Richie Sambora Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is the Net Worth of Richie Sambora?

Richie Sambora, a renowned American rock guitarist, producer, musician, singer, and songwriter, boasts a net worth of $150 million. His wealth primarily stems from his role as the lead guitarist and a key songwriter for the immensely popular rock band Bon Jovi. Additionally, he has issued numerous solo albums and has collaborated as a guest artist on various records. In 2009, he was honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In the spring of 2020, he made headlines by selling the rights to his catalog of 200 songs to the song-acquisition company Hipgnosis Songs Fund, though the sale amount remains undisclosed.

Background

Richard Stephen Sambora was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on July 11, 1959. The accordion was the first instrument he learned to play, starting at the age of six. He picked up the guitar at 12, inspired by the passing of Jimi Hendrix. Beyond guitar, Sambora is skilled at piano, bass guitar, saxophone, and drums. His debut performance occurred at a Catholic Youth Organization dance during his teenage years. He completed his education at Woodbridge High School, where he participated in the basketball team. In 1975, Sambora’s high school team clinched the New Jersey State Title during his sophomore year. Finally, he graduated in 1977.

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Professional Journey

Before rising to fame with Bon Jovi, Sambora was a member of a band named Message, which released its debut album, “Lesson,” in 1982. This album saw re-releases in 1995 and 2000. At the young age of 19, Sambora became part-owner of a New Jersey club and launched his own record label, Dream Disc Records. His initiation into professional tours began as an opening act for Joe Cocker in the early 1980s. Just prior to joining Bon Jovi in 1983, he auditioned unsuccessfully for the position of Ace Frehley’s replacement in KISS.

Sambora took over the role of Bon Jovi’s original lead guitarist, Dave Sabo. After attending a Bon Jovi concert, he approached Jon Bon Jovi to express his admiration and suggested they collaborate. Their friendship developed quickly, leading Jon to invite Richie to a band rehearsal. Arriving early, Sambora contributed to the band’s sound, and by the time Jon arrived, it was evident they were better with Richie onboard. He was hired instantly.

The band released its first two albums in 1984 and 1985, but it was the 1986 release of “Slippery When Wet” that catapulted Bon Jovi to international fame. This album featured three iconic hits: “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Living on a Prayer,” with the latter two achieving number-one status. “Slippery When Wet” stands as the band’s most triumphantly successful album. Their subsequent album, “New Jersey,” produced hits like “Born to Be Your Baby,” “Lay Your Hands On Me,” and “I’ll Be There For You,” among others.

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Currently, Bon Jovi has put out a total of 14 studio albums, including “Bon Jovi” from 1984, “7800° Fahrenheit” from 1985, “Slippery When Wet” from 1986, “New Jersey” from 1988, “Keep the Faith” from 1992, “These Days” from 1995, “Crush” from 2000, “Bounce” from 2002, “Have a Nice Day” from 2005, “Lost Highway” from 2007, “The Circle” from 2009, “What About Now” from 2013, “This House Is Not for Sale” from 2016, and “Bon Jovi: 2020” from 2020.

Jon Bon Jovi and Sambora were the main songwriting duo for the band. In 2013, before a concert in Calgary during the Because We Can Tour, Sambora departed from the band, and since then, he has only performed with Bon Jovi during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction in 2018.

Aside from his contributions to Bon Jovi, Richie has produced three solo albums: “Stranger in This Town” in 1991, “Undiscovered Soul” in 2998, and “Aftermath of the Lowdown” in 2012. To date, Richie Sambora has co-written four #1 hit singles, 20 Top 10 singles, and nearly 40 Top 40 singles.

Personal Life

In 1991, Richie Sambora was in a relationship with Cher. On December 17, 1994, he married Heather Locklear in Paris, and they welcomed a daughter, Ava Sambora, in October 1997. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2007, and Sambora had a relationship with guitarist Orianthi from 2014 to 2018.

In 2007, he sought help for alcoholism and painkiller addiction, checking into rehab. Sambora faced arrest on suspicion of drunk driving in March 2008 in Orange County, California, receiving a $390 fine, a three-year probation, and mandatory participation in a driver’s education course. Again in April 2011, Sambora entered rehab, missing 13 tour dates with Bon Jovi. He rejoined the band for their tour in June 2011 after completing rehab.

Real Estate

Richie Sambora possesses residences in several locations, including Point Pleasant Boro, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Calabasas, California; and Laguna Beach, California.

In September 2008, he purchased a downtown Philadelphia high-rise condo spanning 2,600 square feet, featuring three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, for $3.58 million, situated on the reportedly 52nd floor.

He also acquired a Mediterranean-style house in Calabasas, California, for $4 million, which measures 10,204 square feet and was formerly owned by San Diego Padres’ pitcher Randy Wolf.