Cher has emerged victorious in her protracted legal battle against Mary Bono, the widow of her former husband and musical partner, Sonny Bono, over royalties from their iconic songs. The federal court ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge John A. Kronstadt, ensures that Cher will continue to receive her share of royalties from the Sonny & Cher catalog, which includes timeless hits like “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On.”
The legal dispute began in 2021 when Cher accused Mary Bono of withholding royalties that were rightfully hers. According to the lawsuit, Cher and Sonny had agreed to an equal division of their community property, including music royalties, following their divorce in 1975. This agreement stipulated a 50-50 split of the royalties from their music catalog, a provision that Cher argued should continue even after Sonny’s death in 1998.
However, Mary Bono contended that Cher was no longer entitled to these payments under a provision of copyright law known as the termination right. This provision allows songwriters and their heirs to reclaim control of their intellectual property after a certain period. Mary Bono argued that this law superseded the divorce settlement, effectively ending Cher’s entitlement to the royalties.
Judge Kronstadt’s ruling, however, sided with Cher, stating that the termination right does not override the divorce settlement. The judge emphasized that Cher’s right to receive royalties was a contractual agreement distinct from the ownership of the copyrights themselves. This decision means that Cher will continue to receive her share of the royalties, which have accumulated to over $400,000 since the dispute began.
The ruling has significant implications for the music industry, particularly regarding the interplay between divorce settlements and copyright law. Mary Bono’s attorney, Daniel J. Schacht, expressed concern that the ruling could set a precedent allowing former spouses, publishers, and labels to circumvent the Copyright Act and retain shares of royalties even after terminations. Despite this, the court’s decision stands, reaffirming Cher’s right to her share of the royalties.
Sonny and Cher’s musical partnership began in the 1960s, and they quickly rose to fame with their unique sound and chemistry. Their marriage in 1967 and subsequent divorce in 1975 did not diminish the impact of their music, which continued to resonate with audiences worldwide. The 1978 divorce settlement granted Cher a permanent 50% share of the publishing royalties from their songs, a provision that has now been upheld by the court.
Following Sonny’s death in a skiing accident in 1998, Cher and Sonny’s heirs, including Mary Bono, entered into a partnership regarding the music rights. However, in 2016, Mary Bono invoked the termination right, seeking to reclaim control of Sonny’s copyrights from his publishers. By 2021, she informed Cher that she would no longer receive royalties under the earlier agreement, prompting Cher to file the lawsuit.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of contractual agreements in the music industry and the complexities that can arise when these agreements intersect with federal copyright law. While Mary Bono may appeal the ruling, the current decision ensures that Cher will continue to receive her rightful share of the royalties from the Sonny & Cher catalog.
Cher’s victory in this legal battle is a testament to her enduring legacy and the lasting impact of her music. As one half of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher, she helped create some of the most memorable songs of the 1960s and 70s. Despite the legal challenges, Cher’s contributions to music continue to be recognized and celebrated.
The ruling also highlights the ongoing relevance of Sonny & Cher’s music, which remains popular decades after its initial release. Songs like “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On” have become timeless classics, enjoyed by new generations of listeners. The court’s decision ensures that Cher will continue to benefit from the success of these songs, honoring the legacy of her partnership with Sonny Bono.
In conclusion, Cher’s legal victory over Mary Bono reaffirms her right to receive royalties from the Sonny & Cher catalog, as stipulated in her divorce settlement. The ruling underscores the importance of contractual agreements in the music industry and the complexities of copyright law. As Cher continues to receive her share of the royalties, her contributions to music and her enduring legacy remain firmly in the spotlight.
