"I GOT YOU BABE," BY SONNY AND VICKI

Who was cooler in the hippie-era, (and into the 70's) than, "SONNY AND CHER."  I say, "Nobody." 

The ultimate power couple, Sonny (Salvatore Bono) and Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian), were an oddball pairing.  While entertaining, they went on to represent love, peace and harmony.  In their professional run from 1964-1977, these pop-rockers sold more than 80 million records and starred in two, musical/comedy variety TV shows. Their meteoric and unlikely bliss epitomized togetherness, free-love and the sexual revolution.  They captured these ideas with two hit songs in 1965, "BABY DON'T GO" and "I GOT YOU BABE." 

YOUNG AND BRIGHT-EYED, SONNY AND CHER, AROUND THE TIME, "I GOT YOU BABE" DEBUTED.  CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE A RARE VIDEO OF IT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzW_7ANnHZI

In the eyes of my generation, Sonny and Cher were destined to live happily ever after.  But their career hit a rough spot and in 1975, they divorced, (but performed together until 1977).  Cher went on to become a solo superstar and Sonny entered politics.  He died in 1998, in a highly publicized skiing accident.  Some conspiracy theorists still believe that Sonny Bono's political enemies hired a hit-man to assassin him.

Unbeknownst to Cher, CNN broadcast Sonny's funeral which included her tearful eulogy and a chorus singing, "THE BEAT GOES ON."

LATER IN 1998, SONNY AND CHER WERE ETERNALLY REUNITED WHEN THEY WERE ENSHRINED ONTO THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME.

I know another couple that has surpassed the longevity that we all expected from Sonny and Cher.  Coincidentally, it's a different Sonny, Sonny and Vicki.  Yes my cousin Vicki and her hubby Sonny have been an exclusive couple since 1970.  They visited Atlantic City last week, so my wife Sue and I helped them celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary.

When my big family was still intact, Sonny and Vicki got married on September 16, 1978.  Their reception was held at the Leonard's of Great Neck (New York).  I went to many affairs there but Sonny and Vicki's wedding stands out for two reasons; it was my last, big family get-together before I moved to Las Vegas and during the ceremony, one of Sonny's friends passed out from all the excitement, (well that was their story and 34 years later, they're sticking with it).

(9-16-2912)  LUNCH WITH SONNY (RED SHIRT) AND VICKI (BEHIND HIM), AT "SCALES" IN THE GARDNER'S BASIN SECTION OF ATLANTIC CITY.

Sonny and Vicki stayed the whole weekend at Harrah's, (casino).  Among other things, they gambled, went to shows and got pampered.  They came so very close to REALLY celebrating their anniversary on the "WHEEL OF FORTUNE" slot machine, (below).  Sonny and Vicki also loved the celebrity impersonator show which was highlighted by meeting the actor playing Steven Tyler.  Also, they rented a cabana at the pool and got massages.

MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFE TIME, THEY MISSED HITTING NEARLY TWO-MILLION SCHMACKERS  BY AN EYELASH.  ONE MORE THIRD OF A TURN ON THAT LAST REEL AND THEY WOULD HAVE REALLY,  REALLY,  REALLY BEEN GLAD THEY CAME TO VISIT US.

Sonny and Vicki have other interests too.  Vicki is the ultimate dog lover.  She recently lost her Spanky but he lives on with her loving stories.  As for Sonny (a.k.a. Rustyoldnuts), his second greatest love after Vicki is, being a car enthusiast.

HERE THE LOVEBIRDS ARE SINGING A DUET OF SONNY AND CHER'S, "ALL I EVER WANT IS YOU."

In addition to their uncinditional devotion to each other, Sonny and Vicki were always generous with their time, energy and other resources.  When my mom was ailing, they visited her during the good times and the not so good times.

MY MOM'S 78th BIRTHDAY PARTY AT LENNY'S CLAM BAR IN HOWARD BEACH.  THAT'S VICKI (far left) AND SONNY TOOK THE PICTURE.

At my mom's 79th birthday party at "THE OUTBACK" in Bensonhurst, Sonny played hero when my mom couldn't maneuver herself to get out of my car.  When all else failed, Sonny amazingly used a fireman's grip and lifted her safely out.

This past July, Sonny and Vicki came the furthest distance to attend my son Andrew's high school graduation party.

JULY 1, 2012.  TWO DAYS AFTER THE DEVASTATING WINDSTORM, WE MANAGED TO PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER AND HAVE THE PARTY ON SCHEDULE, (SEE MY "ICEMAN COMETH" BLOG FROM JULY 9th).

The husband and wife team of Sonny and Cher was a million-to-one shot.  Yes it's true, they went their own ways long ago, but the great joy of their vibe, music, comedy and effect on our culture, will live forever.

But far better, Sonny and Vicki are a gazillion-to-one couple.  Their lasting, exclusive love and lust for life is a pleasure to be around and is an inspirational beacon for other couples to appreciate. 

IN SOUTH OZONE PARK QUEENS, THE HONEYMOONERS IN 1971.  SHE'S 13 AND HE'S 16...AND THEY WERE ALREADY TOGETHER FOR A YEAR...AND TOGETHER EVER SINCE. TRY THAT, SONNY AND CHER!

I must have been out of my mind!  My original blog idea for today was my history at Gardner's Basin. 

HOW COULD I COMPARE HANGIN' WITH THE KING AND QUEEN OF COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE ACTUAL DOLPHIN WATCHING BOAT THAT ANDREW PUKED IN, SIX YEARS AGO.

Way before I realized that with all my wisdom, wit and wherewithal, there was little chance I could make a Gardner's Basin story anything but dull, I realized how much of a star attraction I had to write about. 

So to my wonderful cousins, Sonny and Vicki,  HAPPY 34th ANNIVERSARY.

I wish you both continued happiness and countless more beautiful sunrises and sunsets together as you sing, "I STILL GOT YOU BABE."

VICKI'S FAVORITE SUNRISE PICTURE, AT JONES BEACH ON "LONG-GUY-LIN."

 And I hope Sonny and Vicki believe that NOBODY is more fun to hang-out with...than us!