Richie Sambora

Richard Stephen "Richie" Sambora (born July 11, 1959) is an American guitarist, vocalist, composer, songwriter and producer. He is best known as the lead guitarist of American hard-rock band Bon Jovi.

Sambora in 2009

When Sambora was a child, he spent a lot of time with his grandparents, who were Poles. He grew up in Woodbridge, New Jersey. At the age of 12, Sambora started to play guitar. He was a fan of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Eric Clapton.

As a member of Bon Jovi, Sambora collected more than seventy gold and platinum CDs. In his career, he played on several tours. He released 3 solo albums.

Sambora made a lot of soundtracks. He cooperated with Desmond Child. In 2004, music magazine Guitar World ranked him 58th out of 100 of the best world heavy metal guitarists.

In 2013, Sambora suddenly left Bon Jovi. In May 2024, he said in a podcast interview that he would like to return to the band, however Jon Bon Jovi responded that he has not decided on if he wants to take him back or not.

Sambora has more than 200 guitars.

Sambora has his own record company Mutiny Record.

Private life

In December 1994, Sambora married an Amercian actress Heather Locklear. Their marriage ended in divorce in February 2006. They have a daughter Ava Elizabeth (born October 4, 1997). He is a Catholic and campaigned with Jon for Democrat John Kerrys presidential campaign in 2004.