Sonny and Cher: From Friends to Lovers to Legends

This vintage photo captures the early days of the iconic duo Sonny and Cher before their tumultuous relationship made headlines. In 1963, 16-year-old Cherilyn Sarkisian (Cher) met 27-year-old Salvatore Bono (Sonny), and they quickly became friends, sharing an apartment and a dream of making it big in the music industry.

Despite their close bond, they remained platonic for years, exchanging unofficial vows in 1964 before officially tying the knot in 1969. Though their romantic relationship eventually soured, their legacy as a musical duo has endured as a hallmark of ’60s and ’70s pop culture. They were ranked No. 18 on Rolling Stone’s 20 Greatest Duos of All Time.