Editing Richie Sambora

{{short description|American musician (born 1959)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name                     = Richie Sambora
| image                    = RSO_NAMM_2017_3.jpg
| caption                  = Richie Sambora at the Winter [[NAMM Show]] 2017
| birth_name               = Richard Stephen Sambora
| birth_date               = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1959|7|11}}
| birth_place              = [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey]], U.S.
| death_date               = 
| death_place              = 
| education                = [[Woodbridge High School (New Jersey)|Woodbridge High School]]
| occupation               = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* singer
* songwriter
}}
| years_active             = 1977–present
| spouse                   = {{marriage|[[Heather Locklear]]|1994|2007|reason=divorced}}
| partner                  = [[Orianthi]] (2014–2018)
| children                 = 1<!-- Please do not add children names. -->
| relatives                = 
| website                  = {{URL|richiesambora.com}}
| module                   = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed                    = yes
| background               = solo_singer
| instrument               = {{flatlist|
* Guitar
* vocals<!--- If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument--->
}}
| genre                    = {{flatlist|
* [[Rock music|Rock]]
* [[hard rock]]
* [[blues rock]]
* {{nowrap|[[glam metal]]}}
* [[country rock]]
}}
| label                    = {{flatlist|
* [[Mercury Records|Mercury]]
* [[Island Records|Island]]
* [[Mercury Nashville]]
* [[Dangerbird Records|Dangerbird]]
}}
| past_member_of          = {{flatlist|
* [[Bon Jovi]]
* [[Message (band)|Message]]
}}
}}
}}

'''Richard Stephen Sambora''' (born July 11, 1959) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band [[Bon Jovi]] from 1983 to 2013. He and lead singer [[Jon Bon Jovi]] formed the main songwriting unit for the band. He has also released three solo albums: ''[[Stranger in This Town]]'' in 1991, ''[[Undiscovered Soul]]'' in 1998, and ''[[Aftermath of the Lowdown]]'' released in September 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/richie-sambora-mn0000852376/discography|title=Richie Sambora {{pipe}} Album Discography|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref>

In 2018, Sambora was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] as a member of Bon Jovi,<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Bon Jovi|url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/bon-jovi|website=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=17 December 2017|language=en}}</ref> and reunited with his former bandmates for a performance at the induction ceremony.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Richie Sambora Talks Bon Jovi Reunion at Rock Hall|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/richie-sambora-talks-bon-jovi-reunion-at-rock-hall-w519141|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=24 April 2018|language=en}}</ref> That year, he formed the duo RSO alongside [[Orianthi]]. After two EPs, the pair released their debut album ''[[Radio Free America (album)|Radio Free America]]'' in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/richie-sambora-orianthi-radio-free-america/|title=Richie Sambora and Orianthi Announce New LP, 'Radio Free America'|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=April 13, 2018 }} that same year.</ref>

==Early life==
Richard Stephen Sambora was born on July 11, 1959, in [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey]], the son of Joan (née Sienila), a secretary, and Adam C. Sambora, a factory foreman.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1731050671.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Apr+25%2C+2007&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=ADAM+C.+SAMBORA%2C+70%2C+of+POINT+PLEASANT&pqatl=google | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630040845/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1731050671.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Apr+25,+2007&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=ADAM+C.+SAMBORA,+70,+of+POINT+PLEASANT&pqatl=google | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 30, 2013 | work=Asbury Park Press | title=Adam C. Sambora, 70, of Point Pleasant | date=April 25, 2007 }}</ref> Sambora is of [[Polish people|Polish]]<!--- Sambora is of Polish descent on both sides, and both "Sambora" and "Sienila" are Polish surnames, not Italian ones ---> descent<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240346/Rock-star-Richie-Sambora-s-return-for-charity-campaign-rocks-his-hometown-of-Woodbridge|title=Rock star Richie Sambora's return for charity campaign rocks his hometown of Woodbridge|website=Mycentraljersey.com|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> and was raised [[Catholic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5fIZAAAAIBAJ&pg=5401%2C4368640&dq=sambora-learns-the-hard-way&hl=en|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721183042/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5fIZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NiMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5401%2C4368640&dq=sambora-learns-the-hard-way&hl=en|url-status=dead|title=New Straits Times - Google News Archive Search|date=July 21, 2012|archive-date=July 21, 2012}}</ref> He grew up in [[Woodbridge Township, New Jersey]],<ref>Falkenstein, Michelle. [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/31njarts.html "Around the Scene, a Whirl of Change"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', December 31, 2006. Accessed September 30, 2007. "Bruce Springsteen, who grew up in Freehold, served up the critically acclaimed "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" in April, and the singer Jon Bon Jovi, who was raised in Sayreville, and his band's guitarist Richie Sambora, from Woodbridge, will be immortalized as action figures next July by McFarlane Toys, it was announced in October."</ref> and graduated from [[Woodbridge High School (New Jersey)|Woodbridge High School]] in 1977.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-03-18 |title=Bon Jovi's Sambora Scores Philanthropic Points Home In New Jersey |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bon-jovis-sambora-scores_b_365188 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> He played basketball in high school; his sophomore team won the 1975 Group 4 State title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LoGiudice |first=Daniel |title=Woodbridge to celebrate 40th anniversary of state championship boys basketball team |url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2015/01/28/woodbridge-celebrate-th-anniversary-state-championship-hoops-team/22474827/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Courier News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Sambora's first instrument was the accordion, which he began to play at the age of 6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MTRBWY |date=2018-01-02 |title=RSO - Richie Sambora & Orianthi |url=https://maytherockbewithyou.com/mtrbwy/2018/01/rso-richie-sambora-orianthi/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=maytherockbewithyou.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He began playing the guitar at the age of 12, following the death of [[Jimi Hendrix]] in 1970. From his early days, Sambora was strongly influenced by [[blues]] and 1960s [[rock and roll]]. His most important influences were [[Eric Clapton]], [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Jeff Beck]], [[Stevie Ray Vaughan]], [[Johnny Winter]], [[Jimmy Page]], [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]], [[Brian May]], [[George Harrison]], [[Hank Marvin]], [[Dave Davies]], [[Pete Townshend]], [[Ritchie Blackmore]], [[Tony Iommi]], [[Manny Charlton]], [[Bernie Leadon]], [[Don Felder]], [[Joe Walsh]], and [[B. B. King]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/music/Richie+Sambora |title=Richie Sambora – Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and pictures at |publisher=Last.fm |access-date=2014-07-15}}</ref> and he has also cited [[psychedelic soul]] singer [[Janis Joplin]] as having a big influence on his musical style. Sambora was also influenced by Spanish [[European classical music|classical music]] and began a lifelong love of the [[Classical guitar|Spanish guitar]]. Classical music directly inspired several of his songs, such as ''The Answer'' which was originally written on piano.<ref>{{YouTube|VXfu2teSN6w|Sambora playing the intro to his songs, 1995}}</ref>

