Richie Sambora Biography: Bon Jovi Guitarist, Age, Net Worth, Solo Career, Heather Locklear, Songs, Albums, Awards, Rock Hall of Fame

Richard Stephen Sambora, also known as Richie Sambora, is a highly talented and accomplished American musician, singer, and songwriter, who rose to fame as the lead guitarist of the popular rock band Bon Jovi.

During his time with the band from 1983 to 2013, Sambora was not only a skilled guitarist but also a talented singer and songwriter, collaborating closely with lead singer Jon Bon Jovi.

Together, they formed the main songwriting unit for the band, creating numerous hits and solidifying Bon Jovi’s place as one of the most successful rock bands in history.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard Stephen Sambora
• Stage Name: Richie Sambora
• Born: 11 July 1959
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: 11 July 1959
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American musician, singer, and songwriter
• Height: 1.84 m
• Parent: Joan Sambora and Adam C. Sambora
• Siblings: none
• Spouse: Heather Locklear (m. 1994–2007)
• Children: 1, Ava Elizabeth Sambora
• Relationship: married
• Net Worth: $150 million

Early Life And Education

Richie Sambora was born on 11 July 1959 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States, to Joan (née Sienila), a secretary, and Adam C. Sambora, a factory foreman. Despite being an only child, Richie Sambora was raised in a loving household, and his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and determination.

He is of Polish descent and follows the Christian faith. After graduating from Woodbridge High School in 1977, Sambora went on to attend Kean University. His education and upbringing played a significant role in shaping him into the successful musician and songwriter he is today.

Career

Richie Sambora’s career spans several decades, marked by significant contributions as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Here’s a breakdown of his key career phases.

Early Career: Before Bon Jovi, Sambora played in various bands, including Message, which released an independent album, Lessons, in 1982. He was also a member of Mercy and Duke Williams & the Extremes. He briefly toured as an opening act for Joe Cocker in the early 1980s and even auditioned for Kiss in 1983, just before joining Bon Jovi.

Bon Jovi Era (1983-2013): Sambora joined Bon Jovi in 1983, replacing original guitarist Dave Sabo. He quickly became a crucial part of the band’s success, forming a prolific songwriting partnership with Jon Bon Jovi.

Richie Sambora is a renowned musician known for his work as the lead guitarist for the rock band Bon Jovi. Together, they co-wrote many of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits, including “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “I’ll Be There for You,” and “It’s My Life.”

Sambora’s guitar playing became integral to Bon Jovi’s signature sound, known for its melodic solos and powerful riffs. During his 30 years with Bon Jovi, the band achieved massive global success, selling over 130 million albums and touring extensively. However, he unexpectedly left Bon Jovi in 2013 during the “Because We Can” tour, citing personal and family reasons.

In addition to his work with Bon Jovi, Sambora also pursued a solo career, releasing three studio albums.

Richie Sambora is a highly accomplished musician, known for his work as the lead guitarist and co-songwriter of rock band Bon Jovi. However, he has also had a successful career outside of the band, with multiple solo albums and collaborations with other artists.

Sambora’s diverse musical skills are evident in his albums, from the more varied styles in “Undiscovered Soul” to the personal and mature songwriting in “Aftermath of the Lowdown.” He has also ventured into other projects, such as composing theme tunes for television shows and being a shareholder of an Arena Football League team.

In 2009, Sambora was recognized for his contributions to popular music when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Jon Bon Jovi.

Award and Nomination

As a Member of Bon Jovi:

Grammy Awards: Bon Jovi, with Richie Sambora as a key member, has received 9 nominations and 1 win.

• Won: 2007 for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” with Jennifer Nettles in the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals category
• Nominated:
  • 1997 for Best Music Video, Long Form for “Live From London”
  • 2001 for “It’s My Life” in the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group category
  • 2001 for Best Rock Album for “Crush”
  • 2003 for “Everyday” in the Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group category
  • 2004 for “Misunderstood” in the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal category
  • 2008 for Best Pop Vocal Album for “Lost Highway”
  • 2008 for “(You Want To) Make A Memory” in the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category
  • 2010 for “We Weren’t Born to Follow” in the Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals category

American Music Awards: Bon Jovi won 2 awards and received 6 nominations.

