Behind The Song: Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer"

Episode Release Date: June 26, 2024
Host: Janda Lane
Podcast: Behind The Song by The Drive | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In this episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane delves into the compelling story behind Bon Jovi's iconic hit, "Livin' On A Prayer." Exploring the song's creation, its characters, and its lasting impact, the episode provides an in-depth look at how this anthem became a cornerstone of classic rock.

Bon Jovi's Rise to Fame

Early Career and Breakthrough

Bon Jovi's ascent to rock stardom began in the early 1980s. In 1982, Jon Bon Jovi secured a position at Power Station recording studio in Manhattan, co-owned by his second cousin, Tony Bongiovi. This opportunity allowed Jon to record demos alongside notable studio musicians, including Roy Bittan from Springsteen's E Street Band. The breakthrough came with the regional success of the demo "Runaway," which led to a label and management deal with Kiss manager Doc McKee.

Janda Lane highlights:
"Runaway really started it all for Bon Jovi because that demo became a regional hit..."
[00:40]

Early Albums and the Need for a Hit

Bon Jovi's self-titled debut in 1984 and their second album, 7800 Degrees Fahrenheit (1985), achieved moderate success. However, the band faced pressure to deliver a blockbuster third album to cement their place in the rock scene. Recognizing the need for a hitmaker, Bon Jovi brought on songwriter Desmond Child to collaborate on their next project.

Collaboration with Desmond Child

Desmond Child's Influence

Desmond Child, a seasoned songwriter with a BA in music education from NYU, was instrumental in shaping Bon Jovi's third album, Slippery When Wet. Child's previous success includes co-writing Kiss's international hit "I Was Made for Lovin' You." His collaboration with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora resulted in four co-written songs, including the lead single "You Give Love a Bad Name."

Janda Lane notes:
"Desmond Child ended up co-writing four of the songs, including the first single 'You Give Love A Bad Name', which also went to number one on the chart."
[05:20]

Creation of "Livin' On A Prayer"

Genesis of the Song

"Livin' On A Prayer" emerged from intensive writing sessions between Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. The trio convened in Sambora's parents' basement in New Jersey, where they crafted what would become Bon Jovi's signature song.

Janda Lane recounts:
"Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child hunkered down in Sambora's parents basement in New Jersey..."
[07:15]

Character Inspiration: Tommy and Gina

The characters Tommy and Gina in "Livin' On A Prayer" are rooted in real-life inspirations. Gina was based on Desmond Child's ex-girlfriend, Maria Vidal, a backup singer in Child's band, Desmond Child and Rouge. Initially named Johnny and Gina, the protagonist's names were changed to better fit the band's identity.

Janda Lane explains:
"Gina was actually based on Desmond Child's ex-girlfriend, Maria Vidal... Johnny was changed to Tommy and suddenly one of the most famous couples in pop music culture had their names."
[12:45]

Lyricism and Storytelling

The song narrates the struggles of a working-class couple, Tommy and Gina, striving to overcome economic hardships. Their story mirrors the blue-collar roots common in Bon Jovi's music, drawing parallels to Bruce Springsteen's narratives.

Notable Lyrics Highlight:
"Tommy used to work on the docks
Union's been on strike
He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough
Gina works the diner all day..."
[15:30]

Release and Impact

Chart-Topping Success

Upon its release in August 1986 as part of the Slippery When Wet album, "Livin' On A Prayer" became a monumental hit. It propelled Bon Jovi to unprecedented heights, making them the first hard rock band to secure back-to-back number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself became the best-selling release of 1987, bridging the gap between hard rock and mainstream pop.

Janda Lane states:
"Slippery When Wet was the best selling album of 1987 and it's referred to as the first hard rock album that turned the genre into something accessible for pop music fans."
[25:10]

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

The song's enduring popularity is attributed to its relatable storytelling and anthemic melody. Its success paved the way for the Hair Metal era, influencing countless artists in the decades that followed. Additionally, "Livin' On A Prayer" introduced Tommy and Gina as recurring characters in Bon Jovi's discography, appearing in subsequent hits like "Born to Be My Baby" and "It's My Life."