Sambora also plays many other instruments, such as drums, bass, saxophone, and piano. The first time he performed on stage was at a [[Catholic Youth Organization]] dance when he was a teenager.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

==Career==
===Early career===
Sambora was a guitarist for the band [[Message (band)|Message]], and with that band put out a 1982 independent record titled ''Lessons''. It was re-released in 1995 under the name ''Message'', and in 2000 as ''Lessons''. He was later in a band, Mercy, which was signed to [[Led Zeppelin]]-owned record label [[Swan Song Records]], and then Duke Williams & the Extremes, who were signed to [[Capricorn Records]]. Sambora was also in an improvisational club band called Richie Sambora & Friends. He was part-owner of a club in New Jersey, and at age 19 owned his own independent label Dream Disc Records. Sambora's first professional tour was as an opening act for [[Joe Cocker]] in the early 1980s. Shortly before joining Bon Jovi in 1983, Sambora unsuccessfully<ref name="guitarking">{{cite web|last1=Harding|first1=Mark|title=Play Like... Richie Sambora|url=http://www.guitar-king.com/play-like-richie-sambora/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501200059/http://www.guitar-king.com/play-like-richie-sambora/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-05-01|website=Guitar King|access-date=26 June 2017}}</ref> auditioned for [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], to be [[Ace Frehley]]'s replacement.

===Bon Jovi===
{{See also|Bon Jovi}}
Sambora joined Bon Jovi in 1983,<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/richie-sambora-no-regret-leaving-bon-jovi-family-first|title=Richie Sambora on why he left Bon Jovi in 2013: 'Family had to come first'|first=Jessica|last=Napoli|date=December 21, 2020|website=Fox News}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/richie-sambora-jon-bon-jovi-speaking/|title=Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi Are Speaking Again|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=August 19, 2016 }}</ref> replacing the band's original lead guitarist [[Dave Sabo]], who went on to form [[Skid Row (American band)|Skid Row]].<ref name="MSNBCGettingLifeBackTogeter">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19309670/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621081634/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19309670/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 21, 2007|title=Richie Sambora: Getting 'life back together'|last=Celizic|first=Mike|date=June 17, 2007|publisher=[[MSNBC]]|access-date=2008-07-10}}</ref> [[Alec John Such]] had been playing in a band with Sambora and joined Bon Jovi while Sambora was away in Los Angeles auditioning for Kiss. When Sambora returned home, Such promptly invited him to see the band play. Sambora was impressed with Bon Jovi after seeing the band perform live, describing the band as "magic", and he subsequently approached Jon Bon Jovi backstage and "gave him a verbal [[résumé]]". Though Sambora initially believed Bon Jovi was not interested in him, he received a phone call several days later inviting him to rehearse with the band. When Jon arrived and heard the band with Sambora, he hired him on the spot. That night, the pair returned to Bon Jovi's mother's house and wrote the songs "Come Back" and "Burning for Love", both of which would appear on the band's 1983 [[Bon Jovi (album)|debut album]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-we-met-1567142.html|work=The Independent|location=London|title=How we met|first=Nicholas|last=Barber|date=January 8, 1995|access-date=May 22, 2010}}</ref>

