How did Mick Jagger's advice catapult Sonny & Cher to success?

In a recent search online, I found an interesting connection between some Rock and Roll royalty.

Back in 1964, newlyweds and budding recording artists, Sonny and Cher Bono, were known professionally as "Caesar and Cleo." Sonny had become a protégé to one of the most important men in the music industry--producer Phil Spector.

Sonny and Cher would hang around the Gold Star Studios, watching how Spector ran his sessions, but also meeting artists and the famous musicians in The Wrecking Crew.

Soon, Sonny was producing records as well as writing songs. Often times, Spector would have them assist with background vocals on various songs. Cher sang backing vocals on "Be My Baby” by the Ronettes and “You Lost That Loving Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers-- as well as others. But Sonny and Cher couldn't get a break. After a few years they were still at square one in their music careers as artists.

In 1965 they donned "mod" clothes to attack the up and coming folk rock audience that was growing as a result of Bob Dylan going electric that summer. They also ditched "Caesar and Cleo" for the much more sensible "Sonny and Cher."

They would record a song written by Sonny called "I Got You Babe." It was a catchy tune, with an easy hook. Even Spector was certain is would do well. It didn't make the charts.

The duo was perplexed. The folk/folk rock crowd could be fickle. The mods and rockers were also two groups often at odds. Some of the feedback mentioned the song had traces of "puppy love" which didn't match with the couple singing in mod clothing. Their audience was confused.

Enter an acquaintance who provided some sage advice. Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger was in L.A. and he made a suggestion. In Far Out Magazine, Cher recalled Jagger telling them America wasn't ready for them, but England would be and that's where they should start.

At his urging, Sonny and Cher booked a hotel room at the London Hilton to hold an impromptu press conference. Right after their meeting with the London press, the hotel kicked them out for their "hippie attire." The British press picked up on the scuffle and Sonny and Cher were on nearly all the front pages of papers across the country.

Their single "I Got You Babe" hit No. 1 in the U.K. with the U.S. to follow weeks later. Mick had been right and Sonny and Cher were stars. The duo would be at the peak of the industry in 1971 when CBS picked them to host a variety comedy show which would last several years.

Cher mentions Jagger's advice in several articles and suggests without his push to do the press conference across the Atlantic, they may not have made it in show business.

Enjoy this 2 minute video for a short story on the topic and have a wonderful weekend! Rob

TheRockandRollProfessor.com 

https://youtu.be/YUVxqXr-auY