The Influence of New Jersey on Jon Bon Jovi's Identity: A Personal Reflection

Jon Bon Jovi Talks About How Being a New Jerseyan Shaped His Identity

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Jon Bon Jovi believes that being from New Jersey has played a significant role in shaping his identity. Born as John Bongiovi Jr., the 62-year-old musician addressed this connection during a screening for Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story on Thursday, April 25. He emphasized that their roots are a fundamental part of who they are, stating, "Who we are is what we are and where we're from." Bon Jovi, who hails from Perth Amboy and formed the band in Sayreville, expressed that his New Jersey origins are a crucial aspect of his identity.

Bon Jovi's strong love and pride for his home state of New Jersey is evident. His band named their 1988 album "New Jersey" after the state, and he also founded the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a non-profit community restaurant with locations in Red Bank, Toms River, Jersey City, and Newark.

In the 1990s, Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea Hurley moved to California and purchased a beach house in Malibu. However, they soon realized that the West Coast was not the right fit for them. Bon Jovi mentioned during a discussion in New York City that he didn't enjoy the Hollywood lifestyle and felt it wasn't for him or his wife. He made the decision to leave California in order to thrive and be happy.

Jon Bon Jovi Talks About How Being a New Jerseyan Shaped His Identity

2013 David Bergman/Hulu

Much like in the series, Bon Jovi paid tribute to fellow New Jersey legends, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, for being accessible when the “Runaway” singer was just starting out. “You couldn’t fathom the concept of being in Led Zeppelin, but you could look down the road and there was Southside Johnny [and the] E Street band,” he said. “17 versions of Santa Claus running around in the bars when you’re 16 and you got to touch one of them? That made the impossible possible.”

Jovi also touched on deciding to let cameras come along as Bon Jovi hit the road in 2022 for the four-part docuseries. “We, as a band, were never afraid to lay out our emotions — we just never necessarily had the platform to do it on,” he shared, noting Thank You, Goodnight shares a revealing look into “births, deaths, marriages, divorces, addiction, breakups, make-ups, the rise and the fall.”

Jon Bon Jovi Talks About How Being a New Jerseyan Shaped His Identity

2013 David Bergman/Hulu

He emphasized that the truth he speaks of is not just his own, but belongs to the entire group. He stressed the importance of sharing perspectives from all band members, not just the lead singer, as each member experienced it in their own way.

Despite his recent vocal cord surgery in 2022, Bon Jovi remains positive about the band's future. When asked about what's to come, he mentioned leaving it up to a higher power. He expressed that each day is a new opportunity, and he is gaining more confidence with every passing day.

Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story is streaming now on Hulu

Editor's P/S:

Jon Bon Jovi's unwavering connection to his New Jersey roots is a testament to the profound influence our upbringing has on our identity. His belief that "who we are is what we are and where we're from" resonates deeply, highlighting the integral role our birthplace plays in shaping our values, beliefs, and aspirations. Bon Jovi's pride in his home state is evident in his band's moniker, "New Jersey," and his philanthropic endeavors through the JBJ Soul Kitchen.

The article also sheds light on Bon Jovi's decision to leave California, despite its allure. His discomfort with the Hollywood lifestyle reveals the importance of finding a place where one can truly thrive. Additionally, Bon Jovi's acknowledgment of the support and inspiration he received from New Jersey legends like Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes and Bruce Springsteen underscores the value of mentorship and community in the pursuit of success.