Deaths on January 5

Sonny Bono, American singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and politician (b. 1935)

Salvatore Phillip "Sonny" Bono (February 16, 1935 – January 5, 1998) was an influential American figure whose diverse career spanned music, acting, and politics. Best known for his iconic partnership with his second wife, Cher, as the immensely popular singing duo Sonny & Cher, Bono's journey from entertainer to legislator left a lasting impact on American culture and law.

Before achieving international stardom with Cher, Bono honed his skills behind the scenes as a songwriter and record producer for legendary artist Phil Spector. This foundational experience in the music industry shaped his creative vision and laid the groundwork for the unique sound that would define Sonny & Cher. The duo captivated audiences in the 1960s and 1970s with their distinctive blend of folk-rock and pop, unique fashion, and endearing on-screen banter. Their signature song, "I Got You Babe," released in 1965, became a global anthem, emblematic of the counterculture movement, and cemented their status as pop culture icons. Beyond their musical success, they also starred in the highly rated television variety show, "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," which showcased their comedic timing and widespread appeal, earning them a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Show – Musical/Comedy in 1972.

Following the dissolution of his partnership and marriage with Cher, Bono embarked on an unexpected yet impactful second career in public service. Frustrated with bureaucratic hurdles he faced while attempting to open a restaurant in Palm Springs, California, he decided to run for mayor of the city. He successfully served as the Mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992. During his mayoral tenure, Bono focused on streamlining local government, promoting tourism, and addressing community issues, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and approachable leader.

His political ambitions extended to the national stage. A Republican, Bono was elected as the U.S. Representative for California's 44th congressional district in 1994, a pivotal election year often referred to as the "Republican Revolution." This period saw a significant shift in congressional control, with Republicans gaining a majority in both the House and Senate for the first time in 40 years. Serving from 1995 until his untimely death in a skiing accident in 1998, Bono championed conservative causes and became a vocal advocate for copyright protection, drawing on his personal experiences in the entertainment industry.

Perhaps Bono's most enduring legislative legacy is the United States Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998. Passed by Congress nine months after his death, the act was officially named in his honor as the "Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act" (CTEA). This landmark legislation significantly extended the term of copyright protection in the U.S. by 20 years, bringing it closer to European standards. For works created on or after January 1, 1978, the copyright term for individual authors became the life of the author plus 70 years, and for works of corporate authorship (works for hire), it became 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

Sonny Bono's widow, Mary Bono (later Mary Bono Mack), who subsequently took over his congressional seat, was a key proponent and an original sponsor of this legislation. She continued her husband's work advocating for stronger intellectual property rights, believing it was essential to protect the livelihoods of creators and their heirs. The CTEA, sometimes controversially dubbed the "Mickey Mouse Protection Act" due to lobbying efforts by companies like The Walt Disney Company, aimed to ensure that American intellectual property owners would not lose protection for their works prematurely, especially as works from other countries enjoyed longer protection terms. This act has had a profound and ongoing impact on industries reliant on creative content, including music, film, and literature, by extending the period during which creators or their estates can benefit financially from their works.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sonny Bono

Who was Sonny Bono?

Sonny Bono was a multi-talented American personality renowned as a singer, actor, and politician. He gained initial fame as one half of the iconic musical duo Sonny & Cher and later transitioned to a distinguished career in public service as Mayor of Palm Springs and a U.S. Congressman.

What was Sonny Bono's connection to Cher?

Sonny Bono was the second husband of Cher, and together they formed the immensely popular singing duo Sonny & Cher. They released several hit songs, including "I Got You Babe," and starred in a successful television variety show, "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," becoming one of the most recognizable entertainment pairs of the 1960s and 70s.

What political offices did Sonny Bono hold?

Sonny Bono served as the Mayor of Palm Springs, California, from 1988 to 1992. He then went on to be elected as a Republican U.S. Representative for California's 44th congressional district, serving in the House of Representatives from 1995 until his death in 1998.

What is the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act?

The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) is a U.S. federal law passed in 1998 that extended the term of copyright protection by 20 years. For most works, this meant copyright protection would last for the life of the author plus 70 years, or 95-120 years for corporate works. The act was named in honor of Sonny Bono due to his advocacy for intellectual property rights, with his widow, Mary Bono, being a key sponsor.