SamboraBlog

Following in the footsteps of other luminary figures in the music world, Bon Jovi has been named the 31st winner of the "American Music Awards" special "Award of Merit." Tribute will be paid to Bon Jovi on the 32nd annual "American Music Awards" telecast, which airs live on ABC Television, Sunday, November 14 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, and the band will also perform on the show.

The "Award of Merit" is presented to a member of the musical community in recognition of "outstanding contributions to the musical entertainment of the American public." The inscription on the trophy will read: "For being the embodiment of rock music for the last 20 years, for inspiring countless musicians to follow in their footsteps and for elevating all of us with their musicianship and artistry ... this year's 'Award of Merit' is presented to Bon Jovi, November 14, 2004."

In the pantheon of the world's greatest rock bands, Bon Jovi's accomplishments over the past 20 years place them among the elite in their genre. Hard-working musicians and prolific songwriters, Bon Jovi's music has won them a loyal global audience. Since 1984, sales of Bon Jovi albums (plus Jon Bon Jovi solo records) have racked up total sales topping the 100 million milestone, and they have performed more than 2500 concerts in 50 countries before more than 32 million fans. Bon Jovi are the people's band everywhere. As the title of their groundbreaking "think outside the box" set (to be released on Island Records November 16) proudly states, 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong... (for further information on the group, access www.bonjovi.com)

Previous winners of the "Award of Merit" are Bing Crosby, Berry Gordy, Jr., Irving Berlin, Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como, Benny Goodman, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder , Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Merle Haggard, James Brown, rock promoter Bill Graham, Whitney Houston , Prince, Tammy Wynette, Little Richard, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Garth Brooks and Alabama.

In addition to the "Award of Merit," 19 other awards will be handed out on the special, acknowledging the American record-buying public's favorites in the areas of Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Adult Contemporary, Rap/Hip-Hop, Latin Music, Contemporary Inspirational and Alternative Music. The television special, which will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, is a dick clark productions, inc. presentation.

- NO, we can't tell you yet what the band will be performing.