Top 10 Sonny & Cher Songs

Photo: Kapp Records / Public domain via Creative Commons

Sonny & Cher’s story begins in the vibrant music scene of early-1960s Los Angeles, California. Salvatore “Sonny” Bono, born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1935, had already worked behind the scenes with the legendary record producer Phil Spector, honing his songwriting skills and industry knowledge. In 1962, he crossed paths with Cherilyn Sarkisian, known simply as Cher, a talented teenager from El Centro, California, whose distinctive contralto quickly caught Sonny’s attention. The two began working closely, first performing as Caesar & Cleo, before adopting the now-iconic name Sonny & Cher.

The duo’s breakout arrived in 1965 with their signature song “I Got You Babe.” Released on Atco Records, the single rocketed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the same feat in the United Kingdom. Sonny wrote and produced the track, utilizing the legendary session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles. That year, their debut album, Look at Us, reached number two on the Billboard 200 album charts, cementing their status as major recording artists.

Following their early success, Sonny & Cher released five studio albums throughout their prime: Look at Us (1965), The Wondrous World of Sonny & Chér (1966), In Case You’re In Love (1967), All I Ever Need Is You (1972), and Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs (1973). They produced numerous hit singles, notably “Baby Don’t Go,” “The Beat Goes On,” “All I Ever Need Is You,” and “A Cowboy’s Work is Never Done.” “The Beat Goes On” became one of their most enduring tracks, peaking at number six on the Billboard charts in 1967.

In addition to their musical accomplishments, Sonny & Cher made a seamless transition into television with the debut of their variety show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, on CBS in 1971. The show captured viewers’ attention with the duo’s playful banter, comedy sketches, and memorable musical performances. Its popularity led to a Golden Globe Award in 1973 for Best Television Variety Series. Cher herself won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Television Series, reflecting the show’s broad appeal and their chemistry.

Despite their immense popularity, Sonny & Cher’s personal and professional relationship faced significant challenges by the mid-1970s. They divorced in 1975 but attempted to recapture their television success with a 1976 revival called The Sonny & Cher Show. The magic was more elusive this time, leading to the show’s cancellation after two seasons.

Both Sonny and Cher forged notable careers beyond their partnership. Sonny Bono stepped away from entertainment and entered the political arena, first serving as the mayor of Palm Springs, California, from 1988 to 1992, and later becoming a U.S. Congressman representing California’s 44th district from 1995 until his untimely death in 1998. His legacy in politics, especially environmental conservation, earned him enduring respect.

Cher pursued a highly successful solo career in music and film. She became a pop music icon and an acclaimed actress, winning an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1988 for the film Moonstruck. She also secured multiple Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards, solidifying her status as an entertainment legend.

In recognition of their significant contributions to music and popular culture, Sonny & Cher were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998. Additionally, “I Got You Babe” received special recognition, being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its lasting cultural impact.

Sonny & Cher remain beloved for their authentic dynamic, innovative musical style blending pop, folk, and rock, and for their ability to connect emotionally with fans through their music and television appearances. They sold more than 40 million records worldwide, leaving a rich legacy across multiple generations.

The duo’s music continues to be celebrated through reissues and compilations, keeping their legacy alive for new listeners. Their cultural impact extends beyond music, influencing fashion, television, and public discourse, showcasing the enduring power of their creative partnership.

# 10 – It’s The Little Things

We open up our top 10 Sonny & Cher songs list with the great song “It’s The Little Things. “The single was released in 1967 after Sonny & Cher had already become an established musical act at the time. This song details how it’s often the smaller gestures and actions in a relationship that make all of the difference. Written by Sonny Bono, the song was recorded at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, where much of the duo’s best-known material was created. Sonny produced the session, assembling a stellar team that included members of the Wrecking Crew: Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, Don Randi on keyboards, and Tommy Tedesco on guitar. Released as a single in August 1967 on Atco Records, “It’s The Little Things” found its place on the album In Case You’re In Love.

