Born to a Polish father, Adam C. Sambora, d.2007 (family originally from Kraków, Poland as stated by Sambora), and an Italian mother, Joan Sienila. Sambora grew up in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.[1] He attended Woodbridge High School there. He began playing the guitar at the age of 14 following the death of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix in 1970. From his early days Sambora was strongly influenced by blues and 60s rock 'n' roll. His most important influences were Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter and Jimmy Page and Joe Perry. He was also influenced by Spanish classical music and began a life long love of the Spanish guitar[citation needed].
Sambora played guitar for Joe Cocker and auditioned for Kiss.[2] Bon Jovi added Sambora to replace original lead guitarist Dave Sabo.[2]
Sambora has occasionally taken over as lead vocalist on some Bon Jovi songs, most notably "I'll Be There for You" and "These Days" when played live on the Bounce, Have a Nice Day and the current Lost Highway tour. He has also performed "Stranger In This Town" (from the album of the same title) at various Bon Jovi concerts and Ballad of Youth (most notably on Keep the Faith and These Days tours)and sometimes on the current Lost Highway tour. One of the live performances of "Stranger In This Town", recorded during the Keep the Faith tour, was released on Bon Jovi's CD single "Dry County" in 1994.