• Won: 1988 for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group
• Won: 2004 for the Award of Merit
• Nominated: Multiple times in the Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Pop/Rock Single categories

Brit Awards: Bon Jovi won 1 award and received 5 nominations.

• Won: 1996 for Best International Group

World Music Awards: Bon Jovi won 2 awards and received 3 nominations.

• Won: 1995 for Best Selling Rock Artist/Group
• Won: 2005 with the Diamond Award

MTV Video Music Awards: Bon Jovi won 2 awards and received 4 nominations.

• Won: 1987 for “Livin’ on a Prayer” for Best Stage Performance in a Video
• Won: 1991 with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

MTV Europe Music Awards: Bon Jovi won 2 awards and received 9 nominations.

• Won: 1995 for Best Rock
• Won: 2010 for Global Icon

Billboard Music Awards: Bon Jovi won 1 award and received 4 nominations.

• Won: 2014 for Top Touring Artist

Billboard Touring Awards: Bon Jovi won 6 awards and received 6 nominations, recognizing their success as a touring band.

Echo Awards (Germany): Bon Jovi won 1 award and received 8 nominations.

• Won: 2001 for “Crush” for International Album of the Year by a Group

CMT Music Awards: Bon Jovi won 2 awards and received 3 nominations for their country collaborations.

• Won: 2006 for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” with Jennifer Nettles for Collaborative Video of the Year
• Won: 2008 for “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore” with LeAnn Rimes for Collaborative Video of the Year

Ivor Novello Awards: In 2021, Richie Sambora, along with Jon Bon Jovi, was honored with the Special International Award for their songwriting partnership.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Richie Sambora was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 as a member of Bon Jovi.

Songwriters Hall of Fame: Richie Sambora was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024 as a member of Bon Jovi.

Academy of Country Music Awards: Bon Jovi received 1 nomination.

• Nominated: 2006 for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” with Jennifer Nettles for Vocal Event of the Year

Premios Oye! (Mexico): Bon Jovi won 1 award.

• Won: 2002 for Mejor Artista Internacional con Trayectoria en México (Best International Artist with a Career in Mexico)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @therealsambora
• Facebook handle: Richie Sambora
• Twitter (X) handle: @TheRealSambora

Personal Life

Richie Sambora is a highly talented and accomplished American musician, singer, and songwriter, who rose to fame as the lead guitarist of the popular rock band Bon Jovi. He was previously married to American actress Heather Locklear in December 1994, with whom he shares one daughter, Ava Elizabeth Sambora, born in October 1997.

However, their marriage ended in divorce in April 2007, after Locklear filed for divorce in February 2006. As of April 2025, Sambora has been in a “wonderful relationship” with an unnamed woman for over two years.

Sambora, who is of Polish descent, was raised Catholic and has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and addiction to painkillers. He has sought treatment in rehab facilities in 2007 and 2011. In 2004, Sambora also campaigned with Jon Bon Jovi for Democrat John Kerry’s presidential campaign. In 2008, he was arrested for drunk driving.

Filmography and Discography

Richie Sambora Filmography This includes movies and television shows where Richie Sambora appeared as himself or in a fictional role.

As Himself:

