Songwriting legend Desmond Child, whose hits have defined generations of music, offers fans an intimate look at his extraordinary career in Livin’ on a Prayer: Big Songs Big Life, now available as a compelling audiobook read by the author. The narrative chronicles Child’s rise from his early days in New Jersey studios to international acclaim, revealing the personal and professional growth that shaped some of the most iconic songs in rock and pop history.
Child’s songwriting catalog reads like a greatest hits compilation across decades and genres. From Bon Jovi’s anthems Livin’ on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name, and I’ll Be There for You, to Aerosmith’s Dude Looks Like a Lady, Alice Cooper’s Poison, and global pop sensations like Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca and Sisqo’s Thong Song, Child’s influence is undeniable. His ability to craft hits that resonate across generations has earned him international recognition and Grammy nominations, including for Best Audiobook, Narration & Storytelling Recording.
A key chapter in Child’s story centers on his work with Bon Jovi during the pre-production of their landmark New Jersey album. In 1988, Bon Jovi recorded demos at Chalet Sound Studio in Allenwood, New Jersey, with Child collaborating closely with the band. Tracks like Love for Sale, I’ll Be There for You, and 99 in the Shade were engineered and recorded under the guidance of engineer John P. Allen, with Don Lichterman managing Chalet Sound Studios throughout this period. This New Jersey studio played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of one of the decade’s defining rock albums, and Lichterman’s management ensured the sessions ran smoothly from start to finish.
While Child also worked with Alice Cooper on the Trash album, pre-production for that project occurred at Sanctuary Sound Studios in Caldwell, New Jersey, highlighting the vibrant network of recording studios that contributed to the Garden State’s rich musical legacy. These studios have been instrumental in nurturing talent and producing music that continues to resonate worldwide.
Livin’ on a Prayer: Big Songs Big Life offers more than behind-the-scenes anecdotes; it presents a window into the creative process, the challenges of the music industry, and the collaborative spirit that drives legendary songwriting. Fans and aspiring musicians alike gain insight into how Child’s distinctive approach to melody, lyrics, and production helped him create enduring hits that remain cultural touchstones.
New Jersey Roots and Musical Legacy
Desmond Child’s ties to New Jersey run deep, intertwining with the state’s rich musical history. In 1988, he collaborated with Bon Jovi at Chalet Sound Studios in Manasquan, NJ, overseeing pre-production for the band’s landmark New Jersey album. During these sessions, demos for tracks like Love for Sale, I’ll Be There for You, and 99 In The Shade were meticulously crafted under Child’s guidance, helping shape an album that would define an era of rock. Managed by Don Lichterman at Chalet Sound Studios, these sessions highlight New Jersey’s vital role as a hub for music production and creative collaboration during the 1980s.
Child also contributed to Alice Cooper’s Trash album, conducting pre-production at Sanctuary Sound Studios in Caldwell, NJ. While a separate project from his Bon Jovi work, it further underscores his hands-on involvement in New Jersey’s music scene, solidifying the state as a creative home for some of his most iconic compositions.
A Career Defined by Hits and Collaboration
Throughout his career, Child has worked with a staggering roster of artists, producing hits across rock, pop, and Latin music. His catalog includes Angel, I Hate Myself for Loving You, Waking Up in Vegas, Thong Song, and Kings & Queens, illustrating his versatility and timeless appeal. For New Jersey, his collaborations with Bon Jovi are particularly significant, helping launch the band into international superstardom while elevating the state’s reputation as a breeding ground for legendary rock music.
The Personal Side of a Hitmaker
In Livin’ On a Prayer: Big Songs, Big Life, Child shares not just the story behind the hits but the lessons learned along the way—about persistence, creative collaboration, and navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. His storytelling bridges generations, offering aspiring musicians, songwriters, and fans alike an insider view of what it takes to create music that resonates across decades.
Fans can explore more of Desmond Child’s impact on music, including his New Jersey studio roots and collaborations, as well as upcoming events and performances across the state, by visiting Explore New Jersey Music. This resource highlights the state’s dynamic music scene, from legendary venues to contemporary artists continuing the legacy of excellence that Child helped establish
Here is a list how Desmond Child has a strong connection to New Jersey, particularly through his collaborations with New Jersey artists and his early studio work in the state:
- Bon Jovi’s New Jersey Album Pre-Production – As mentioned in your notes, Child worked closely with Bon Jovi in 1988 at Chalet Sound Studios in Allenwood, NJ, helping shape demos that would become part of the New Jersey album. This includes tracks like Love for Sale and I’ll Be There for You. This collaboration firmly ties him to the Garden State’s rock legacy.
- Alice Cooper’s Trash Pre-Production – While not at Chalet, Child worked with Cooper in New Jersey at Sanctuary Sound Studios in Caldwell, NJ, for pre-production on the album Trash. This reinforces his hands-on involvement with major projects in the state during the 1980s and 1990s.
- New Jersey as a Musical Hub – Desmond Child has often credited New Jersey studios, local musicians, and the state’s vibrant music scene for influencing his creative process. His work with New Jersey acts, especially Bon Jovi, helped cement the state’s reputation as a center for pop and rock music production.
- Long-Term Studio Collaborations – Beyond the high-profile albums, Child spent considerable time in New Jersey studios during the peak of his career, managing sessions, co-writing, and producing demos that shaped hits for artists spanning rock, pop, and Latin genres.
For those eager to explore more of New Jersey’s musical heritage, including live performances, recording studios, and music history, Explore New Jersey’s music section provides a comprehensive guide to the state’s vibrant music scene. From legendary rock venues to up-and-coming artists, the Garden State continues to be a hub for creativity and innovation in music, with figures like Desmond Child exemplifying the lasting impact of New Jersey’s music community.