In the [[1989 MTV Video Music Awards]], Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi performed acoustic versions of "[[Livin' on a Prayer]]" and "[[Wanted Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi song)|Wanted Dead or Alive]]". While [[MTV Unplugged]] was already in development by the time of this event, its [[showrunners]] have credited the pair's performance with influencing the show to go from initially being meant only for "young, up-and-coming artists" into being a simplified showcase for the "big, stadium, electric-arena-type acts".<ref>https://www.theringer.com/2017/09/07/music/mtv-unplugged-nirvana-don-henley-paul-mccartney</ref>

The song "Next 100 years" from the album Crush, written by Sambora and [[Jon Bon Jovi|Bon Jovi]], is a self cover. The Japanese version, with lyrics by [[B'z]]'s [[Koshi Inaba]], was recorded first in 1999 by [[Johnny & Associates]]'s special unit called [[J-Friends]] as part of the relief efforts for the 1995 [[Great Hanshin earthquake]]. The live version of the song  was also included in a DVD released in April 2003, "J-FRIENDS Never Ending Spirit 1997-2003". It included performances from several of the agency's groups, as well as by the special unit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 July 2024 |title=All 359 Bon Jovi songs ranked worst to best ~ 16. "Next 100 Years," Crush (2000) |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bon-jovi-songs-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913111656/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bon-jovi-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=#8cmCD【Next 100 Years/J-FRIENDS、 稲葉浩志、 伊達歩、 John Bon Jovi、 Richie Sambora、 有賀啓雄.】1999年 、返金保証 |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DDPX1JSP |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240913112330/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DDPX1JSP |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Amazon |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=「J-Friends Next 100 Years」 |url=https://www.elov-label.jp/s/je/discography/JEDJ-0001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240913112419/https://www.elov-label.jp/s/je/discography/JEDJ-0001 |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Elov Label Records |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J-FRIENDS Never Ending Spirit 1997-2003 |url=https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_J-FRIENDS_000000000110985/item_J-FRIENDS-Never-Ending-Spirit-1997-2003_42212 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240913123134/https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_J-FRIENDS_000000000110985/item_J-FRIENDS-Never-Ending-Spirit-1997-2003_42212 |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=HMV |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2020 |title=redbank's BON JOVI collection |url=https://redbankbj.com/wp/?p=9174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913111932/https://redbankbj.com/wp/?p=9174 |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Redbank |language=English, Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=J-Friends |url=https://www.shinsaihatsu.com/bunka/2/j-friens.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913125134/https://www.shinsaihatsu.com/bunka/2/j-friens.html |archive-date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Shinsaihatsu |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ｊ－ＦＲＩＥＮＤＳ東京ドーム年越しライブ |url=http://www.sanspo.com/enter/music/m9911/m1111.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001210134700/http://www.sanspo.com/enter/music/m9911/m1111.html |archive-date=10 December 2000 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Sanspo |language=Japanese}}</ref>

Sambora left the band in 2013<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1"/> prior to a concert in Calgary during the band's [[Because We Can (concert tour)|Because We Can]] tour. Since his departure, Sambora has only played with Bon Jovi at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction in 2018. In 2016, Sambora stated that his reason for leaving the band was in order to give his family more of his attention. "I really needed to take some time to be with my daughter," he stated "She needed me and I needed her, actually."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Vallon|first1=Vanessa|title=Jon Bon Jovi reveals why Richie Sambora left the band (Watch)|url=https://www.axs.com/jon-bon-jovi-reveals-why-richie-sambora-left-the-band-watch-108341|access-date=19 January 2018|publisher=AXS|date=October 17, 2016}}</ref>

Sambora also released a solo EP with Orianthi, and performed alongside the RSO band member and his girlfriend on April 7, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/richie-sambora-on-bon-jovi-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-w514037|title=Hear Richie Sambora Talk Hall of Fame, Relationship With Jon Bon Jovi|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=2018-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/04/richie_sambora_orianthi_set_to.html|title=Richie Sambora, Orianthi set to highlight Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Celebration Day|work=cleveland.com|access-date=2018-04-05|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Solo albums===
Sambora's first solo album was 1991's ''[[Stranger in This Town]]'', a blues-influenced album that charted at No. 36 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and No. 20 on the [[UK Albums Chart]]. The lead single, "Ballad Of Youth", reached a high of No. 63 on the U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and No. 59 in the UK. "One Light Burning" was released as the second single and the album titled track, "Stranger In This Town" as the third which charted at No. 38 on the [[Mainstream rock]] charts. [[Eric Clapton]] played the lead guitar on the promo single ''Mr Bluesman'', backed by Sambora on acoustic guitars. Sambora did a short US tour in support of the album, featuring [[Tony Levin]] (bass), Dave Amato (guitar), [[Crystal Taliefero]] (percussion) and Bon Jovi bandmates Tico Torres (drums) and David Bryan (keyboards). The track "Rosie" was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi and was initially intended for the fourth Bon Jovi album ''[[New Jersey (album)|New Jersey]]''. It was also released as a promo single in Japan. "[[Ballad of Youth]]" was released in the UK in summer 1991 and despite plugs from ''[[The Friday Rock Show]]'' on [[BBC Radio 1]] the song barely skimmed the top 75.