• 1985: American Masters (TV Series)
• 1986: The Oprah Winfrey Show (TV Series)
• 1987: Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet – The Videos (Video documentary)
• 1989: Moscow Music Peace Festival (TV Special)
• 1989: Bon Jovi: New Jersey – The Videos (Video documentary)
• 1990: Bon Jovi: Access All Areas – A Rock & Roll Odyssey (Video documentary)
• 1991: 1991 MTV Video Music Awards (TV Special)
• 1992: The 19th Annual American Music Awards (TV Special)
• 1992: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV Series)
• 1993: Live & Kicking (TV Series)
• 1993: Late Night with Conan O’Brien (TV Series)
• 1993: Late Show with David Letterman (TV Series)
• 1993: Bon Jovi: Keep the Faith – An Evening with Bon Jovi (TV Special)
• 1994: Extra (TV Series) – Guest Co-Host
• 1994: The Howard Stern Show (TV Series)
• 1994: Inside the Actors Studio (TV Series)
• 1994: 1994 MTV Movie Awards (TV Special)
• 1994: Bon Jovi: Cross Road (Video documentary)
• 1995: Bon Jovi: Live from London (Video)
• 1995: This is Your Life (Australia) (TV Series)
• 1996: The Daily Show (TV Series)
• 1996: E! True Hollywood Story (TV Series)
• 1997: MTV Europe Music Awards 1997 (TV Special)
• 1997: Behind the Music (TV Series)
• 1998: CD: UK (TV Series)
• 1998: Fox and Friends (USA) (TV Series)
• 1999: VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards (TV Special)
• 1999: The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (TV Series)
• 2000: Bon Jovi: The Crush Tour (Video documentary)
• 2001: VH1: All Access (TV Series)
• 2001: America: A Tribute to Heroes (TV Special) – Performer
• 2001: Bon Jovi: Live at Giants Stadium, 2001 (Video)
• 2001: Bon Jovi: Secret Acoustic Show (Video)
• 2002: I Love The 80s (TV Series)
• 2002: VH1 Big in 2002 Awards (TV Special)
• 2002: MTV Europe Music Awards 2002 Barcelona (TV Special) – Performer
• 2002: Sendung ohne Namen (TV Series)
• 2002: American Idol (TV Series)
• 2002: CMT Crossroads (TV Series)
• 2003: Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Kattan (Video)
• 2003: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV Series) – Musical Guest
• 2003: Canadian Idol (TV Series) – Guest
• 2003: Soundstage (TV Series)
• 2003: Bon Jovi: Bounce (The Videos) (Video documentary)
• 2004: Bon Jovi: This Left Feels Right – Live (Video documentary)
• 2004: Late Night with Conan O’Brien: The Best of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (Video)
• 2005: Hard Rock Treasures (TV Series)
• 2005: Live 8: A Worldwide Concert Event Presented by Nokia (TV Special)
• 2005: The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV Series)
• 2005: Bon Jovi: Live at Nokia Theatre (Video)
• 2007: Elvis: Viva Las Vegas (TV Special)
• 2007: Bon Jovi: Lost Highway The Concert (Video)
• 2008: 2008 American Music Awards (TV Special) – Presenter
• 2008: Bon Jovi: Live at Tokyo Dome (Video)
• 2008: Bon Jovi: Live at Madison Square Garden (Video)
• 2009: Talk Stoop (TV Series)
• 2009: Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful (Documentary)
• 2009: The Jay Leno Show (TV Series)
• 2009: Video Killed The Radio Star (TV Series)
• 2009: The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (TV Series)
• 2009: B.B. King | Live (Video)
• 2010: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (TV Series documentary)
• 2010: Bon Jovi: The Circle Tour Live from New Jersey (Video)
• 2010: Bon Jovi | Greatest Hits – The Ultimate Video Collection (Video documentary)
• 2011: Bon Jovi | Live In Lisbon 2011 (Video)
• 2011: The Love We Make (Documentary)
• 2012: Bon Jovi | Live – iHeartRadio Music Festival (TV Special)
• 2012: Bon Jovi | Inside Out (Video documentary)
• 2012: 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief (TV Special)
• 2013: Bon Jovi | In Concert – BBC Radio 2 (TV Special)
• 2013: Bon Jovi | Because We Can Tour – Live From Cleveland (Video)
• 2013: Skum Rocks! (TV Series)
• 2016: Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar (TV Series)
• 2017: RSO | Soundstage (TV Series)
• 2018: The 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Red Carpet Live (TV Special)
• 2020: Who You Gonna Call? (TV Series documentary)
• 2020: The Masked Singer (UK) (TV Series) – as Jacket Potato (voice cameo)
• 2021: Stallone: Frank, That Is (Documentary)
• 2022: Bon Jovi: No End in Sight (TV Movie documentary)
• 2024: Michael Strahan x Jon Bon Jovi: Halfway There (TV Special)
• 2024: Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (Documentary)
• 2024: 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (TV Special)
• 2024: Norman’s Rare Guitars Documentary
• 2024: Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (TV Series documentary)

As Actor:

• 1983: Staying Alive as Music Club Band Guitarist (uncredited)
• 2001: On the Line as Mick Silver
• 2002: American Dreams (TV Series, 1 episode: “Silent Night”) as Eric Clapton
• 2002: Still Standing (TV Series, 1 episode: “Still Getting Married”) as Roach
• 2015: Grandfathered (TV Series, 1 episode: “My So-Called Wife”) as Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora Discography This includes his solo studio albums, EPs, and albums with RSO. For his extensive work with Bon Jovi, please refer to the Bon Jovi discography.