The single climbed to No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonated strongly with fans in the UK, landing in the Top 20 there. Critics noted the song’s lush production, tight harmonies, and gentle, romantic lyricism, which played to both Sonny and Cher’s strengths as performers. As the opening entry on this list, “It’s The Little Things” stands out not just for its chart performance, but for its role in reaffirming the duo’s unique chemistry during a changing era in pop music.

# 9 – When You Say Love

“When You Say Love” was recorded by Sonny & Cher in late 1971 at Larrabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles. The track was produced by Snuff Garrett, a hit-making producer known for his work with a variety of pop artists during the era. The session musicians included drummer Hal Blaine, bassist Carol Kaye, and guitarist Don Peake, all members of the legendary Wrecking Crew.

Written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice, “When You Say Love” was released as a single on Kapp Records in January 1972 and later appeared on the duo’s album All I Ever Need Is You. The song peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, solidifying its status as a radio staple for the group. Notably, country duo Bob Luman and Sonny James also scored hits with the song on the country charts, further expanding its reach.

# 8 – Just You

“Just You” offered a more stripped-down, romantic side of Sonny & Cher when it was recorded in early 1965 at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles. Produced by Sonny Bono, the track features Cher’s lead vocal with Sonny’s close harmony, supported by the Wrecking Crew regulars—Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, and Barney Kessel on guitar—giving the song its polished, radio-friendly sheen.

Initially released as a single on Reprise Records before being included on the duo’s debut album Look At Us, “Just You” reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-1965. Critics at the time praised its plaintive melody and honest delivery, highlighting it as a standout in the group’s early catalog. While it never achieved the enduring fame of “I Got You Babe,” “Just You” became a fan favorite and was later covered by other acts, including The Tremeloes, who recorded their own version in 1966.

# 7 – But You’re Mine

“But You’re Mine” saw Sonny & Cher expanding their creative reach with a moody, folk-pop track recorded in 1965 at Gold Star Studios under Sonny Bono’s production. The song features the duo’s signature vocal blend, with Cher’s lead and Sonny’s harmonies framed by the reliable session work of the Wrecking Crew, including Carol Kaye on bass and Hal Blaine on drums. Released as a single in September 1965 and later appearing on the Look At Us album, “But You’re Mine” climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and broke into the Top 20 in the UK. While not as iconic as their chart-toppers, the song received positive reviews from Billboard and Cash Box for its hypnotic melody and wistful lyricism, and its arrangement—marked by 12-string guitar and subtle strings—reflected the folk-influenced pop sound that was defining mid-sixties Los Angeles.

# 6 – What Now My Love

Sonny & Cher’s interpretation of “What Now My Love” stands out as one of the most dramatic moments in their catalog, offering a pop reimagining of the classic French ballad “Et maintenant” by Gilbert Bécaud and lyricist Pierre Delanoë. Recorded at Gold Star Studios in 1966, this version was produced by Sonny Bono and backed by the seasoned L.A. session players of the Wrecking Crew, with Hal Blaine on drums and Don Randi on piano.

Cher’s soaring, melancholic vocals, supported by Sonny’s harmonies, brought the song to the U.S. Top 20, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1966 and breaking the Top 10 in Canada. The song’s orchestration, built on lush strings and brass arranged by Harold Battiste, gave it a cinematic sweep that matched the duo’s increasingly ambitious sound. Their rendition helped cement the song as a pop standard in the English-speaking world, inspiring later covers by Elvis Presley, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, and Shirley Bassey.

# 5 – Baby Don’t Go

“Baby Don’t Go” was recorded by Sonny & Cher in late 1964 at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, a facility renowned for its iconic sound and the favored recording site of Phil Spector. The session was produced by Sonny Bono, who also wrote the song, and featured prominent Los Angeles session musicians including members of the Wrecking Crew, such as Hal Blaine on drums, Don Randi on keyboards, and Barney Kessel on guitar.

