Bono Vox

Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960), known as Bono, is the lead singer and principal lyricist of the Irish rock band U2. Bono was raised in Dublin and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his wife, Ali Hewson, and the future members of U2.Since that time he has been referred to as Bono, his stage and nickname, by his family and fellow band members.Almost all U2 songs are written by Bono and he often writes lyrics using political, social and religious themes.During their early years, Bono's lyrics partly contributed to U2's rebellious tone. Later the lyrics became more personal inspired by experiences of members of U2.

Bono has taken part in several other endeavors outside of U2 and has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists.He has also participated in different business ventures. Bono sits on the board of Elevation Partners and has refurbished and now owns a hotel with fellow band member, The Edge.Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with several, influential politicians throughout his lifetime. Bono has been the subject of both substantial praise and criticism due to his activism and involvement with U2. Among numerous awards and nominations, Bono has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time.

Bono Receives Liberty Medal for His Humanitarian Work in Africa

Singer-activist Bono applauds as former President George H.W. Bush gestures at the National Constitution Center's 2007 Liberty Medal ceremony in Philadelphia, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Jim Young, Pool)09-27-2007 8:08 PM

PHILADELPHIA (Associated Press) --  Irish rocker and activist Bono, accepting the Liberty Medal on Thursday night for his humanitarian work in Africa, exhorted Americans to keep working to solve the world's problems and spoke of those who are without freedom.

"When you are trapped by poverty, you are not free. When trade laws prevent you from selling the food you grew, you are not free," said Bono, wearing his trademark sunglasses even at night as he stood just steps away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

"When you are a monk in Burma this very week, barred from entering a temple because of your gospel of peace ... well, then none of us are truly free," he said.

Bono and the organization he co-founded _ Debt AIDS Trade Africa _ received the award from former Liberty Medal recipient Pres. George H.W. Bush at the National Constitution Center.

The award comes with a $100,000 prize, which Bono said will be donated to the organization. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former finance minister of Nigeria who sits on the group's policy advisory board, accepted the award for the Washington-based group.

Bono, who fronts the band U2, co-founded Debt AIDS Trade Africa in 2002 to work with religious groups on global disease and hunger issues.

In 2005, U2 also was a headliner for the Live 8 concerts held to raise awareness about African poverty and pressure world leaders to cancel debt for the poorest African nations.

Calling America "my country," Bono said he's a fan of the United States despite its problems because of the country's contributions to the world.

"Your America is where Neil Armstrong takes a walk on the moon," Bono said. "Your America gave Europe the Marshall Plan. Your America gave the world the Peace Corps."

"America is not just a country, it's an idea, isn't it? It's a great and powerful idea," he said. "The idea that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Bono exhorted Americans to pledge to continue to help the world.

"America has so many great answers to offer," he said. "We can't fix all the world's problems, but the ones we can we must."

The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to honor individuals or organizations whose actions represent the founding principles of the United States.