Sonny Bono

Full Name: Salvatore Phillip Bono
Profession: Singer-Songwriter and Politician

Nationality:

Biography: Sonny dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a songwriter, landing work as promotion man and staff writer at Specialty Records, and then with Phil Specter. Early works were recorded by Don and Dewey, the Righteous Brothers, and Sam Cooke. His biggest hit came with the Searchers covering "Needle and Pins".

He branched out into performance, teaming with session singer Cherilyn Sarkisian as an act called "Caesar and Cleo". The pair married and switched to performing under their real names of "Sonny & Cher". Several hits followed in the mid 60's, such as "The Beat Goes On" and their signature song "I Got You Babe", both written by Bono.

After a lag, they developed a nightclub act that mixed songs with humor, usually with Cher making wisecracks about Sonny's height, intelligence, and heritage. The reboot proved a hit and they began a 4-year run hosting a popular variety show on CBS. The program was cancelled as their marriage was ending badly. A single season revival a few years later was less successful.

While Cher went on to enormous success as both a solo artist and actress, Sonny left the music industry and concentrated on acting - to little acclaim. He opened a restaurant, and was inspired by the bureaucracy he encountered to run for public office. His election as mayor of Palm Springs, California became a stepping stone that eventually got him elected to the US House of Representatives. A copyright law that he co-sponsored was passed after his accidental death, and named in his honor.

He was married 4 times, and fathered 4 children.

Born: February 16, 1935
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: January 5, 1998 (aged 62)
Cause of Death: Skiing accident at the Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, California