Dennis Bono the consummate interpreter of the Great American Songbook, proclaimed by the Chicago press as “a thoroughbred singer, born and bred to sing”, has now archived even greater recognition starring as the host of his own nationally syndicated, musical, variety/talk show from Las Vegas, “The Dennis Bono Show”, featuring established celebrities from the world of entertainment. The Dennis Bono Show is performed weekly in front of a live audience at the South Point Hotel and Casino Showroom on the Las Vegas “South Strip”.The Key to the success of the show stems from Dennis’ playful personality and his intelligent interaction with his guests. Whether on radio, television or in front of a live audience, he is the perfect host; self-deprecating, attentive and witty.
Before he launched his career as a variety talk show host, Dennis 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 like Playboy, resorts in the Caribbean and singing the national anthem for the Yankees, Angels, Dodgers and Celtics. In the early 80’s, he was living on the East Coast with his first CD release receiving great recognition on the West Coast. During this time, Jilly Rizzo heard him and gave him a call. Jilly introduced Dennis to his closest friend and confident, Frank Sinatra. Both were impressed by Dennis’ discerning taste in music and his interpretation of the standards. Frank Sinatra said “this is the kid that’s going to carry the torch for our music”. Just as Jilly and Mr. S helped guide Dennis’ career, Dennis 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.
Dennis’ philosophy of the standards is “great songs stand the test of time and allow every singer the opportunity to interpret the written words and the notes of the melody in a fresh way that make the song come to life’. He honed his craft singing and touring from Las Vegas to Japan, and everywhere in between. A tour with Don Rickles included Bally’s Grand Hotel in Atlantic City and the Golden Nugget and Tropicana Hotels in Las Vegas. In the early 90’s Dennis starred at the Desert Inn Hotel for two years running. He also opened the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas in 1999 and during 2000 he did a five week tour in Japan.
After Dennis recorded “Forget to Remember”, which he received national recognition, he realized he could reach even more people through the mediums of television and radio. The concept of “The Dennis Bono Show” was to appeal to the 50 and over demographic, which was felt to be a largely neglected audience. The success of the show’s national syndication and the acclaim of his fan base helped launch Dennis’ latest CD, “Thinking of When”. The CD is receiving great acclaim in the national and international markets including the United Kingdom and both CD’s are in rotation on Siriusly Sinatra on XM Radio.
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 Blvd., “South Strip”, renowned for nightly, musical entertainment and known as “the” spot “where the stars wine and dine in Las Vegas”. They recently co-hosted a one hour program on Siriusly Sinatra, XM Radios’ “Playing Favorites”.