''[[Undiscovered Soul]]'' was Sambora's second solo album, released in 1998. The album was produced by [[Don Was]]. The album charted at No. 174 on [[The Billboard 200]] and No. 24 on the [[UK Albums Chart]]. The lead single "Hard Times Come Easy" charted at No. 39 on the [[Mainstream rock]] chart and No. 37 in the UK, the second single "In It For Love" charted at No. 58 on the [[UK Singles Chart]]. The title track "Undiscovered Soul" and "Made in America" were also released as singles. In support of ''Undiscovered Soul'', Sambora toured Japan, Australia and Europe in the summer of 1998. The band featured Richie Supa (guitar), Ron Wikso (drums), Kasim Sulton (bass), Tommy Mandel (keyboards), Everett Bradley (percussion; Japan only), [[Gioia Bruno]] (percussion; Australia only) and Crystal Taliefero (percussion; Europe only).

In 2001, Sambora had a single for a movie soundtrack ''On The Line'' which was titled "Take Me On".

Fourteen years after his previous solo album, Sambora announced via his Twitter page that recording of ''[[Aftermath of the Lowdown]]'' had been completed with hopes that the album would be released in July 2012. Photographs were published of Sambora working in a recording studio. The new album was produced by Luke Ebbin, who produced Bon Jovi's ''[[Crush (Bon Jovi album)|Crush]]'' and ''[[Bounce (Bon Jovi album)|Bounce]]'' albums. ''[[Aftermath of the Lowdown]]'' was released in September 2012. The album charted at No. 10 on the "[[Top Hard Rock Albums]]", No. 34 on the [[Top Independent Albums]], No. 149 on [[The Billboard 200]] and No. 35 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/richie%20sambora|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130710201745/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/richie%20sambora|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2013-07-10|title = Chart stats – Richie Sambora}}</ref>
[[File:Sambora and Orianthi.jpg|thumb|Sambora and Orianthi at the [[NAMM Show]], January 2017.]]
The track "Every Road Leads Home to You" was released as a single for the album and features a music video. The song is also featured as one of the bonus tracks on [[Bon Jovi]]'s 2013 album ''[[What About Now (album)|What About Now]]''. A special edition single, "I'll Always Walk Beside You'" featuring [[Alicia Keys]] was released as the second single of the album. All the profits from the sale of the special edition single goes to the ongoing recovery efforts of the Red Cross for the devastation from [[Hurricane Sandy]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.allmusic.com/artist/richie-sambora-mn0000852376/awards|title = Richie Sambora Tours Devastation From Hurricane Sandy|website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> The track "Sugar Daddy" was released as a promo single and a music video was made for the song "Taking a Chance on the Wind".

In 2013 following his departure from Bon Jovi, Sambora released the solo single "Come Back As Me".<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2013/07/31/richie-sambora-new-single-come-back-as-me-bon-jovi/#sthash.TlQLHE7I.dpbs |title = Richie Sambora Releases Solo Single 'Come Back As Me' While On Break from Bon Jovi |work = Rock Cellar Magazine |date = July 31, 2013 |publisher=Rockcellar}}</ref>

Sambora announced in early 2015 that he is working on a new album in collaboration with fellow musician and girlfriend [[Orianthi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/richie-sambora-and-orianthi-hit-the-studio-new-album-in-the-works|title=Richie Sambora and OrianthI Hit The Studio; New Album In The Works|website=Bravewords.com}}</ref> In 2016, they performed as RSO together in Australia, South America, and England, where they opened for [[Bad Company]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/rso-feat-richie-sambora-and-orianthi-23c35037.html|title=RSO feat. Richie Sambora & Orianthi Concert Setlists|website=setlist.fm|access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref> In September 2017, RSO released a five-song EP called ''[[Rise (RSO album)|Rise]]''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://glidemagazine.com/194330/roots-guitarists-orianthi-richie-sambora-celebrate-new-musical-adventure-rso-interview/|title=My Roots: Guitarists Orianthi & Richie Sambora Celebrate New Musical Adventure With RSO |date=2017-10-02|work=Glide Magazine|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> followed by another EP ''Making History'' which was also released in 2017. The duo released their debut album ''[[Radio Free America (RSO album)|Radio Free America]]'' in May 2018.

