Bon Jovi's story that started in 'Livin' On A Prayer'

It was a song that Jon Bon Jovi had to admit that he was wrong about. It took serious convincing for him to agree to put what became Bon Jovi’s signature song on their third album, a make or break album for the band. And the song does what only a very big, monster hit song can do: get in your head and stay there, probably forever. It also tells a story about a couple of kids, Tommy and Gina…the first in a series of songs in which the couple would appear. Get into the story of “Livin’ On A Prayer” in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast with your host, Janda Lane.

Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo

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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is an on-air host at WDRV-FM in Chicago, where she lives with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.

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[DonJoyce]

Such a cool back story and fun facts! Thanks for another great peek behind the song, Janda!

[jwwj]

Great episode, thank you again. Amazing Bon Jovi thought it was a throw away. Just goes to show you, even the guy who wrote the words & played the music, doesn’t have a clue if the song will be a hit.

[Elephant-wili]

Signature song indeed. Hard to imagine not responding 'Living on a Prayer' if asked to identify the track most synonymous with the band Bon Jovi. Great backstory, Janda.

[janetlynn]

Thanks Janda
You have an awesome job ❤

[katk]

Janda, you asked if there were any other couple songs and I can't think of any. But, sure would like to hear about the Lou Reed song Walk on Wild Side and his real life characters from the song. It's a little " Bowie " and how did that song get radio play back in those days. Thanks again, Kat

[katk]

Great narrative on this one! So many changes in music during that time, this song brought the sound needed to keep Rock'n'roll. The Tommy and Gina story was /is legendary. Thanks for the background and Thanks for another great one!

[terryjefferylee]

Great song from a great album but my favorite track was 'Wanted, Dead or Alive'.

[ultrakool]

it's no wonder kurt cobain loathed bonjovi. so formulaic🙄