In 1983, a group of guys got together to form a band. That band, Bon Jovi, has been a beloved part of music history ever since. With the frontman, Jon Bon Jovi, they have released close to 350 songs, many of which have gone platinum. To commemorate the band’s anniversary and Jon, Hulu has produced a four-part documentary, and Bon Jovi spoke about it and his life when he met with select members of the media.

“Because this is, in fact, the band’s 40th anniversary,” he said, “I wanted to document what had happened in my past with a vision on what is the future. One thing we agreed upon on day one was this was not going to be a VH1 puff piece. That, if anything, I wasn’t going to stamp my feet and say, ‘I have final say.'”

Bon Jovi discussed how he began in the business and how he was able to produce so many fan favorite songs. “At 20, when I got a record deal, I didn’t have a lot else to write about other than high school, and I didn’t break up with people like Taylor (Swift) did all the time,” He said with a hint of whimsy. “My notebook was about the world around me. But as I grew in public, the evolution happened, and in order to grow with your public, I think you have to tell your truth and not pretend to be something you’re not.”

The singer is philosophical about his journey through life. “I’m proud of who and what I am at this juncture in my life. Regrets, I’ve had very few. And I was lucky enough to have a dream and be able to pursue it, and I still am pursuing it. So I think it’s been a life well spent thus far, but it’s a work in progress.” His words are inspirational as he talks about what he has accomplished and still wants to accomplish. “I was honored as the MusiCare’s Person of the Year, which is about our catalog of music, but also a lot of my philanthropic work.”

Bon Jovi stated, “I pride myself on having been a true vocalist. I’ve sung with Pavarotti. I know how to sing. I’ve studied the craft for 40 years. I’m not a stylist who just barks and howls; I know how to sing. So when God was taking away my ability, and I couldn’t understand why, I jokingly have said the only thing that’s ever been up my nose is my finger, so there’s no reason for any of this.”

His fans know he has endured a major medical issue. “One of my (vocal) cords was literally atrophying.” This diagnosis was traumatic for him. He had to have major surgery on his vocal cords, which requires a long recovery period. His voice is not as strong as it once was. Viewers will hear this as he discusses the band and his life.

Forty years ago, the world was a different place. Technology has made tremendous advancements over the past four decades. And in the field of music, playing a favorite vinyl album at home might include some hisses, pops and scratches when played on a turntable.

“You have to remember that we were born in an era that didn’t have computers, or telephones and mobile phones, or social media, any of these things. So we’ve seen everything from our first album was cassette tapes. … I’m able to roll with all the punches.” In these times of fast-moving technological advances, Bon Jovi is not a dinosaur stuck in the past, although some people might miss taking a vinyl disc out of a cardboard envelop, blowing off the dust, placing it gently on the turntable, then setting the needle gently on the disc. For those music lovers, just a note — vinyl is making comeback.

“Music’s always affected the culture at large. … Many songs have become anthems of movements, ideas and culture,” the singer said, referencing “This Land Is Your Land,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

“Then, culturally, what the Beatles did to pop culture too — to this day, where we stand, artists have the opportunity to reflect the world around them if they choose to.” Songs have crossed over generations, and even though they might have been written decades ago, they still hold special memories for today’s listeners.

For the full Bon Jovi story, check out “Thank you, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” on Hulu beginning Friday.

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