Sonny and Cher (TV)
"Sonny and Cher" refers to the iconic American duo composed of Salvatore "Sonny" Bono and Cherilyn Sarkasian LaPier, who emerged as prominent figures in the music and entertainment industry during the 1960s and 70s. The pair first gained popularity with their folk-rock music, notably with the hit single "I Got You Babe," which topped the charts in 1965. Their vibrant style, characterized by hippie attire and a carefree image, resonated with audiences, leading to a successful music career and eventually a transition to television.
In 1971, they launched "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour," a variety show blending music and comedy, which further solidified their status as cultural icons. Despite their professional success, Sonny and Cher's personal relationship ended in divorce in 1975, after which they pursued solo careers in music and acting. Sonny Bono later ventured into politics, serving as mayor and then a U.S. Congressman before his untimely death in 1998. Cher, on the other hand, became an accomplished actress, winning an Academy Award for her role in "Moonstruck" in 1987. Their legacy continues to influence pop culture, making them a beloved part of entertainment history.
Sonny and Cher (TV)
A husband-and-wife singing duo. Their upbeat and fresh love songs brought them success.
Origins and History
Salvatore “Sonny” Bono started in the music business in the 1950’s. He was a songwriter and a producer of various recording artists. In 1962, Sonny and Jack Nitzsche cowrote “Needles and Pins,” which became a hit single for the Searchers in 1964. Sonny divorced his wife, Donna Lynn, in 1963 and married Cherilyn Sarkasian LaPier in Tijuana, Mexico, a year later. He had met Cher, who was working as a background singer, at a recording session run by the renowned producer Phil Spector.
After some early missteps, the couple decided to become a singing duo and use their own names, Sonny and Cher, to identify their act. They signed with Atco in 1965. In August of that year, “I Got You Babe” a song written and produced by Sonny reached number one on the American singles charts. Although a very hard worker, Sonny became adept at projecting a carefree image.
With long hair and hippie clothes, Sonny and Cher caught on with the public. Their first album, Look at Us (1965) became a hit. That same year, the pair also released solo material. With their newfound influence, they produced their own clothing line in 1966. Department stores across the country carried Sonny and Cher bell-bottom pants, bobcat vests, and blouse outfits. During the year, they had a private audience with Pope Paul VI in Rome, Italy. Their fresh and innocent image held them in good stead during the late 1960’s. In addition to “I Got You Babe,” some of their other notable singles include “But You’re Mine,” “Have I Stayed Too Long,” “Baby Don’t Go,” and “The Beat Goes On.” In 1969, Cher gave birth to their daughter Chastity. By 1970, Sonny and Cher had moved on to be a cabaret act appearing in Las Vegas. They began to mix comedy with singing, a mix that would lead to a television show.
Impact
As a duo, Sonny and Cher burst onto the scene as fun-loving romantics whose folk-rock style and hippie attire fit the era, while offering a balance to the more politically radical or drug-influenced acts. The pair brought a refreshing enthusiasm to whatever they did.
Subsequent Events
In 1971, Sonny and Cher began a highly successful television variety show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (1971-1977). With the success of the show, their music again became popular. Unfortunately, they were divorced in 1975. Cher concentrated on her solo career for the rest of the 1970’s. During the 1980’s, Cher began an acting career that would culminate in her winning an Academy Award for her performance in the film Moonstruck (1987). In 1983, Sonny opened a restaurant in Los Angeles. During the 1980’s, he also appeared in some television programs.
Always adept at reinventing himself, Sonny was elected mayor of Palm Springs, California, in 1988. In 1994, Sonny was elected to the House of Representatives from California’s forty-fourth congressional district. Tragically, he was killed in a skiing accident at South Lake Tahoe, California, on January 5, 1998.
Additional Information
In 1991, Sonny Bono published his autobiography, And the Beat Goes On. Lawrence J. Quirk’s biography of Cher, Totally Uninhibited: The Life and Wild Times of Cher, was also published in 1991.