Rock singer
Rock Myths: New Book About Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi is not related to Frank Sinatra. Photo: Drew Gurian / Invision / AP / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
130 million records sold – but not a single number one in England: the former «Bravo» editor-in-chief Alex Gernandt has compiled entertaining facts about Bon Jovi in a book.
There is a rumor about rock star Jon Bon Jovi, 59, that persists. Allegedly, according to the legend, none other than Frank Sinatra should be his uncle.
But: «I can only laugh at such rumors. There is an incredible amount of nonsense being written and disseminated. Yes, my middle name is probably Francis – and Sinatra’s real name was Francis Albert Sinatra. But for me, Francis comes from my father, John Francis Bongiovi Senior, »the singer once said in an interview. “Besides, every second Italian-American in New Jersey claims he is somehow related to Sinatra. This is definitely not the case with me. And I never met him either. Unfortunately.”
The longtime “Bravo” editor-in-chief Alex Gernandt clears up this misconception in his new book about Bon Jovi. “Bon Jovi – Popular Errors and Other Truths” is the name of the work that has just come onto the market.
“I’ve been working and accompanying Jon Bon Jovi and the band since 1988, the last time I interviewed him in 2016,” said Gernandt of the German Press Agency. “There’s a lot to talk about.”
Once the boss was standing at the back of the bar
And he has now summarized that on 120 pages. He reports from the beginning of the band (“Bed Of Roses”, “It’s My Life”), for example, that once, at the beginning of the great career, the boss himself was in the audience. “There was a particularly memorable moment in Fast Lane on January 9, 1980,” writes Gernandt. «None other than Bruce Springsteen himself leaned against the back of the bar and sipped a beer while Jon and his band rocked on stage. Suddenly the “boss” felt like rocking along. He strolled casually up to the stage and John almost swallowed his microphone with excitement. “
The American rock band from New Jersey with its charismatic front man has made music history itself: 130 million records sold, 15 studio albums, more than 2,700 concerts in front of around 34 million fans – but not a single number one in England. Gernandt also lists these facts – and that is by no means all.
“His social engagement with the JBJ Soul Foundation is particularly interesting,” says Gernandt – “and that he’s still with his wife – since high school.” He is now also a “multi-entrepreneur”. “His fortune is now greater than that of his idol Mick Jagger,” says Gernandt. “He makes his own wine, pasta sauces, jeans, jewelry and cruises.” The book has also brought together crisp quotes from the rock star. An example: «Believe in love, believe in magic, believe in St. Nicholas. Believe in others, believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don’t, who will !? »