Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea © JEWEL SAMAD-AFP-Getty Images
I guess I am just a Jersey boy, that’s just the way it is
Jersey music has always had a special place in my heart
I remember my dad playing Sinatra on his original vinyl
Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny,
Jon Bon Jovi, and Whitney Houston have all touched my soul . . .
Please join me in a “Jersey Story” about someone who has truly found a way to give back. East Hampton residents have been lucky to call him our neighbor for many years. BTW, have you heard of JBJ Soul Kitchen? Just maybe there will be number three soon, more later.
This really isn’t about music, the words I heard while writing influenced me. They told a story of helping others, making our world a better place. So take a ride with me back to New Jersey and I will share a story you might not know about.
The JBJ Soul Kitchen
In Red Bank and Toms River, NJ you will find two restaurants bearing the initials of Jon Bon Jovi – JBJ Soul Kitchen. Jersey is a small place; during my 35 years living there I was but a few miles from both locations.
These restaurants began as a result of the JBJ Soul Foundation’s dedication to providing long-lasting solutions to hunger and homelessness.
Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen – Photo by Chris Rotolo
Listen to Jon talk about the Soul Kitchen and watch him receive the Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2016.
Media Coverage of the JBJ Soul Foundation
CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King, rock star Jon Bon Jovi, and his wife Dorothea Hurley discuss their passion of sharing healthy food and helping others. The hospitality biz has a way of helping, not just by feeding those who are without, but also by helping find careers and employment opportunities. JBJ has a team dedicated to the very same objectives, employment and empowerment.
Common Sense Solutions: The Hub of Hope. “We both realized years ago, [this issue] didn’t need a scientist to find a cure. It was going to take hard-earned dollars, sweat equity and the expertise of people like Sister Mary.”
Honestly, I could go on forever with the coverage of this NJ Rock Star who has become a champion of providing basic rights to everyone in a dignified manner. Housing, Education, Medical Care, Outstanding Food, and most of all Compassion.
Lagniappe [lan-yap]: Cajun for a little something extra
Thank you for taking the time to follow my story. Every week I add an extra link, one that I hope is worth a few moments of your time.
Well, two links today … and all about the same person – JBJ. Jon would tell you these are about him, the music, and the band … and I agree wholeheartedly.
May I add that they are just as much about his philanthropic beliefs! Maybe one day soon there will be a JBJ Soul Kitchen in the Hamptons; rest assured it will have our support in every possible way. Please remember that those in need live everywhere, including the Hamptons . . .
This house was built on trust
That’s what it is and always was
No wrecking ball could knock it down
This house was built on higher ground
THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE
Come on up to our house
Let us make you feel at home
Come on up to our house
I will leave the porch light …
COME ON UP TO OUR HOUSE
Jon Bon Jovi at Soul Kitchen – Full House
- Bon Jovi to B.E.A.T. Hunger with Soul Kitchen in Toms River & Here.
- The Daily Beast talks about the first Soul Kitchen
- CNN on Paying it Forward and Empowering Those in Need
- “What this restaurant is truly meant to do is empower. You don’t come in here with a sense of entitlement. You come in here and volunteer because we need your help.” – JBJ
- And speaking of a mission to provide food that is outstanding, listen to Food & Wine
Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny!
Thanks for reading and watching, I guess I owe you a little Hamptons – Jersey Shore music, from our very own Stephen Talkhouse. Jon Bon Jovi has always said that Southside Johnny was the largest musical influence on him; Southside counters that Jon – along with Bruce – were so driven that their success was inevitable.
You can see from the videos that when Southside is in town there is only one place Bon Jovi wants to be, on stage with his friend:
- Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny – Hearts of Stone August ‘15
- Bon Jovi & Southside – Stand By Me and I Don’t Want to Go Home August ‘15
- One last one, my favorite Southside song and we were there for the show!
Bon Jovi and Southside – Talk to Me September ‘10
Jon Bon Jovi sits in with Southside Johnny at Stephen Talkhouse Amagansett NY
Former president Bill Clinton visited the JBJ Soul Kitchen and hung out with the rock star. (Photo: JBJ Soul Kitchen)
Call us or email us to book your stay.
– Gary