Paul David Hewson: Bono

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Paul David Hewson, better known as Bono, is a musician, venture capitalist, businessman, and activist. Bono is best known for being the vocalist for the rock band U2 and a social activist for Africa. Bono has previously said, “Celebrity is currency, so I wanted to use mine effectively.” Consequently, some projects Bono has co-founded include Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa (DATA), EDUN, ONE Campaign, and Product Red. Additionally, Bono was honored as the Time Person of the Year in 2005, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Bono was born on May 10, 1960, in Northern Dublin, Ireland. His mother, Iris Hewson (née Rankin), was Protestant and his father, Brendan Robert “Bob” Hewson, was a Catholic. Bono had an older brother named Norman Robert Hewson. As a result, Bono grew up in a very different household. Bono had a tough childhood; he was only 14 when his mother died of a brain aneurysm while at the funeral for his grandfather. Many of U2’s songs are about the passing of his mother. Some of the songs include “I Will Follow”, “Mofo”, “Out of Control”, “Lemon” and “Tomorrow.” In 1975, he began dating Alison Stewart, his future wife. Alison and Bono have had four children together, Jordan, Memphis Eve, Elijah Bob Patricius Guggi Q, and John Abraham.
Paul attended high school at Mount Temple High School, where he was one of the popular kids. He was always messing around in class, like the typical class clown. Bono became friends with a group that called themselves “The Lypton Village.” It is said he was nicknamed “Bono Vox” by his friend Gavin Friday, a member of the Lypton Village. Bono initially disliked the nickname; however, when he learned it translated to “good voice”, he accepted it. Since the...

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...s helping the less fortunate in Africa and through his support of various organizations. Additionally, Bono definitely has passion for the work he does and for people. For example, he has said he wants to eradicate AIDS in Africa by 2015. He is also very passionate about his band and fans to make sure they have the best show possible. Bono illustrates his emotional intelligence through his empathy for the less fortunate and as a result holds fundraisers and created organizations to help them. Bono also demonstrates self-confidence while he is singing as the lead singer of U2 and on boards of his organizations. Bono demonstrates authenticity; he is very upfront about his beliefs and believes it is up to people who are able to help others. Finally, Bono uses creativity in both his U2 career and his philanthropy efforts and ways he tries to raise money for charities.

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