Question 1

Does Bon Jovi write their own songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mostly. Bon Jovi are credited on 99% of their catalogue, with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora writing the large majority. The main outside name is professional songwriter Desmond Child, who co-wrote their biggest hits 'Livin' on a Prayer' and 'You Give Love a Bad Name.' Later albums brought in writers like John Shanks, but the band is always part of the credit.

Question 2

Who wrote 'Livin' on a Prayer'?

Accepted Answer

'Livin' on a Prayer,' from Slippery When Wet (1986), was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. It became the band's signature song and one of the defining anthems of 1980s arena rock.

Question 3

Who is Desmond Child to Bon Jovi?

Accepted Answer

Desmond Child is the professional songwriter the band hired for their breakthrough album. He co-wrote 'Livin' on a Prayer,' 'You Give Love a Bad Name,' and 'Bad Medicine,' helping turn Bon Jovi into a global act while Jon and Richie shared the credit.

Question 4

Who wrote 'Wanted Dead or Alive'?

Accepted Answer

'Wanted Dead or Alive,' also from Slippery When Wet, was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora without an outside writer. Its acoustic, cowboy-themed sound made it one of the band's most enduring songs.

Question 5

How many albums has Bon Jovi released?

Accepted Answer

This catalogue covers sixteen studio albums, from their 1984 self-titled debut through Forever (2024), including the blockbusters Slippery When Wet and New Jersey.

Question 6

Did Bon Jovi win a Grammy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though only once competitively. They won Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for 'Who Says You Can't Go Home' with Jennifer Nettles in 2007, despite decades of huge commercial success in rock.

Question 7

What happened to Alec John Such?

Accepted Answer

Alec John Such, the band's original bassist from 1983 to 1994, died on June 5, 2022, of a heart attack. He was part of the classic lineup that recorded Slippery When Wet and New Jersey.

Question 8

Are Bon Jovi in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bon Jovi were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, having won the fan vote with more than a million ballots. The induction reunited Jon Bon Jovi with former guitarist Richie Sambora.

Question 9

What genre is Bon Jovi?

Accepted Answer

Bon Jovi play hard rock, arena rock, and pop rock, known for anthemic singalongs like 'Livin' on a Prayer' and power ballads like 'Bed of Roses.'