This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Dennis Bono.
Dennis Bono, who has been part of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for decades, is celebrating 17 years as the host of his own successful musical/variety/talk show broadcast. His new CD, “To Laugh, To Love, To Life,” interprets, among other tunes, the Great American Songbook.
Before he launched his career as a variety talk show host, Bono started out in the 70’s and early 80’s by learning his craft as a singer on the eastern seaboard club circuit playing night clubs such as Playboy, resorts in the Caribbean and singing the national anthem for the Yankees, Angels, Dodgers and Celtics.
In the 80's, he was living on the East Coast with his first CD Release, “By Myself,” receiving recognition on the West Coast. During this time, Jilly Rizzo heard him and gave him a call. He introduced Bono to his closest friend and confidant, Frank Sinatra. Both were impressed by his taste in music and his interpretation of the standards. Just as Rizzo and Sinatra helped guide Bono’s career, Bono also provides the opportunity on television and radio for young, up and coming talents to be discovered and to showcase their abilities on his show.
He is married to former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada Lorraine Hunt-Bono and they reside in Las Vegas. The family owns and operates the historic Bootlegger Italian Bistro on Las Vegas Boulevard.