===Other work===
Sambora composed television theme songs for ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'' and ''[[The Insider (TV series)|The Insider]]''. Sambora (along with Jon Bon Jovi) was part of the ownership group of the [[Philadelphia Soul]], an [[Arena Football League]] football team,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/Richie_Sambora_arrested_for_alleged_DUI_in_Cali.html|title=Richie Sambora arrested for alleged DUI|first=Dan|last=Gross|website=Inquirer.com|date=March 26, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> until the league suspended operations in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-20 |title=AFL suspends 2009 season |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420143133/http://arenafootball.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=3633481&DB_OEM_ID=3500 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>

Sambora is featured on the track "Baby Rock Remix" from [[LL Cool J]]'s 2008 album ''Exit 13''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/30/ll-cool-j-welcomes-50-cent-richie-sambora-on-new-album-declares-it-a-summer-blockbuster/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701201121/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/06/30/ll-cool-j-welcomes-50-cent-richie-sambora-on-new-album-declares-it-a-summer-blockbuster/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2008|title=Music – New Music News, Reviews, Pictures, and Videos|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref>

Sambora made a guest appearance<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rock-legend-bo-diddley-dies-in-florida-838753.html|title=Rock legend Bo Diddley dies in Florida|website=[[Independent.co.uk]]|date=June 2, 2008}}</ref> on [[Bo Diddley]]'s 1996 album ''A Man Amongst Men'', playing guitar on tracks "Can I Walk You Home" and "Oops! Bo Diddley".

In 1999, Sambora was a guest vocalist on the [[Stuart Smith (musician)|Stuart Smith]] album ''Stuart Smith's Heaven & Earth'', performing a cover of the [[Deep Purple]] song "[[When a Blind Man Cries]]". Also in 1999, Sambora played the guitar solo on the track "Why Don't You Love Me" on the album ''Tuesday's Child'', by Canadian singer [[Amanda Marshall]].

In 1992 Sambora was on the soundtrack for Red Shoe Diaries with the feverish song “You Never Really Know”. Sambora sang "Long Way Around" for the 1997 [[Steven Seagal]] action film ''[[Fire Down Below (1997 film)|Fire Down Below]]''. The song, written by Seagal and [[David Pomeranz]], appears in the final scene. In a 1998 interview Sambora said his version is in the film itself but a different person's performance of the song is included on the film's soundtrack album, despite Sambora's name appearing on the album credits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bjf-europe.demon.nl/chat/richieinterview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010511090500/http://www.bjf-europe.demon.nl/chat/richieinterview.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 11, 2001 |date=October 30, 1998 |title=Interview with Richie Sambora |work=BJF-Europe |location=Dordrecht, The Netherlands |first=Arjan |last=De Jongste |access-date=November 30, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Sambora also recorded the song "One Last Goodbye" for movie ''[[The Banger Sisters]]'', and covered Jimi Hendrix's "[[The Wind Cries Mary]]" for the soundtrack of 1990 comedy ''[[The Adventures of Ford Fairlane]]''.

In 2004, [[Sanctuary Records]] released a self-titled album which had been recorded in 1978 by Shark Frenzy, documenting Sambora's first recorded material. The mix tapes had been damaged in a flood and band member Bruce Foster had remastered them for release many years later.

Sambora co-wrote several tracks and played guitar on Australian rock/pop artist [[Shannon Noll]]'s third album ''Turn It Up''. It was released in Australia in September 2007.

To coincide with his solo album ''[[Aftermath of the Lowdown]]'', Sambora and friends performed as the house band on ''[[The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson]]'' on CBS for one week (December 3–7, 2012).<ref>[http://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/tv/tvguide/article/Richie-Sambora-to-Serve-as-The-Late-Late-Show-4037384.php] {{Dead link|date=April 2014|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Several guests sang along with the band over the week, including Ferguson (singing Sugar Daddy),<ref>{{cite web|title=Craig Ferguson sings Sugar Daddy (video)|website=[[CBS]]|url=http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_late_show/video/PgKMRTXrTxuVdMwTP_n7q0MCBXFdhiJd/craig-ferguson-craig-s-rock-n-roll-dream|access-date=December 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212152848/http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_late_show/video/PgKMRTXrTxuVdMwTP_n7q0MCBXFdhiJd/craig-ferguson-craig-s-rock-n-roll-dream|archive-date=December 12, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Denis Leary]], [[Eddie Izzard]] and even [[Larry King]], who sang the Late Late Show theme song.<ref>{{cite web|title=Larry King sings Ferguson's theme song with Sambora (video)|website=[[CBS]]|url=http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_late_show/video/0qe9Ny7Vsbv1aZrzSBVk7crSpnHJcoLs/the-late-late-show-12-5-2012|access-date=December 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210093711/http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_late_show/video/0qe9Ny7Vsbv1aZrzSBVk7crSpnHJcoLs/the-late-late-show-12-5-2012|archive-date=December 10, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Sambora competed on the fourth season of the British version of ''[[The Masked Singer (British TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as the Jacket Potato.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Rebecca |title=The Masked Singer unveils Jacket Potato as Jon Bon Jovi legend ahead of final |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/breaking-masked-singer-unveils-jacket-29193090 |website=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=February 11, 2023 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Sambora married actress [[Heather Locklear]] in Paris on December 17, 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20156814,00.html|title=Cover Story: A Surprise Ending – Vol. 65 No. 7|date=February 20, 2006}}</ref> Their daughter Ava Elizabeth Sambora, was born on October 4, 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/gossip/1997/10/08/1997-10-08_baldwin_life_of_party__dems_.html|website=Nydailynews.com|title=Baldwin Life of Party? Dems may Capitol-ize|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/|title=Music News|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> Locklear filed for divorce in February 2006 citing irreconcilable differences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/2007-04-12-963251932_x.htm|title=Heather Locklear, Richie Sambora divorce |website=Usatoday30.usatoday.com|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> The divorce was finalized on April 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/heather-locklear-richie-samboras-divorce-finalized/|title=Heather Locklear & Richie Sambora's Divorce Finalized|date=April 11, 2007}}</ref> On April 20 2007, Sambora's father, Adam, died of lung cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/entertainment/story.html?id=edd11159-5c4d-4739-831e-e8f79e109fed&k=15773 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102221927/http://www.canada.com/topics/entertainment/story.html?id=edd11159-5c4d-4739-831e-e8f79e109fed&k=15773|url-status=dead|title=Richie Sambora's father dead|archive-date=January 2, 2016|website=canada.com|access-date=June 10, 2021|date=23 April 2007}}</ref>

