Richie Sambora is one of music's most talented and respected songwriters, singers, guitarists and producers. As a founding member of Bon Jovi, he has toured the world and collected over sixty-eight gold and platinum albums. In 1998, Sambora released his second solo album, Undiscovered Soul. The album was produced by Don Was, and features contributions by Chuck Leavell of the Rolling Stones, Rami Jaffee of the Wallflowers, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Sambora was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and raised in Woodbridge. He got his first guitar in 1971 when he was twelve, and started playing in bands three years later. A diversified music listener, Sambora comes from a background of Beatles, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Led Zeppelin and "a lot of blues stuff". Sambora had the opportunity to explore all of his musical avenues when he was afforded the making of his first solo album, "Stranger In This Town". "Mr. Bluesman", a single from the album, was inspired by Clapton and when he agreed to play lead guitar on the track, a long time dream of Sambora's was filled. He is also a self taught musician and plays many instruments such as all guitars, piano, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone and accordion. He divides his time between Los Angeles and New Jersey with his wife, actress Heather Locklear(married on Dec. 15, 1994), and daughter Ava Elizabeth, who was born on October 4, 1997.
Guitarist for the rock band Bon Jovi. Has put his 3-bdrm Laguna Beach house, once owned by Ricky Nelson, up for sale, asking $1.8 million, April 2002. On May 6, 2004, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Kean University. His parents came from Krakow, Poland. Daughter, Ava Elizabeth, with wife Heather Locklear, was born on 4 October 1997.