Blaze of Glory (Jon Bon Jovi song)
1990 single by Jon Bon Jovi
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"Blaze of Glory" is the debut solo single of American singer-songwriter Jon Bon Jovi. It was released in July 1990 by Mercury Records as the lead single from his first solo album, Blaze of Glory (1990). The song was written by Bon Jovi and co-produced by him with Danny Kortchmar. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Album Rock Tracks charts in 1990, becoming his only chart-topper away from his band Bon Jovi. "Blaze of Glory" also topped the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand singles charts and reached No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart.
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| "Blaze of Glory" | ||||
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| Single by Jon Bon Jovi | ||||
| from the album Blaze of Glory | ||||
| B-side | "Blood Money" | |||
| Released | July 5, 1990 | |||
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| Label | Mercury | |||
| Songwriter | Jon Bon Jovi | |||
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| Jon Bon Jovi singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Blaze of Glory" on YouTube | ||||
Background
The power ballad[3] was allegedly recorded by Jon Bon Jovi because Emilio Estevez requested Bon Jovi's song "Wanted Dead or Alive" for the soundtrack to Young Guns II, but Jon did not think the lyrics—about the band constantly touring—fit the theme of the Western movie. However, the request inspired him to write "Blaze of Glory" with lyrics more topical to the film.
In 1990, guitarist Aldo Nova wrote the main guitar riff used in "Blaze of Glory".[4] In 1991, to return the favor, Jon Bon Jovi worked with Nova to release Blood on the Bricks on Bon Jovi's label Jambco Records.[4]
The song features a music video and remains a crowd favorite with Bon Jovi fans, despite the fact that the song was not released as one of the band's singles, and only by Jon. The song was included on both Bon Jovi greatest hits compilations: 1994's Cross Road and 2008's Greatest Hits. The track is notable for the performance of Jeff Beck on guitar. The music video was filmed at The Rectory near Moab, Utah.
Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Academy Awards | Best Original Song | Nominated |
| American Music Awards | Favorite Pop/Rock Song | Won | |
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Original Song | Won | |
| Grammy Awards | Best Male Rock Vocal Performance | Nominated | |
| Best Song Written for Visual Media | Nominated | ||
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Male Video | Nominated | |
| Best Video from a Film | Nominated |
Personnel
Partial credits from various sources.[5][6][7]
- Jon Bon Jovi – lead vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar, piano
- Jeff Beck – lead and slide guitars
- Benmont Tench – Hammond organ
- Randy Jackson – bass
- Kenny Aronoff – drums
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Sales and certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[29] | Platinum | 70,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[38] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[39] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[40] | Platinum | 1,000,000^ |
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^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||