Claim: On January 5, 1998, Sonny Bono perished.
Evidence: Salvatore Phillip `` Sonny '' Bono -LRB- -LSB- ˈboʊnoʊ -RSB- February 16 , 1935 -- January 5 , 1998 -RRB- was an American singer , producer , and politician who came to fame in partnership with his second wife Cher , as the popular singing duo Sonny & Cher.