Born John Francis Bongiovi in Perth Amboy, NJ. The highly photogenic lead singer of soft rockers Bon Jovi established himself as a respected actor and solo artist in the late 90s. For a period from the late 80s to the mid-90s, Bon Jovi was one of the biggest-selling acts in the world, thanks to the multi-platinum success of Slippery When Wet and New Jersey. The singer actually began his recording career way back in 1980, recording several tracks as John Bongiovi at his cousin Tony's Power Station recording studio (this material was eventually released in 1997 as The Power Station Years). Fame and fortune soon followed with Bon Jovi the band, before the singer took time out in 1990 to record the solo Blaze Of Glory. This quasi-soundtrack collection was inspired by the movie YOUNG GUNS II, in which Bon Jovi also made a brief appearance. The singer's Western-themed songs failed to stretch a stellar cast of backing musicians including Elton John and Jeff Beck, but the album was a commercial success and the title track reached the top of the US singles chart. Bon Jovi the band returned in 1992 with Keep The Faith, which unveiled a new, mature rock sound. Following the release of These Days in 1995, the singer elected to concentrate on his acting career. His natural good looks led to starring roles in amiable but lightweight fare such as "Moonlight and Valentino" (1995, TV) and THE LEADING MAN (1996). Other screen appearances include LITTLE CITY (1997), NO LOOKING BACK and HOMEGROWN (both 1998), U-571 and PAY IT FORWARD (both 2000), JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES: LOS MUERTOS (2002), CRY WOLF (2005), and PUCKED (2006). In 1997, he released a second solo album, Destination Anywhere, on which he completed his rehabilitation into a mature, Bruce Springsteen -styled rock artist. The album, which included the minor hit singles "Midnight In Chelsea" and "Janie, Don't Take Your Love To Town", augured well for his future as a solo artist. Nevertheless, he returned to the band format for Bon Jovi's album, Crush, released in May 2000. Bon Jovi has written songs that have been featured in LIGHT OF DAY and SPACEBALLS (both 1987), YOUNG GUNS II (1990), HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN (1991), ARMAGEDDON (1998), EDTV (1999), JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK and ROCK STAR (both 2001), CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE (2003), A LOT LIKE LOVE (2005) and WILD HOGS (2007). As a composer, his scores have been featured in YOUNG GUNS II (1990) and AVENGING ANGELO (2002).  Nominated for Achievement in Music (Original Song) 1990: YOUNG GUNS II "Blaze of Glory" - Music & Lyric 1 nomination