Sonny Bono, inventor of punk rock.

Sonny Bono, punk rock icon

AP

Did Sonny Bono invent punk rock?

"I Got You, Babe" and "The Beat Goes On" are at root the most primitive songs of the era--just as neanderthal as "Wild Thing" or "Gloria" or "Louie Louie". The latter song is a three note bass lick--even Suicide wasn't that minimal (usually).

And these were enormous hits.  

And he was high on dope when he skied into a tree and died. (And it's said he was murdered and the official story is a lie, a la Nancy Spungen) Top that, Johnny Thunders!