About
Paul David Hewson, KBE OL is known by his stage name Bono. Bono is an Irish singer, songwriter, musician, businessman, venture capitalist, and philanthropist. He was born on May 10th, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland. Bono is the leading vocalist and primary lyricist of rock band U2. Bono is also widely known for his global charity efforts.
Bono started studying at Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his schoolmates with whom he founded U2 in 1976. U2 released its first album “Boy” in 1980. In 1987, U2 releases the extremely successful sixth album The Joshua Tree making Bono an international superstar.
During U2’s early years, Bono’s lyrics contributed to the group’s rebellious and spiritual tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences shared with the other members. As a member of U2, Bono has received 22 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bono is very famous for his activism for social justice causes, both through U2 and as an individual. He actively runs a campaign for Africa, for which he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign, and Product Red. Bono has used his celebrity to address global problems and has met with many U.S politicians and world leaders to discuss issues such as debt relief for developing countries, aids and poverty.
Bono has been praised for his philanthropic efforts and was granted an honorary knighthood by Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom for “his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work”, and has been made a Commandeur of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters).
In 2005, the U2 band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In November 2008, Rolling Stone ranked Bono the 32nd-greatest singer of all time. In 2015, the magazine ranked Bono and the Edge at number 35 on its list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
Bono has collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Luciano Pavarotti, Sinéad O’Connor, Green Day, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Tina Turner, B.B. King and Zucchero. He has recorded with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Kirk Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Clannad, The Corrs, Wyclef Jean, Kylie Minogue, Carl Perkins, Herbert Grönemeyer, Jay-Z and Rihanna, as well as reportedly completing an unreleased duet with Jennifer Lopez.
