantic Records and Mercury, but they all turned him down. Jon later visited WAPP 103.5 FM “The Apple”, a rock station in New York City, and met the promotions manager John Lassman who accepted the song “Runaway” for inclusion on his station. This song became an instant hit. Mercury Records gave him a contract in 1983. This is how his music career kick started.
The Band
Jon along with David Bryan, Alec John, and Tico Torres formed a band. An employee of Doc McGhee suggested the name of the band as Bon Jovi. The band released their first album on January 21, 1984. The band became known globally in the late 1980s after the release of their album Slippery When Wet. The band’s fame gave Jon a chance to assist Richie Sambora in producing Cher’s self-titled album in 1987. They together co-wrote and sang vocals for Cher. During the Slippery When Wet tour in 1987, Jon faced exhaustion. He had strained his vocal cords badly and started using shots to help him perform during the tour, as well as getting help from a vocal coach so that he could continue with the tour. The separation of all the band members came after the end of the tour for their album New Jersey in the early 1990s.
Separation
Jon recorded a soundtrack for the movie “Young Guns II”. He was approached for this movie by his friend Emilio Estevez. This was yet another breakthrough for Jon as he delivered his very first solo album. The album was ready to break records once it was released. After the success of the record, Jon got several awards, including the Golden Globe and a nomination in Academy Award, and a Grammy Award. The 1990s was the time when Jon was tagged as one of the best and highly paid Pop singers. His commitment to the music industry saw him taking chances as a music producer. He started his own label, Jambo Records and formed a new band. They returned with a new album, Crush in 2000. The single, “It’s My Life” helped them in increasing a younger fan base.
Awards and Recognition
Jon has won several other awards during his music career. He won American Music Awards and Golden Globe awards for “Blaze of Glory.” He also won MTV Europe Music Awards and Brit awards for his album Himself.
Actor
Jon is credited for playing decent acting roles in movies like The leading Man and Moonlight and Valentino. He has even appeared in television series like Sex and the City and 30 Rock. He recently played the role of a rock star in the movie New Year’s Eve. These roles have helped his popularity with female fans.
Most of the highest paid musicians share similar stories: relentlessness pursuit to make it in the business, a combination of multiple talents which helps in the promotion of the musician/band, and a little bit of a break here and there.
