From Playboy Bunny to Rock Legend: Jon Bon Jovi Remembers His 'Cool' Mom

Jon Bon Jovi Reveals Steamy Secret About His Mom's Sizzling Playboy Bunny Past

In a shocking revelation, Jon Bon Jovi took a trip down memory lane on Tuesday and spilled the beans about his late mother Carol Bongiovi's scandalous past as one of the original Playboy Bunnies in New York City. The 63-year-old rockstar, known for hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name," let loose with some juicy details while chatting with a friend on the Dumb Blonde podcast.

It all started back in 1962 when Carol, who was just a young woman at the time, landed a job as one of the Playboy Bunnies at The Playboy Club in Manhattan. "I was just born," Jon proudly declared, "and my mom was already making waves!" He went on to reveal that his mother was part of an exclusive group of women, including Lauren Hutton and Diane Lane's mother, who worked at the iconic club.

According to Jon, these women were the epitome of glamour and sophistication. "They were all the original Playboy Bunnies in the club on [East 59th] Street in Manhattan," he said with a hint of pride. And it wasn't just any ordinary job – being a Playboy Bunny came with its perks. "My mom would wear these skintight outfits, and I've seen pictures of her with Frank Sinatra and all the other A-listers hanging out at the club," Jon revealed.

But behind the glamour and glitz, there was a more sinister reality. In 1963, feminist icon Gloria Steinem went undercover as a Playboy Bunny to expose the alleged exploitative working conditions, pervasive sexual harassment, and racial discrimination that many of these women faced. Steinem's exposé in Huntington Hartford's Show magazine revealed the shocking truth about the treatment of the Playboy Bunnies – including mandatory blood tests, $50/week paychecks, and being forced to wear 3-inch heels.

However, Carol's stint as a Playboy Bunny didn't last long. She eventually left her job at the club and went on to work as a florist while her husband John Bongiovi, Sr., who met her in the US Marines, worked as a hairdresser. "My mom was a real firecracker," Jon said with a chuckle. "She couldn't wait to enlist and said that the Marine Corps was nothing compared to her childhood!"

But what's even more fascinating is how Carol's past influenced Jon's future. She was the one who bought him his first guitar in 1975, which eventually led to the formation of Bon Jovi in 1983. And it seems like she passed on her fiery spirit to her son – "The caliber of kids that Jon is attracting makes me not worry about the youth of today," she told Home News back in 1986. "It's the older ones I worry about."

When Carol passed away just three days before her 84th birthday, Jon paid a touching tribute with a music video for his ballad "Story of Love." He shared an emotional message: "Momma, we carry you with us always." The Grammy-winning band has sold over 130 million records worldwide and averages 30.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

As for the legacy of Carol Bongiovi and her time as a Playboy Bunny, it's clear that she left an indelible mark on her son's life – and music. Whether you're a die-hard Bon Jovi fan or just a curious reader, one thing is certain: this steamy secret about Jon Bon Jovi's mom will leave you wanting more!