Cher: The Memoir: Part One

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of substance use, emotional abuse, and pregnancy loss.

Sonny had met publicists Charlie Greene and Brian Stone while working at Gold Star, Phil Spector’s record label. Both Charlie and Brian were charming and confident New Yorkers with a history of bold—if unsuccessful—ventures. Charlie and Brian’s excitement at working in the music industry reignited Sonny and Cher’s excitement to become a successful duo, and they signed onto Charlie and Brian’s press agency.

British rock band The Rolling Stones came to tour America and worked with Gold Star on recording some of their songs. Cher was a bit shy about meeting the young singers, who were in their teens but already famous. She was also wary of being too friendly since Sonny had become more possessive of her. The Stones loved hanging out with Cher and Sonny. They suggested that the pair travel to Britain and release music there because they felt that their style and singing would be more accepted there.

Encouraged, Sonny wrote the song “Baby, Don’t Go” specifically for Cher. Cher was nervous to record as a lead singer and begged Sonny to accompany her on the choruses, which he did.