Initially released on Reprise Records in 1964 and later reissued by ATCO Records in 1965, the song became the duo’s breakthrough hit, climbing to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 1 in Los Angeles. “Baby Don’t Go” is recognized for its plaintive lyricism, call-and-response vocal structure, and the blend of folk-pop and R&B influences that would define much of Sonny & Cher’s early catalog. Its enduring popularity has led to frequent inclusion on greatest hits albums, and the track has been covered by artists such as Dwight Yoakam and Sharleen Spiteri.

# 4 – A Cowboy’s Work is Never Done

“A Cowboy’s Work Is Never Done” was recorded in 1971 at United Western Recorders in Hollywood, with Snuff Garrett handling production and Al Capps arranging. The song, written by Sonny Bono, features session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, including Hal Blaine on drums, Larry Knechtel on keyboards, Joe Osborn on bass, and Mike Deasy on guitar. Released as a single by Kapp Records in February 1972 and included on the album All I Ever Need Is You, the song marked the last major hit of Sonny & Cher’s career as a duo, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the Top 10 in Canada.

Its Western-themed lyrics and cinematic arrangement distinguished it on radio playlists, and the track has been recognized for its storytelling and for Cher’s commanding vocal performance. The song has been covered by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood and continues to appear on numerous Sonny & Cher compilations, underscoring its legacy as a memorable swan song for the pair’s chart-topping era.

# 3 – All I Ever Need Is You

Recorded in 1971 at United Western Recorders in Hollywood, “All I Ever Need Is You” was produced by Snuff Garrett and arranged by Al Capps. The song was written by Jimmy Holiday and Eddie Reeves and featured the talents of the Wrecking Crew. Released as a single from the album of the same name by Kapp Records in September 1971, it peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and reached No. 1 in Canada. The song’s commercial success cemented Sonny & Cher’s comeback in the early 1970s, earning them a gold record. “All I Ever Need Is You” has since been covered by Ray Charles and Kenny Rogers & Dottie West, and was later performed live by Cher throughout her solo career, highlighting its place as one of the duo’s most successful and enduring recordings.

# 2 – The Beat Goes On

Recorded at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles during the fall of 1966, “The Beat Goes On” was produced by Sonny Bono and featured the legendary Wrecking Crew, including Carol Kaye on bass, Hal Blaine on drums, Barney Kessel on guitar, and Mac Rebennack (later known as Dr. John) on piano. Released as a single by Atco Records in January 1967, it reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 29 in the UK. Kaye created the song’s iconic bassline, and the lyrics addressed ongoing social change during the decade.

“The Beat Goes On” has been covered by artists such as Vanilla Fudge (1968), Buddy Rich (1967), and features in jazz and funk arrangements by artists including Herbie Mann and Firewater. The phrase and the song have been referenced in tracks by Madonna, Britney Spears, and sampled in hip-hop, confirming its enduring impact. The recording’s musicianship, particularly the rhythm section, has been praised by critics for its role in shaping the West Coast pop sound of the era.

# 1 – I Got You Babe

Recorded in the summer of 1965 at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, “I Got You Babe” quickly established Sonny & Cher as a defining voice of the era. Written and produced by Sonny Bono, the song features Wrecking Crew stalwarts like Barney Kessel on guitar, Don Randi on piano, Hal Blaine on drums, and Lyle Ritz on bass, all working under Bono’s tight direction. The track’s straightforward arrangement—a blend of jangling folk-rock and lush pop—allowed Cher’s rich alto and Sonny’s earnest delivery to shine in harmony. Released by Atco Records in July 1965, “I Got You Babe” rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for three weeks and topping charts in the UK as well.

Interestingly enough, Sonny wrote this song as an answer to Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe” tune. He made the lyrics very simple, and the song has been featured in many movies and television shows. It was last performed live by Sonny and Cher in 1987.