===Alcohol problems===
On June 7, 2007, it was announced that Sambora was entering an undisclosed [[Drug rehabilitation|rehab]] facility in Los Angeles for treatment related to alcoholism.<ref>''[[Us Weekly|US Magazine]]'' article: "[http://www.usmagazine.com/richie_sambora_in_rehab Richie Sambora Seeks Treatment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413060635/http://www.usmagazine.com/richie_sambora_in_rehab |date=April 13, 2009 }}".</ref><ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/06/08/richie-sambora-enters-rehab-blur-reunion-is-tentative-andre-3000-to-play-sammy-davis-jr/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116024355/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/06/08/richie-sambora-enters-rehab-blur-reunion-is-tentative-andre-3000-to-play-sammy-davis-jr/|date=January 16, 2009}}</ref> Following his release, he told an interviewer, "I was just drinking too much and I needed to get my life together. I'm still in therapy and stuff like that, but it's good. I'm great. I feel fine."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2008/03/27/richie_samboras_dui_arrest|title=Richie Sambora's DUI arrest | work=The Boston Globe | date=March 27, 2008}}</ref> In the Bon Jovi documentary ''When We Were Beautiful'', Sambora talks candidly about his addiction to painkillers following a fall in his bathroom. He credited his bandmates and mother with helping him through the difficult time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jon-bon-jovis-opening-act/|title=Jon Bon Jovi's Opening Act | work=CBS News | date=May 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20177836,00.html |title=Richie Sambora Felt Dragged Through 'Hell' – Health, Music News, Richie Sambora |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214000759/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20177836,00.html |archive-date=14 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On March 26, 2008, Sambora was arrested for [[Driving under the influence|drunk driving]] in [[Laguna Beach, California]] where he was a longtime resident.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sambora/bon-jovi-guitarist-arrested-for-drunken-driving-idUSN2644497420080326 | publisher=Reuters | first=Dan | last=Whitcomb | title=Bon Jovi guitarist arrested for drunken driving | date=26 March 2008 | access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=people>''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' Magazine article: "[https://web.archive.org/web/20080327053945/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20186447,00.html Richie Sambora Busted for DUI; Daughter Was in the Car]".</ref><ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/richie-sambora-s-dui-troubles-might-get-worse-wbna24114399|title=Richie Sambora's DUI troubles might get worse|website=Today.com|date=April 15, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> Both his ten-year-old daughter and her 18 year old cousin were in the vehicle.<ref name=people /> At his May 2008 arraignment, he pleaded [[Nolo contendere|no contest]] "to driving with a [[blood alcohol level]] of .08 or higher", was fined $390, placed on [[probation]] for three years, and was required to attend a driver's education course.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=25926|title=Sambora Pleads Guilty To Drunk Driving | newspaper=[[The San Francisco Chronicle]] | first=Karen|last=Reardanz|date=April 23, 2008}}</ref>

On April 28, 2011, it was announced that Sambora had made the decision to enter rehab again. He was absent from the band for thirteen shows during the [[Bon Jovi Live (concert tour)|Bon Jovi Live]] tour, and his guitar and vocal duties were handled by session musician Theofilos "[[Phil X]]" Xenidis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/richie-sambora-reportedly-going-back-to-rehab/|title=Richie Sambora reportedly going back to rehab | work=CBS News | first=David|last=Riedel|date=April 28, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bonjovi.com/story/news-band/bon_jovi_to_continue_tour |title=Bon Jovi to Continue Tour |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721073413/http://www.bonjovi.com/story/news-band/bon-jovi-to-continue-tour |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all |access-date=February 6, 2016 }}</ref> This was Sambora's second stint in rehab and was announced just a week after he finished probation for [[drunk driving]] charges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bon Jovi Touring Without Rehabbing Richie Sambora|date=April 28, 2011|url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b238976_bon_jovi_touring_without_rehabbing.html|access-date=April 29, 2011}}</ref> Sambora returned to join the band in June 2011 in Zagreb, Croatia, for the start of the European leg of the tour.

