Sonny Bono Net Worth and Career Highlights
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4 Million | N/A | Feb 16, 1935 – Jan 5, 1998 (62 years old) | Detroit | Male | 5 ft 4 in (1.651 m) | Record producer, Politician, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Musician, Film Score Composer | United States of America |
What is Sonny Bono’s Net Worth?
Sonny Bono, an American recording artist, record producer, actor, restaurateur, and politician, had a net worth of $4 million at the time of his death in 1998. He rose to fame through his relationship and singing act with pop star Cher. After their successful music career, Bono had a prominent career in politics.
Early Life
Sonny Bono, born Salvatore Philip Bono on February 16, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, was of Italian descent. Raised in Inglewood, California, Sonny had two older sisters. He showed an early interest in music and chose to pursue a career as a songwriter instead of completing high school.
Career
Sonny Bono’s music career started as a songwriter for the label Specialty Records. In the early 1960s, he worked as a percussionist and assistant for Phil Spector. During this time, he met Cher, and the two formed a close friendship. They released their first hit as a duo, “I Got You Babe,” in 1965, which sold over 100 million copies and launched their successful career.
Sonny and Cher found success in both television and music, appearing on popular shows and releasing multiple albums. However, their popularity declined in the 1970s, and they eventually split up both personally and professionally.
Following the end of his music career, Sonny ventured into politics. He became the mayor of Palm Springs, California, in 1988 and later ran for the House of Representatives, winning a seat in 1994. He served in Congress until his death in 1998.
Personal Life
Sonny Bono had multiple marriages and divorces throughout his life. He was married to Donna Rankin from 1954 to 1962, with whom he had a daughter. Sonny then married Cher in 1964, and they had a child together before divorcing in 1974. He had two more marriages, one to Susie Coelho from 1981 to 1984, and another to Mary Whitaker in 1986, with whom he had two children.
Bono had an interest in the religion of Scientology and attended Scientology classes with his wife. He also struggled with addiction issues, but no traces of drugs were found in his system at the time of his death.
Net Worth Over Time
Sonny Bono’s net worth of $4 million at the time of his death can be attributed to various factors. His multiple divorces, especially his unpaid alimony to Cher, affected his financial position. However, his songwriting credits continued to generate royalties, interest, and dividends for his wife, Mary Bono, long after his passing.
Components of Net Worth
Sonny Bono’s net worth was derived from his successful music career as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Additionally, his foray into politics as the mayor of Palm Springs and a member of Congress contributed to his overall wealth. The ongoing royalties from his songwriting credits also played a significant role in his net worth over time.
In conclusion, Sonny Bono had a net worth of $4 million at the time of his death. He achieved success as a recording artist and later transitioned into a successful political career. Despite the financial challenges he faced throughout his life, his songwriting royalties ensured a steady income stream for his family.