Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Desmond Child author of the memoir Livin' On A Prayer: Big Songs Big Life

ABOUT DESMOND CHILD AND LIVIN' ON A PRAYER: BIG SONGS, BiG LIFE Desmond Child is the iconic Grammy® Award winning and Emmy nominated songwriter / producer who has contributed to some of the biggest global hits that helped ignite the success of music icons KISS, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Ricky Martin, Katy Perry, and countless others. Desmond is gearing up for the release of his first-ever memoir, “LIVIN' ON A PRAYER: BIG SONGS BIG LIFE” (out Sept. 19) – his personal story of anguish and struggle that reveals how he climbed his way to the top and beyond amid extraordinary circumstances. Sharing his very intimate and unbelievable journey that shaped him into an artist of international renown, the book features a foreword by Paul Stanley, in collaboration with legendary music biographer David Ritz. Having co-written over 80 Top 40 hits and selling over 500 million records worldwide, Desmond's contributions to the music industry have earned him induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, and multiple prestigious awards. For over half a century, Desmond has collaborated with the world's most celebrated artists creating timeless classics, such as Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" and "You Give Love A Bad Name," as well as Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" and "The Cup Of Life," amongst his vast catalog. But in "LIVIN' ON A PRAYER: BIG SONGS BIG LIFE," Desmond himself takes center stage to share his transformational story of a misfit outsider to cultural pacesetter. In the upcoming title, Desmond recounts his unconventional upbringing as his colorful family fled revolutionary Cuba for Florida in the 1960s and fell into poverty. He details his shocking discovery at age 18 that the man he called "dad" was not his biological father after all, and he courageously bares his soul about navigating the trials of being a Latino gay man in the macho world of Rock 'n' Roll. His is a story of willing himself to succeed and overcoming impossible odds to establish himself as one of the most influential composers and lyricists of all time. In an interview, Desmond can discuss the following: The triumphs, challenges, and lessons he's learned throughout his career * Inspiring others to embrace their own creative pursuits, overcome obstacles, and live their dreams to the fullestRevealing untold stories about the making of the hit songs that have become the soundtrack of our lives.Recounting the magic and inspiration behind each composition, while shedding light on what it's like to collaborate with music legends.Lessons from a maestro with invaluable resources for aspiring artists and industry professionals alike to understand songwriting, production, and the music industry DESMOND CHILD BIO Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated songwriter Desmond Child is one of music's most prolific and accomplished hitmakers. He's a film, television, theater and music producer, recording artist, performer, and author. His credits appear on more than eighty Billboard Top 40 singles spanning six decades, including "Livin' On A Prayer," "You Give Love A Bad Name," "I Was Made For Lovin' You," "Dude Looks Like A Lady," "How Can We Be Lovers If We Can't Be Friends," "I Hate Myself For Loving You," "Livin' La Vida Loca," "The Cup Of Life," "Waking Up In Vegas," "Kings & Queens" and many more. From Aerosmith to Zedd, his genre-defying collaborations also include KISS, Bon Jovi, Cher, Barbra Streisand, Ricky Martin, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, Michael Bolton, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Cyndi Lauper, Christina Aguilera, Ava Max, Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog, selling over 500 million records worldwide with downloads, YouTube views and streaming plays in the