==Musical style and influences==
From his early days, Sambora was strongly influenced by [[blues]] and 1960s [[rock and roll]]. His most important influences were [[Eric Clapton]], [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Jeff Beck]], [[Stevie Ray Vaughan]], [[Johnny Winter]], [[Jimmy Page]], [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]], [[Brian May]], [[George Harrison]], [[Hank Marvin]], [[Dave Davies]], [[Pete Townshend]], [[Ritchie Blackmore]], [[Tony Iommi]], [[Manny Charlton]], [[Bernie Leadon]], [[Don Felder]], [[Joe Walsh]], and [[B. B. King]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Richie Sambora – Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and pictures at |url=http://www.last.fm/music/Richie+Sambora |access-date=2014-07-15 |publisher=Last.fm}}</ref> and he has also cited [[psychedelic soul]] singer [[Janis Joplin]] as having a big influence on his musical style.

==Public service and recognition==
Over the years, Sambora has raised money for many charities,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/richie-sambora|title=Richie Sambora: Charity Work & Causes|website=Looktothestars.org|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> such as [[Dream Street]], the [[Steve Young (American football)|Steve Young]] Forever Young Foundation {{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} and [[Michael J. Fox]]'s [[Parkinson's disease]] charity. He has donated money privately to various cancer charities since the death of his father, including both hospitals where his father was treated, [[Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center]] and M D Anderson.<ref>[http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20179715,00.html "Richie Sambora Still Standing]", People.com. Retrieved April 13, 2009</ref> Sambora's fundraising with the charity Stand Up For a Cure allowed for three mobile full service hospital units to be brought to the streets of New York, two of which were named after his parents, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2008/02/bon_jovi_kicks_off_concert_ser.html|title=Bon Jovi kicks off concert series for lung cancer research|agency=Associated Press|date=February 12, 2008|website=Nj.com|access-date=June 10, 2021}}</ref>

In May 2004, Sambora was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by [[Kean University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-kushell/life-after-graduation-eve_b_54648.html|title=Life After Graduation (Even if its Been a Few Years) - Huffington Post|first1=Jennifer Kushell Social|last1=entrepreneur|last2=author|first3=Global Workforce Evangelist Dedicated to Making an|last3=Impact|website=[[HuffPost]]|date=March 28, 2008}}</ref> where he attended the awards ceremony and gave a speech of acceptance. He attended Kean University as a freshman, but dropped out to pursue a career as a professional guitarist and session musician.<ref>"[https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/kean-university Kean University | World University Rankings]". ''Times Higher Education''.</ref>

Sambora and his songwriting partner Jon Bon Jovi were inducted into the [[Songwriters Hall of Fame]] on June 18, 2009.<ref>[http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/C6012 Songwriters Hall of Fame] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128112156/http://songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/C6012 |date=January 28, 2016 }} (official site)</ref>

On November 24, 2009, Sambora launched charitable effort You Can Go Home<ref>{{cite web |url=http://youcangohome.com/ |title=You Can Go Home |website=youcangohome.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103054618/http://youcangohome.com/ |archive-date=3 November 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> in his home town of [[Woodbridge Township, New Jersey|Woodbridge Township]], New Jersey, which unveiled a street renamed Richie Sambora Way. He also donated funds to renovate part of his alma mater [[Woodbridge High School (New Jersey)|Woodbridge High School]], which opened a new weight room, the Adam Sambora Fitness Center, dedicated to Sambora's father.<ref>Thompson, Brian. [http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Bon-Jovis-Sambora-Comes-Home-to-NJ-for-Special-Cause-72694317.html "Bon Jovi's Sambora Comes Home to N.J. for Special Cause"], [[WNBC]], November 24, 2009, via [http://zoneradio.com/wkit/index.shtml WKIT-FM home page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202194409/http://zoneradio.com/wkit/index.shtml |date=December 2, 2009 }} Bangor, Maine Web site. Retrieved 2009-11-25.</ref>

==Instruments and equipment==
[[File:Hard Rock Cafe London 10.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Sambora's Fender Stratocaster at the [[Hard Rock Cafe]], London]]

Sambora has been known to use a wide variety of equipment throughout his career. He has an extensive guitar collection, featuring more than 130 instruments,<ref name=GuitarWorld2010>{{cite web |author=Staff |website=Guitar World |url=http://www.guitarworld.com/dear-guitar-hero-richie-sambora |title=Dear Guitar Hero: Richie Sambora |publisher=guitarworld.com |date=2010-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609004155/http://www.guitarworld.com/dear-guitar-hero-richie-sambora |archive-date=2011-06-09 |access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref> about a third of which are various [[Fender Stratocaster]] models.<ref name=Stratocaster2015/>

