It's Jon Bon Jovi's Life--and His Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Jon Bon Jovi!  Yes, today is his 50th birthday.  I never stopped to think about how old he might be.  I just love his music and continue to be mesmerized by his "je ne sais quoi."  I guess he has this sort of magical power that puts me in a trance and makes me feel like a giggly 15-year-old....all while I seem to stop breathing watching his videos and listening to his music.  I am probably not in the minority, though, as I can imagine tons of women having this response.  That being said, let's get down to the music.

I chose "It's My Life" to celebrate Mr. Bon Jovi's birthday.  After all, it's his life, and he can proudly celebrate (and sing about) himself today!  I love this song, and even though it is from 2000, it's perfectly fine for an '80s music blog, because Bon Jovi IS the '80s.  The group, and Jon, are legendary.  There are several versions of this song out there, including the original, a "Storytellers" version, and an "Unplugged" version.  I prefer the original video and the "Storytellers" one.  The original video is an action-packed thriller of a piece, with lots of fancy stunt work and all kinds of stuff.  The "Storytellers" version lets us focus on Jon Bon Jovi and Ritche Sambora's beautiful vocals, harmonies, and awesome musicianship.  The lyrics are inspiring and really make me feel like getting "up and at 'em" so to say.  Jon sings, "It's my life...it's now or never...I ain't gonna life forever...I just wanna live while I'm alive.  My heart is like an open highway...like Frankie said I did it my way....I just want to live while I'm alive..."  Of course, Frankie is Frank Sinatra.  Very, very cool.  And Jon's heart is like an open highway?  Well, who can top that?  I feel myself getting weak in the knees...  Oh, Mr. Bon Jovi, hat's off to you!  We celebrate you and toast you today on your special day.  Thank you for being who you are and giving such great music to us (especially the ladies who aren't always paying attention to the actual lyrics but rather staring at you and smiling...).