Sonny Bono, born Salvatore Phillip Bono, began his career in the late 1950s as a record producer and songwriter in the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles. He co-founded the record label, Ark Records, with his friend, Phil Spector, and together they produced hits for artists like The Ronettes and The Crystals.

Bono’s breakthrough into fame came when he met Cher in 1962, then known as Cherilyn Sarkisian. The two formed a successful singing duo, Sonny & Cher, and their first single, “I Got You Babe,” released in 1965, topped the charts, catapulting them to stardom.

Sonny Bono’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Sonny Bono’s net worth is estimated to be $500 million, according to the latest available information.

Career

Sonny Bono, born Salvatore Philip Bono, was an American singer, songwriter, and politician. He rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the popular music duo Sonny & Cher, with his then-wife Cher. They scored several hits, including “I Got You Babe”. After their divorce, Bono continued his music career and later ventured into politics, serving as the mayor of Palm Springs and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Other Ventures

In addition to his music and political career, Bono was also a businessman. He owned several restaurants and hotels, including the famous “The Bono” in Palm Springs. He also had a stake in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and was a co-founder of the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Assets

Sonny Bono’s assets included real estate, primarily in Palm Springs, California, where he had several properties. He also owned a number of businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and a film festival. His music catalog, co-written with Cher, is another significant asset. Additionally, he had investments in various industries, including technology and finance.

Annual Income

During his peak years in music, Sonny Bono’s annual income was estimated to be around $10 million. As a politician, his salary was significantly less, with his annual income as a U.S. representative being around $174,000. His annual income from his various business ventures varied, with some years seeing high profits and others experiencing losses.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Sonny Bono

Sonny Bono Net Worth

Sonny Bono’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death in 1998.

What was Sonny Bono’s main source of income?

Sonny Bono made his fortune through his successful music career as part of the popular duo Sonny & Cher, as well as his acting roles in television and film. Additionally, he had a stake in the popular 1960s music label, Phil Spector’s Philles Records.

How much was Sonny Bono worth when he died?

At the time of his death in 1998, Sonny Bono’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

What happened to Sonny Bono’s wealth after his death?

After Sonny Bono’s death, his estate was divided among his wife, Mary Bono, and his children from his previous marriage to Cher, Chaz Bono and Elijah Blue Allman. The exact distribution of his wealth is not public knowledge.

Did Sonny Bono leave a will?

Yes, Sonny Bono did leave a will. He passed away in a skiing accident in 1998, and his will was probated in California.

What was Sonny Bono’s political career like?

In addition to his music and acting career, Sonny Bono also had a political career. He served as a Republican congressman from California’s 44th district from 1995 until his death in 1998.

How did Sonny Bono die?

Sonny Bono died on January 5, 1998, after suffering severe head injuries in a skiing accident at the Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California. He was 62 years old.

What was Sonny Bono’s relationship with Cher like?

Sonny Bono and Cher were married from 1964 to 1975 and had two children together, Chaz and Elijah. They were a popular music duo known as Sonny & Cher, and their relationship was well-documented in the media. After their divorce, they remained on good terms and continued to work together on various projects.

What was Sonny Bono’s impact on the music industry?

Sonny Bono, along with Cher, was a significant figure in the music industry during the 1960s and 1970s. They had several hit songs, including “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On,” and their music continues to be popular today. Bono was also a successful songwriter and producer, working with other artists such as The Beach Boys and Phil Spector.

What was Sonny Bono’s height and weight?

Sonny Bono was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed around 180 pounds at the time of his death.