Solo Studio Albums:

• 1991: Stranger in This Town
• 1998: Undiscovered Soul
• 2012: Aftermath of the Lowdown

Solo Singles & EPs:

• 1991: “Ballad of Youth”
• 1991: “One Light Burning”
• 1991: “Stranger in This Town”
• 1991: “Mr. Bluesman” (Promo Single)
• 1991: “Rosie” (Promo Single – Japan)
• 1998: “Hard Times Come Easy”
• 1998: “In It for Love”
• 1998: “Undiscovered Soul”
• 1998: “Made in America”
• 2012: “Every Road Leads Home to You”
• 2012: “Taking a Chance on the Wind”
• 2012: “I’ll Always Walk Beside You”
• 2013: “Come Back as Me”
• 2024: “I Pray”
• 2024: “Livin’ Alone”
• 2024: “Songs That Wrote My Life”
• 2024: “Believe (In Miracles)”
• 2024: “We’ll Get By (feat. Abe Laborial Jr.)”

Albums with RSO (Richie Sambora + Orianthi):

• 2017: Rise (EP)
• 2017: Making History (EP)
• 2018: Radio Free America

Other Album Appearances:

• 1990: “The Wind Cries Mary” on The Adventures of Ford Fairlane – Original Soundtrack
• 1992: “Mr. Sambo” on Guitar World Presents: Guitars That Rule the World
• 1992: “You Never Really Know” on Music from Zalman King’s Red Shoe Diaries
• 1993: “Good Morning Little School Girl (Part 2)” with Paul Rodgers on Muddy Water Blues – A Tribute To Muddy Waters
• 1995: “The Time of Your Life” with Little Steven on The Time of Your Life
• 1997: “Forever” with Takashi Sorimachi on Message / Forever
• 1997: “Long Way Around” on Fire Down Below (in the film itself, not the soundtrack album)
• 1997: “Gonna Rain” with Carmine Appice on Carmine Appice’s Guitar Zeus 2: Channel Mind Radio
• 1997: “O’ Holy Night (Cantique De Noel)” on Merry Axemas – A Guitar Christmas
• 1997: “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” on A Home for the Holidays
• 1999: “Ava’s Eyes” on Sounds of Wood & Steel 2
• 1999: “I’m Wanted” with Kel Spencer on Wild Wild West Soundtrack
• 1999: “Why Don’t You Love Me?” with Amanda Marshall (guitar) on Tuesday’s Child
• 2001: “Take Me On” on On the Line Soundtrack
• 2001: “Misery” with P!nk (guitar) on M! ssundaztood
• 2002: “One Last Goodbye” on The Banger Sisters Soundtrack
• 2004: “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” and “When a Blind Man Cries” on Heaven & Earth Featuring Stuart Smith
• 2005: “Let Me Roll It” with Les Paul & Friends on American Made World Played
• 2005: “Funky Santa (duet with Richie Sambora)” with Bo Bice on Inside Your Heaven / Vehicle
• 2005: “Vehicle” with Everett Bradley on Toy
• 2008: “Baby (Rock Remix)” with LL Cool J (guitar) on Exit 13
• 2008: “Great Hall of Fame” on Les Paul & Friends – A Tribute to a Legend
• 2008: “Willing to Try” on Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1
• 2008: “Blood on the Ground” on Dark Streets Soundtrack
• 2012: “Whisper” with Superbus (guitar) on Sunset
• 2013: “Man & Machine” with Heaven and Earth (guitar) on Dig
• 2023: “Rockstar” with Dolly Parton (guitar) on Rockstar

Net Worth

Richie Sambora is a highly talented and accomplished American musician, singer, and songwriter, who rose to fame as the lead guitarist of the popular rock band Bon Jovi. With his incredible musical abilities and songwriting skills, he has become one of the most respected and successful musicians in the industry. It is estimated that his net worth is around $150 million, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in the world.