Cher recently emerged victorious from a prolonged legal battle with the widow of her late ex-husband, Sonny Bono, securing her right to royalties from their musical catalog. A federal judge ruled on May 29, 2024, affirming Cher's entitlement to royalties on songs recorded during their marriage, including iconic tracks like "I Got You Babe" and "The Beat Goes On." This decision followed years of contention with Mary Bono, Sonny's widow, who argued against the royalty payments based on the Copyright Act's termination rights.
According to various reports, Cher—now 78 years old—has been receiving royalties amounting to over $400,000 since the beginning of the legal dispute. Judge John A. Kronstadt emphasized the significance of Cher's divorce settlement from Sonny, stating, "A right to receive royalties is distinct from a grant of copyright." Cher and Sonny achieved significant fame as the musical duo Sonny & Cher during the 1960s, selling over 40 million records and earning two Grammy nominations before their split.
On the personal front, Cher's life has often made headlines, especially concerning her marriages. Notably, her whirlwind marriage to Gregg Allman just days after legally parting from Sonny Bono stands out as one of the more dramatic chapters of her life. Cher openly detailed this period of her life, admitting she was pregnant with Allman's child when they rushed to the altar. "I was living each day as it came. Then I found out I was pregnant, and we decided to get married," she shared with People magazine.
This 1975 marriage, fueled by passion yet marred by instability, lasted only nine days before Cher filed for divorce, citing Allman’s substance abuse as the primary reason for her decision. Reports indicate Cher found drug paraphernalia just days after their wedding, but they attempted to stay together for the sake of their son. Cher had initially hoped Allman could overcome his addictions, saying, "He kept going to rehab, kept trying to get clean. Despite failing, he made efforts. I empathized with him. But his paranoia and addiction made it impossible to stay.”
Eventually, after four years of marriage filled with marital challenges, Cher finalized the divorce from Allman. Cher’s dedicated commitment to her children, Chaz Bono and Elijah Blue Allman, has been pivotal throughout her career, often influencing her personal and professional decisions.
Despite these personal struggles, Cher's career continued to shine. Over the years, she reinvented herself numerous times, establishing her place as the "Goddess of Pop." Her contributions to music, acting, and beyond earned her recent recognition, including her performance at the 2024 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Set to air on ABC on January 1, 2025, the ceremony celebrated Cher alongside other legends such as Ozzy Osbourne, Peter Frampton, and Kool & The Gang.
Audiences can expect to see touching tributes and emotional performances, including Cher's duets with contemporary stars like Dua Lipa. The ceremony, which took place on October 19, 2024, promises to take viewers on an exhilarating trip down memory lane, celebrating the artists who shaped the musical traditions of rock and pop.
Cher’s career has not only been marked by professional success but also by her enduring resilience through difficult personal times. Despite the challenges she faced, she has always found her voice, maintaining relevance over decades. Her recent legal victories and continued recognition are testaments to her lasting impact on popular culture and the music industry.
