Paul David (Bono) Hewson

"The fact is that ours is the first generation that can look disease and extreme poverty in the eye, look across the ocean to Africa, and say this, and mean it. We do not have to stand for this. A whole continent written off - we do not have to stand for this." These amazing words were said by Bono, a man who has touched the lives of so many people around the world. Bono is a true hero, a man who is willing to do absolutely everything in his power for the greater good. The many opinions he has expressed has inspired so many people, and he is constantly in contact with world leaders to live out his quest to make the world a better place. Throughout his long life living in fame as the lead singer of the band U2, not only has Bono proven himself as an amazing singer and musician, but as an amazing human being as well.

Paul David Hewson was born on May 10, 1960 in North Dublin, Ireland. Being raised under a Roman Catholic father and a Protestant mother, he was instilled with a deep religious faith at a very young age. Paul attended St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir School, where he was very unhappy, and was eventually asked to leave. He then moved to Mount Temple Comprehensive School in 1972 where he was much more contented and enjoyed the environment a whole lot more. A tragic event occurred in Paul's life when his mother suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at her father's funeral, changing his life forever. Not long after his mother's unfortunate death, Paul was nicknamed Bonavox, meaning "good voice", which was eventually shortened to Bono. During his time at Mount Temple, he met Allison Stewart (Ali) who he married in 1982, and eventually had four kids with: Eve, Jordan, Elijah, and John. One day, Bono saw a sign on a bulletin board at school asking musicians interested to form a band to meet at the house of Larry Mullen Jr. As one of seven people who attended the band meet, Bono met David Evans, Adam Clayton, Peter Martin, Ivan McCormick, Dik Evans, and of course Larry Mullen. After Dik, Ivan, and Peter eventually dropped out of the band, the four remaining boys named themselves U2.

From the very beginning of the formation of U2, Bono was able to connect with his fans through his inspirational lyrics, making each song have a different theme, some religious, some political, and some social. Beginning in small gigs at local bars, U2 became more and more popular after releasing their first hit album, The Joshua Tree. U2's success became well known throughout the world and through their 38 years living in fame, they have received many awards, including 22 Grammy awards and 2003 and 2013 Golden Globe awards. Over their many years, they have produced many successful songs, including Vertigo, Beautiful Day, With or Without You, Ordinary Love, and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Not only is Bono famous around the music community, but he actively participates in charity work to benefit people living all around the world.

After Bono saw The Secret Policeman's Ball in 1979, he was instantly fueled to begin working in charity. He helped organize the Conspiracy of Hope tour with Sting, and he began to get involved in Live Aid and Band Aid. Along with his wife Ali, he has taken many issues around the world into his own hands. He constantly visits the poorer countries around the world, including Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, all while trying to draw attention to all of the problems. Not only is Bono involved in poverty work, but he helps other issues, including racism and sexual abuse. In 1993, with his fellow U2 partner David Adams (Edge), Bono attended the Festival Against Racism in Hamburg, Germany where he performed and also spoke about the subject. He commonly participates in fundraising concerts, such as Live 8, and he has donated $50,000 to On in Four Ireland, a charity devoted to helping humans affected by sexual abuse. Bono has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, and he won in 2007.

As many of you can probably already tell, Bono has demonstrated many important virtues. It's truly amazing how he is able to effectively straddle the worlds of music, family, and charity all at once. At the age of 53, Bono is still up and running, as active as always. The way he fought through all of the hardships in his life has set an example for all of us to live by. Not only has Bono changed other people's lives, but he has personally touched my life, changing the way I view the world.