Salvatore Bono aka Bono was born on February 16, 1935 in Detroit. He moved to the Los Angeles area when he was seven years old and attended high school there when he was old enough. His parents always wanted him to be a doctor, but his dream was in show business. Bono would leave songs at record companies in-between his route to and from work.

Bono's music career began as a song writer and singer at Dig Records. Sonny's first big hit was "Needles and Pins." Most hits that follow this were not just Sonny's, but also involved Cher.

In 1982, Bono opened his first "BONO" restaurant in West Hollywood, California. Another restaurant immediately opened in Houston, Texas because of its huge success. Later he sold both of these restaurants and opened his popular "BONO" restaurant in Palm Springs. Surprisingly, this town didn't appreciate his Sicilian-style Italian cuisine that was based on the original Bono family.

Sonny married Mary Whitaker of South Pasadena in 1986. Mary played an active role as the First Lady of Palm Springs and was an important part of Bono's restaurant management team. They had two children, Chesare Elan and Chianna Maria.

Bono was inspired to enter politics in 1988 because he was frustrated with the "failure of leadership" and government bureaucracy in Palm Springs. During this same time, Bono was elected Mayor by the largest margin in the city's history. Bono was very enthusiastic and brought many new things to Palm Springs. He broadened the city's revenue base, encouraged new development, and launched special events that involved the international acclaim "Palm Springs International Film Festival." Bono oversaw the plan for rebuilding the city's downtown village center, secured federal assistance for the expansion of the Palm Springs Regional Airport, and reorganized city staff for greater productivity.

In 1991, Bono ran for the United States Senate. Bruce Herschensohn, his opponent was a good friend of Bono. Bono entered the campaign when the 44th Congressional District became open in 1994. He was elected to the 104th Congress with a 16-point margin of victory. Bono successfully passesd legislation and the Speaker of the House appointed him as Chairman of the Entertainment Industry Task force.

Sonny Bono died in 1998 after hitting a tree while skiing.