In the 1980s, Sambora mostly played [[Kramer Guitars|Kramer]], [[Jackson Guitars|Jackson]], [[Charvel]] and [[Hamer Guitars|Hamer]] [[superstrat]]s as well as modified and custom [[Gibson Les Paul]] models, such as his Rod Schoepfer model. In early-mid 1987, Kramer put out a Richie Sambora signature model with three [[humbucker]]s, pointy headstock, gold hardware, star-shaped fingerboard inlays and a Floyd Rose Original locking tremolo. In the early 1990s, Fender put out a Richie Sambora Stratocaster signature model with Floyd Rose locking vibrato and three pickups: a DiMarzio humbucker at the bridge, and two single coil Texas Special pickups, one at the neck and one at center.<ref name=Stratocaster2015>{{cite book |author=Terry Burrows |title=The Stratocaster Manual |page=177 |publisher=Voyageur Press |date=2015 |isbn=9780760349229}}</ref>

[[File:RS Barcelona 2008.jpg|thumb|220px|Sambora with a twin-neck [[Fender Telecaster]], 2008]]
In 2000, [[Taylor Guitars|Taylor]] started the production of a Richie Sambora signature model, a six-string acoustic made of koa wood, called the RSSM. Only 100 were made. All of his double-neck acoustics feature a six-string neck on top and a 12-string neck on bottom, opposite of normal. Sambora's guitar solo in the song "Bullet" from the 2009 album [[The Circle (Bon Jovi album)|''The Circle'']] was played through a [[Dunlop Cry Baby]] wah pedal. In 2010 he said that he was keeping his vintage guitars at home for studio work, and bringing his less expensive guitars on the road to his concerts, including "some Strats, a few Teles, some Les Pauls and Les Paul Juniors" along with a number of Richie Sambora signature models made by [[ESP Guitars]].<ref name=GuitarWorld2010/> Other notable guitars in Sambora's collection include the Kramer Jersey Star, [[Gibson SG Junior]], [[Gibson ES-335]], [[Gibson Firebird]], [[Gibson Flying V]], [[Gibson Explorer]], [[C. F. Martin & Company|Martin]] guitars, [[Ampeg]] Dan Armstrong Plexi, [[Ovation Guitar Company|Ovation]], [[Taylor Guitars|Taylor]] and Fender Telecaster double neck guitars, and an Ovation triple neck guitar.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Davies|first1=Claire|title=Access All Areas: On the road with Bon Jovi|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/access-all-areas-on-the-road-with-bon-jovi-487744|website=musicradar|date=August 11, 2011|access-date=2 March 2017}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Richie Sambora discography}}

===Studio albums===
*''[[Stranger in This Town]]'' (1991)
*''[[Undiscovered Soul]]'' (1998)
*''[[Aftermath of the Lowdown]]'' (2012)

=== with Shark Frenzy featuring Bruce Foster & Richie Sambora ===
*''Shark Frenzy – 1978'' (2004)
*''Volume 1'' (2004)
*''Volume 2 – 1980–81: Confessions of a Teenage Lycanthrope'' (2004)

=== with Message ===
*''[[Message (band)|Lessons]]'' (1982)
*''Message Live'' (2006)

===with Bon Jovi===
*''[[Bon Jovi (album)|Bon Jovi]]'' (1984)
*''{{proper name|[[7800° Fahrenheit]]}}'' (1985)
*''[[Slippery When Wet]]'' (1986)
*''[[New Jersey (album)|New Jersey]]'' (1988)
*''[[Keep the Faith]]'' (1992)
*''[[These Days (Bon Jovi album)|These Days]]'' (1995)
*''[[Crush (Bon Jovi album)|Crush]]'' (2000)
*''[[Bounce (Bon Jovi album)|Bounce]]'' (2002)
*''[[Have a Nice Day (Bon Jovi album)|Have a Nice Day]]'' (2005)
*''[[Lost Highway (Bon Jovi album)|Lost Highway]]'' (2007)
*''[[The Circle (Bon Jovi album)|The Circle]]'' (2009)
*''[[What About Now (album)|What About Now]]'' (2013)

===with Cher===
*''[[Cher (1987 album)|Cher]]'' (1987)

===with Desmond Child===
*''[[Discipline (Desmond Child album)|Discipline]]'' (1991)

===with RSO===
*''[[Rise (RSO EP)|Rise]]'' (EP, 2017)
*''Making History'' (EP, 2017)
*''[[Radio Free America (album)|Radio Free America]]'' (2018)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Commons|Richie Sambora}}

==External links==
*[http://www.richiesambora.com/ Richie Sambora Official website]

{{Richie Sambora}}
{{BonJovi}}
{{2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sambora, Richie}}
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