Sonny Bono was more than just half of the iconic pop duo Sonny & Cher. He was an entertainer, a savvy businessman, a restaurateur, and ultimately a successful politician.
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His vibrant personality and unconventional rise from songwriter to U.S. Congressman left a lasting impression on American culture. This article delves into Bono’s life, career trajectory, and his financial worth at the time of his tragic death.
Table of Contents
Who is Sonny Bono?
Salvatore Phillip Bono was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 16, 1935. Starting in the music industry as a songwriter and aspiring singer, his true success came when he partnered with a then-unknown Cherilyn Sarkisian, later known simply as Cher.
Sonny Bono Bio
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Salvatore Phillip Bono |
| Stage Name | Sonny Bono |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Date of Death | January 5, 1998 |
| Age at Death | 62 |
| Spouse(s) | Cher (1964-1975), Mary Bono (1987-1998) |
| Children | Chaz Bono (with Cher), Chesare Elan Bono (with Mary Bono) |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Actor, Television Personality, Restaurateur, Politician |
| Genre(s) | Pop, Rock |
| Famous Songs | I Got You Babe, The Beat Goes On, Baby Don’t Go |
| Net Worth (at death) | $2-5 million (estimated) |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Political Office | U.S. Congressman (California) |
How old is Sonny Bono?
Sonny Bono passed away on January 5, 1998, at the age of 62.
Career
Sonny Bono’s career spanned decades, showcasing his diverse talents:
- Music: Bono became a household name after the meteoric rise of the pop duo Sonny & Cher in the 1960s. Their infectious hit song “I Got You Babe” topped the charts and solidified their presence in popular culture.
- Television: The success of “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” in the 1970s showcased the couple’s comedic chemistry and kept them in the spotlight.
- Politics: Following a stint as mayor of Palm Springs, California, Bono’s political aspirations led him to a seat as a Republican U.S. Congressman representing California.
How did Sonny Bono get famous?
Sonny Bono initially worked behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer and found true fame when he and Cher became a musical sensation with their signature hippie-esque fashion sense and chart-topping hits.
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Do Sonny Bono have kids?
Yes. Sonny Bono had two children:
- Chastity Bono (now Chaz Bono) from his marriage to Cher.
- Chesare Elan Bono from his marriage to Mary Bono.
Sonny Bono Net Worth
Sonny Bono’s net worth saw fluctuations throughout his life. However, estimates suggest a net worth of between $2 and $5 million at the time of his death, including earnings from his musical career, business ventures, and political service.
What did Sonny Bono hit when he died?
On January 5, 1998, while on a family skiing trip in Lake Tahoe, Sonny Bono collided with a tree and died from severe head injuries.
What happened between Sonny and Cher?
Sonny and Cher had a famously tumultuous relationship throughout their marriage and working partnership. Their divorce in 1975 marked the end of the duo on a personal and professional level. However, they maintained a degree of friendship in later years.
How much was Sonny Bono worth before he died?
As mentioned previously, it’s estimated that Sonny Bono’s net worth before he died was in the range of $2 to $5 million.
Were Sonny and Cher still married when he died?
No, Sonny and Cher divorced in 1975. At the time of his death, Bono was married to Mary Bono.
Was Cher at Sonny Bono’s funeral?
Yes, Cher was present at her ex-husband’s funeral and delivered a moving eulogy highlighting his humor and unique spirit.
How much older was Sonny than Cher?
Sonny Bono was 11 years older than Cher.
Conclusion
Sonny Bono’s unconventional path from music icon to a United States congressman demonstrates his ambition and multifaceted talents. Though his life was tragically cut short, his influence on pop culture and American politics remains undeniable.
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FAQs about Who is Sonny Bono? The Singer-Turned-Politician’s Financial Record
- What are some of Sonny Bono’s most famous songs? “I Got You Babe,” “The Beat Goes On,” and “Baby Don’t Go” are among his most recognizable hits with Cher.
- What was the name of Sonny Bono’s restaurant? Bono owned a restaurant named Bono in West Hollywood.
- What is the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act? This legislation, championed by Bono during his time in Congress, significantly extended copyright protection terms.
- Did Sonny Bono write any songs? Yes, he wrote, co-wrote, and produced numerous songs.
- Where is Sonny Bono buried? He is buried at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.
