Philadelphia born Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg has brought his trombone, voice, and personality to the world of music and television. He’s toured and recorded with influential artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Little Steven, Jon Bon Jovi, Diana Ross, Dave Edmonds, Ricky Martin, John Mayall, Darene Love, Jessica Simpson, and Joe Cocker, to name a few. LaBamba has enjoyed 25 years on late night television with Conan O’ Brien, playing trombone as a member of the Max Weinberg 7 and Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band. In addition, he has been featured in a myriad of comedy sketches, such as “In The Year 2000”, as well as developing a respectable cult following in the process.
LaBamba’s musical roots stem from his family. At age 13, his stepfather introduced him to jazz. After graduating from George Washington High School in Philly, he spent much of his time playing in local and touring bands. In addition to performing, LaBamba has also made a career of orchestrating and arranging music.
Highlights of LaBamba’s career include the formation of his very own band, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, a rockin’, R&B band. His craft excelled when he arranged, orchestrated, and conducted the album, Grapefruit Moon: The Songs of Tom Waits, featuring Southside Johnny with LaBamba’s Big Band. He played the Super Bowl XLIII half time show with Bruce Springsteen, and performing by request of Jon Bon Jovi, at the White House for the televised, Special Olympics All-Star Gala. Out of his many achievements, the biggest thrill of his career was being asked to perform with his Big Band and Southside Johnny on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. On the topic, LaBamba said, “To be a guest artist on the same show that I play for on a nightly basis was a dream come true.”
Outside of his work, LaBamba enjoys his spare time with his wife and their five children who support him in all of his work …and sometimes try to get in on the action themselves.
