Sonny Bono (real name Salvatore Philip) is an American singer, composer, music producer, actor, and politician. For several years he performed in a duet with his wife, the singer Cher. In 1988 he was elected to the post of Mayor of Palm Spring.
Sonny's creative biography began in the 1950s. He became the author of many compositions for popular singers while working for the recording studio Specialty Records. After meeting producer Phil Spector, he began working with him in the 1960s. During this period, he recorded a number of songs that rose to the top of the charts.
He gained the greatest fame during his performances with his wife Cher. Their duet "Sonny and Cher" quickly gained popularity with the public. The couple later hosted their own show on the CBS television channel called The Sonny and Cher Show.
Bono passed away at the age of 62. In the winter of 1998, he went downhill skiing and crashed into a tree while descending, receiving injuries incompatible with life. Sonny was buried in Desert Memorial Park Cemetery in Catedral City, California.
After his death in the spring of 1998, he became the owner of the Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at number 7020 for special achievements in the development of television.
Biography facts
Salvatore was born in the United States in the winter of 1935. He was the son of impoverished Italian immigrants who traveled to Los Angeles in search of a new life.
From childhood, Bono was a creative child. He started playing musical instruments early. During his school years he took part in various concerts and holidays. As a teenager, he composed his first musical compositions and performed as part of a school ensemble.
After receiving primary education, the young man was forced to look for work to help the family. He changed many professions. He was a waiter, builder, truck driver and worked for a long time as a grocery supplier to a store, and then worked as a butcher's assistant.
Sonny did not abandon his passion for music; in his free time, the young man continued to compose new compositions and songs.
Creation
In the 1950s, Bonnie was fortunate enough to start working with Specialty Records. There he recorded his first song. From that moment on, his musical career began to gain momentum.
The singer and musician became widely known during her performances with the singer Cher. In 1964, she became his wife and the couple soon appeared on stage together. They named their duet "Sonny and Cher". Soon their first hits appeared, occupying the first positions in the charts for a long time.
Sonny tried to perform separately from his wife and recorded several of his compositions under the pseudonyms: Sonny Christie, Ronny Sommers and Prince Carter. But he failed to achieve the same popularity as during his performances with Cher.
In the 1970s, Bono and Cher began hosting their highly acclaimed television entertainment program. The couple last appeared on the air in 1987.
Sonny's creative career includes a period of film work. He starred in 33 projects, including: "Agents of ANKL", "Charlie's Angels", "Fantasy Island", "Airplane 2", "Murder She Wrote", "First Child of the Country".
Politics
Bono came to politics quite late - in 1988. He decided to open his own restaurant in Palm Springs. When he needed a big sign and advertisement, he faced terrible bureaucracy. It was at this moment that he got the idea to change the situation in the city.
Sonny ran for mayor and won the election. For 4 years he successfully served the city, and then continued his political career, becoming a Congressman, a member of the US House of Representatives.
Personal life
Salvatore has been married 4 times. Donna Ranken became the first wife. The wedding took place in 1954. The couple divorced in 1962.
Cher became the second wife. The marriage was formalized in 1964. This union lasted 11 years.
The third chosen one was Susie Coelho. The couple formalized the relationship in 1982, but divorced after 2 years.
Sonny's last wife was Mary Whitaker. The wedding took place in 1986. They were together until Sonny's death.
Bono has four children. One child from the first marriage, the second from the second, two from the fourth.