Janda Lane remarks:
"Unlike with Jack and Diane by John Mellencamp, you get sequels to the story of these two characters, which I really appreciate knowing how they fare as the years go on."
[35:50]

Fun Facts and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Recording in Vancouver

The Slippery When Wet album was recorded at Little Mountain Studio in Vancouver under producer Bruce Fairbairn. Fairbairn's production style was pivotal in shaping the album's polished sound, later influencing Aerosmith's resurgence.

Janda Lane shares:
"The album was recorded in Vancouver at Little Mountain Studio under the hand of one of the producers who marked this era with a pummeling approach to pop music, Bruce Fairburn."
[40:00]

Collaborative Spirit

During recording, Bon Jovi fostered a collaborative environment. Mike Reno of Lover Boy contributed backing vocals to "Livin' On A Prayer," illustrating the camaraderie among artists at Little Mountain Studio.

Janda Lane notes:
"It's also just as likely that members of Bon Jovi recorded backing vocals on Lover Boy's 'Wild Side' album, just gang vocals to lend a hand, no money exchanged or credits given."
[45:20]

Focus Group Influence

In a unique move, Bon Jovi conducted focus group sessions with teenagers from New York and New Jersey, shaping the album's final tracklist based on their feedback. This strategy underscored the band's commitment to creating relatable and appealing music.

Janda Lane reveals:
"The writing sessions yielded over 30 songs, which were then auditioned for a group of teenagers... the track listing and the order of the songs were based on the opinions of that focus group."
[50:15]

Producer's Push

Interestingly, Jon Bon Jovi was initially skeptical about "Livin' On A Prayer." It took producer Bruce Fairbairn's persuasion for the band to include the song on the album. Ultimately, this decision proved pivotal.

Janda Lane recounts:
"Jon Bon Jovi thought so little of 'Livin' On A Prayer' that it took their producer Bruce Fairbairn to really push to get it onto the Slippery When Wet album."
[55:30]

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Awards and Honors

Desmond Child was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, followed by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora in 2009. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Janda Lane mentions:
"In 2008, Desmond Child was inducted into the Songwriters hall of Fame... in 2009, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were also inducted."
[60:00]

Band Dynamics

Richie Sambora's departure from Bon Jovi in 2013 was a significant moment for the band. Citing a desire to focus on family, Sambora's exit highlighted the personal sacrifices behind musical success.

Janda Lane explains:
"Richie Sambora shocked fans when he up and quit the band while they were on tour in 2013... he said that he has no regrets about leaving the band behind."
[65:45]

Enduring Popularity

"Livin' On A Prayer" continues to resonate with audiences, thanks to its straightforward narrative and powerful musical arrangement. Its success is a testament to Bon Jovi's ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with infectious rock energy.

Janda Lane concludes:
"Livin' On A Prayer works so well because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is... It's no wonder this song has made chart history."
[70:30]

Conclusion

Janda Lane's exploration of "Livin' On A Prayer" unravels the song's journey from a doubtful proposition to a legendary anthem. Through collaborative effort, relatable storytelling, and strategic production, Bon Jovi crafted a track that not only topped charts but also cemented their legacy in rock history. The episode underscores the intricate blend of talent, persistence, and serendipity that propels a song from creation to timeless classic.

Final thoughts from Janda Lane:
"Each note, every line painstakingly crafted and then impeccably presented to make Bon Jovi one of the best selling bands in America. A song about two regular people trying to make it so. Something to think about."
[75:00]

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer," be sure to subscribe to Behind The Song on 97.1 FM The Drive, follow us on TikTok, and leave your comments and reviews. Special thanks to Christian Lane for the music featured in this episode.