Jon Bon Jovi joins wedding band for ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’

In this Feb. 12, 2015, file photo, Jon Bon Jovi performs in New York as part an acoustic music series, Common Thread, an initiative created by the award-winning singer-songwriter, and fashion designer Kenneth Cole. AP

MIAMI — Jon Bon Jovi was a reluctant singer at a Florida wedding last weekend.

Videos show the rocker sheepishly taking the microphone after a wedding band led by singer Lourdes Valentin launched into Bon Jovi’s 1986 classic, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

Bon Jovi opted for a smoother delivery of the song to match the jazz quintet. A trumpet player added a solo to fill in for the song’s missing electric guitar riff.

Valentin tells The Associated Press she knew Bon Jovi would be a guest at the wedding and she prepared the song specifically for him. She says he told her he didn’t think he wanted to sing before the party and she was “very surprised” when he decided to “grace us with his talent.” TVJ