billions. Desmond Child was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008 and serves on its Board of Directors as well as the Board of ASCAP. In 2018 he received ASCAP's prestigious Founders Award celebrating 40 years as a proud member of ASCAP. In 2012 he also co-founded the Latin Songwriters Hall Of Fame where he serves as Chairman Emeritus. In 2022, he was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall Of Fame and "Livin' La Vida Loca" was inducted into the National Archives of the Library of Congress for its cultural significance to America. In 2023, "Livin' On A Prayer" was certified to have reached 1 billion streams on Spotify. Personal History BA in Music Education from New York University 1976 AA of Art from Miami Dade Community College 1974 Graduated Miami Beach High School 1972 Born John Charles Barrett October 28th, 1953 Artist History The single, "Love on a Rooftop" charts Top 40 1990 Released, "Discipline" through Elektra Records 1990 1st Top 40 hit, "Our Love Is Insane" Spring of 1979 Musical guest on Saturday Night Live (original cast) Xmas show of 1979 First U.S. Tour including legendary performances at The Bottom Line in NYC and The Whisky a Go Go in LA 1979 Released first self-titled album, "Desmond Child & Rouge" 1979 First signed to Capitol Records with group Desmond Child & Rouge 1978 Billboard #1 Hits 4th Billboard #1 "Livin' La Vida Loca" 1999 3rd Billboard #1 "Bad Medicine" Bon Jovi 1988 2nd Billboard #1 "Livin' On A Prayer" Bon Jovi 1987 1st Billboard #1 "You Give Love A Bad Name" Bon Jovi 1986 1st International #1 "I Was Made For Lovin' You" KISS 1979 Honors & Awards ASCAP Founders Award 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee 2008 Miami Beach High Wall of Fame (alongside Barbara Walters, Mickey Rourke, Andy Garcia) TAXI Lifetime Achievement Award 2004 Emmy Award nomination for "Everyone Matters" The Muppets 2003 Latin Grammy Award - Rock Album of the Year Alejandra Guzman 2001 NARAS Florida Chapter Heroes Award 2000 Grammy Nomination - Best Pop Album, Ricky Martin 2000 Grammy Nomination - Record of the Year, "Livin' La Vida Loca" 2000 Grammy Nomination - Song of the Year, "Livin' La Vida Loca" 2000 Honored with Key Of The City of Miami Beach 1999 El Premio Award - Song Of The Year "Livin' La Vida Loca" 1999 Official World Cup Song - "La Copa De La Vida", "The Cup Of Life" 1998 El Premio Award - Song Of The Year, "La Copa De La Vida", "The Cup Of Life" 1998 Songs Recorded By: Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Clay Aiken, Animotion, Baha Men, Jimmy Barnes, Robin Beck, Beggars & Thieves, Stephanie Bentley, Petra Berger, Bif Naked, Blackhawk, Michael Bolton, Bon Jovi, Bonfire, Boyzone, Flavio Cesar, Bill Champlin, Chayanne, Judy Cheeks, Cher, Chicago, Kelly Clarkson, Clarence Clemons, Alice Cooper, Carlos Cuevos, Paul Dean, Diana DeGarmo, Desmond Child & Rouge, Dudes of Wrath, Dream Theater, Hilary Duff, Evil Stig, FM, Ellen Foley, Ace Frehley, The Gufs, Haddaway, Hall & Oates, Hanson, Chesney Hawkes, Ty Herndon, INXS, Joan Jett, Cletus T. Judd, KISS, Patti La Belle, Nikki Leonti, La Ley, Dan Lucas, Cyndi Lauper, Mitch Malloy, Amanda Marshall, Ricky Martin, Jesse McCartney, Stephanie McIntosh, Meat Loaf, Megadeth, Mika, Millie, Billie Myers, Alannah Myles, Vince Neil, Ru Paul, Chynna Phillips, Phoenix Down, Iggy Pop, Jason Raize, The Rasmus, RATT, LeAnn Rimes, Kane Roberts, Rosco, Roxette, Jennifer Rush, Richie Sambora, Saraya, Scorpions, Shakira, Sia, Sisqo, Southgang, Billy Squier, Paul Stanley, Barbra Streisand, Swirl 360, 3rd Faze, Bonnie Tyler, Kris Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Steve Vai, Maria Vidal, Anna Vissi, John Waite, Tim Weisberg, Robbie Williams, Peter Wolf and Trisha Yearwood Livin' On A Prayer: Big Songs Big Life available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Livin-Prayer-Big-Songs-Life-ebook/dp/B0BZT9MK68?ref_=ast_author_mpb Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.