Richie Sambora: The Rock Star With A Heart Of Gold

What is Richie Sambora’s Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Richie Sambora, the legendary rock guitarist who’s not just famous for his incredible talent but also for his staggering net worth of $150 million. Richie earned his fortune as the lead guitarist and one of the primary songwriters for the iconic rock band Bon Jovi. Over the years, he’s also released several solo albums and performed as a guest artist on numerous records. In 2009, Richie was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which is a huge deal. Fast forward to 2020, Richie struck a deal with Hipgnosis Songs Fund, selling the rights to his 200-song catalog for an undisclosed amount. This move only added to his already impressive wealth.

Early Life: From Perth Amboy to Rock Stardom

Richie Sambora, born Richard Stephen Sambora on July 11, 1959, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, didn’t start with a guitar in his hands. Believe it or not, his first instrument was the accordion, which he picked up at the tender age of six. But it wasn’t until he was 12 years old, after the passing of the legendary Jimi Hendrix, that Richie started learning the guitar. And let me tell you, once he picked up that guitar, there was no stopping him. Richie is also a multi-talented musician, playing the piano, bass guitar, saxophone, and drums. His first public performance was at a Catholic Youth Organization dance during his teenage years. Richie attended Woodbridge High School, where he even played basketball and helped his team win the New Jersey State Title in 1975. He graduated high school in 1977, ready to take on the world.

Career: The Journey to Rock Legend

Before Richie became the lead guitarist for Bon Jovi, he was already making waves in the music scene. In the early ‘80s, he was part of a band called Message, which released their debut album "Lesson" in 1982. That album was re-released in 1995 and again in 2000, showing just how timeless Richie’s music can be. At 19, Richie co-owned a club in New Jersey and even had his own record label, Dream Disc Records. His first professional tour was as an opening act for the legendary Joe Cocker in the early ‘80s. Richie even auditioned to replace Ace Frehley in KISS but didn’t make the cut. But fate had other plans.

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Richie’s big break came when he joined Bon Jovi in 1983. It all started when Richie went to a Bon Jovi show and approached Jon Bon Jovi after the concert. Richie told Jon how impressed he was with the band and suggested they work together. They hit it off instantly, and Jon invited Richie to a band rehearsal. Richie showed up early and by the time Jon arrived, the band sounded better than ever. Richie was hired on the spot, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Bon Jovi released their first two albums in 1984 and 1985, but it was the 1986 release of "Slippery When Wet" that catapulted them to global stardom. This album gave us hits like "Wanted Dead or Alive," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Living on a Prayer," which became number-one hits. The band followed up with "New Jersey" in 1988, giving us more unforgettable tracks like "Born to Be Your Baby" and "I’ll Be There For You." As of today, Bon Jovi has released 14 studio albums, with Richie and Jon Bon Jovi being the primary songwriting duo. Richie left the band in 2013 but reunited with them for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018.

Richie’s solo career is just as impressive. He’s released three solo albums: "Stranger in This Town" in 1991, "Undiscovered Soul" in 1998, and "Aftermath of the Lowdown" in 2012. Richie has co-written four number-one hit singles, 20 Top 10 singles, and almost 40 Top 40 singles. That’s a legacy anyone would be proud of.

Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Recovery

Richie’s personal life has been as colorful as his music career. In 1991, he dated the legendary Cher, but their relationship didn’t last long. In 1994, Richie married actress Heather Locklear in Paris. They welcomed their daughter, Ava Sambora, in 1997. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 2007. Richie then dated guitarist Orianthi from 2014 to 2018.

Richie has also battled with addiction over the years. He checked into rehab for alcoholism and painkiller addiction in 2007. In 2008, he was arrested for suspected drunk driving in Orange County, California. He faced fines, probation, and mandatory driver’s education. Richie checked into rehab again in 2011, which caused him to miss 13 of Bon Jovi’s tour dates. But true to his resilient spirit, he rejoined the band on tour in June 2011 after completing rehab.

Real Estate: Richie’s Dream Homes

Richie Sambora owns properties in some of the most beautiful places in the U.S., including Point Pleasant Boro, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Calabasas, California; and Laguna Beach, California. In September 2008, he bought a stunning 2,600-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom condo in a downtown Philadelphia highrise for $3.58 million. This condo is reportedly located on the 52nd floor, offering breathtaking views. In another deal, Richie paid $4 million for a 10,204-square-foot Mediterranean-style house in Calabasas, California, which he purchased from San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Wolf. These homes reflect Richie’s taste for luxury and his love for beautiful surroundings.

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