RICHIE SAMBORA
SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME / June 18, 2009 — NYC
First off, I’d like to thank the board and the members of the
Songwriters Hall of Fame for this honor. I am so grateful.
I’d like to acknowledge the other songwriters and artists
being inducted and celebrated here tonight as well.
I know how much your music has impacted the lives of so many people around the world, because I know how much they’ve impacted MY life.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your music and lyrics.
We are all part of a small community.
We come from different musical genres,
We draw influence from different sources and
We approach the art of songwriting in different ways,
Yet, I believe we are all just writing ONE SONG.
That one song which connects with that one listener.
That one song which connects all people to each other.
That one song which speaks to what all of us share in common.
That one song which speaks for us when we can’t find the words.
That one song which reminds us we are part of something bigger than ourselves. A shared soul.
Music is the universal language.
And we get to create new additions to its rich vocabulary, as our one song travels around the world and across generations.
———
Knowing a song I have written has become part of the soundtrack of someone’s life is an honor.
But there are people to acknowledge who have helped make that possible by guiding my career along.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with so many talented writers and musicians.
I’d especially like to thank my friends Desmond Child and Richie Supa for their unwavering support and creative spark.
Thank you to John Titta – “The Pope” – who has been a loyal friend in the business and beyond.
Thank you to Marty Bandier
the Universal Music Publishing family
Michael Guido
Mario Testani and Rosemarie Passerino
Thank you to the Bon Jovi team
the Vector team
the managers, agents and publishers over
the years who have helped with
my band and solo endeavors
Thank you to Denise
My friends and my family
Finally, the band – Tico, David, Hughie and Jon…
THANK YOU doesn’t begin to do justice.
The very first time I saw Jon Bon Jovi perform, I knew he was the real deal. He had “it.” I flat out told him we should work together. I’d never done or said anything so bold before and, truth be told, he thought I was out of my mind. But it worked.
All these years later, I don’t question it.
I don’t know if it was fate, karma, destiny…
but it was meant to be.
Jon’s vision, drive, determination and leadership have made Bon Jovi the juggernaut it is.
Whether it’s in the writing room, the studio or on stage, I’m awed by his talent.
By having Jon as my partner for 26 years, I’ve been inspired and challenged and become a better musician and artist.
By being blessed with Jon as my friend for 26 years, I’ve learned the meaning of trust, loyalty and brotherhood.
And my life is richer for it.
Thank you, my brother.
And thank you all again for this honor.
Keep adding to that One Universal Song.