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 68 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 12, and started playing in bands three years later. A diversified music listener, Sambora comes from a background of The 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 longtime dream of Sambora's was filled. He is 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 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.Daughter, Ava Elizabeth, with wife Heather Locklear , was born on 4 October 1997.His most important influences were Eric Clapton , Jimi Hendrix , Jeff Beck , Johnny Winter and Jimmy Page .Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence in Laguna Beach, California. Sentenced to three years of informal probation, three months of first offender alcohol awareness classes and standard fees. Also ordered to not partake of any drugs or alcohol for the duration of his probation [April 22, 2008].Graduated From Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey.Lives in Laguna Beach, Westlake Village, Calabasas, California and Point Pleasant Boro, New Jersey.