In August , their single spent three weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Hot in the United States [1] where it sold more than 1 million copies and was certified Gold. It also reached number 1 in the United Kingdom and Canada. Sonny Bono , a songwriter and record producer for Phil Spector , wrote the lyrics to and composed the music of the song for himself and his then-wife, Cher , late at night in their basement. When Cher was woken up to sing the lyrics, she hated the song and didn't think it would soon be a hit and immediately went back to bed.
The couple's career as a duo ended in following their divorce. In the decade they spent together, Sonny and Cher sold over 40 million records worldwide. Performing under her first name, Cher went on to a highly successful career as a solo singer and actress, while Sonny Bono was eventually elected to Congress as a Republican U. Representative from California.