On This Day: February 14, 1987 Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi Became the #1 Song in America

Hey!

Welcome to We love the Eighties Community!

Thanks for visiting our 80s paradise. Here, we celebrate everything that made the 1980s unforgettable, including music, movies, television, fashion, video games, and pop culture. Explore our Retro Rewind flashbacks, join the discussions, and share your favorite memories. You can view a few threads as a guest, but to unlock full access, you will need to register. 🕹️ Ready to join in? Register today and become part of our eighties community.

Overview Discussion

On This Day: February 14, 1987 Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi Became the #1 Song in America
On this day, February 14, 1987, Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi became the #1 song in America, kicking off a four-week reign at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The anthem remained at #1 from February 14 to March 13, cementing its status as one of the most iconic rock songs of the 80s. The track also reached #1 in Canada, Norway, and New Zealand, further solidifying Bon Jovi’s international stardom.

Featured on the multi-platinum album Slippery When Wet, Livin’ on a Prayer became a defining song for the band with its soaring vocals, powerful guitar riffs, and unforgettable talk-box intro. The song tells the story of Tommy and Gina, a struggling young couple trying to get by, which resonated with audiences and became an anthem of perseverance and hope.

Decades later, Livin’ on a Prayer remains one of Bon Jovi’s most beloved songs, frequently played at concerts, sporting events, and celebrations around the world.

Fun fact: The song almost didn’t make it onto Slippery When Wet. Initially, Jon Bon Jovi wasn’t convinced it was strong enough, but Richie Sambora’s talk-box guitar effect helped turn it into an instant classic.

Trivia question: What was the first single released from Slippery When Wet before Livin’ on a Prayer took over the charts?

Comments

There are no comments to display
Back
Top