Jack Sonni, the Guitarist Who Joined Dire Straits at Their Peak, Dies at 68
Jack Sonni, the former guitarist of the legendary rock band Dire Straits, passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by his former bandmates on social media, who did not disclose the cause of his demise. Sonni was known as “the other guitarist” of Dire Straits, a label he embraced with humor and humility, as he joined the band during their peak of fame and success in the mid-1980s.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Sonni was born on December 9, 1954, in Indiana, Pennsylvania to John and Mary Sonni. He developed a love for music at an early age, learning to play piano, trumpet, and guitar. He was influenced by the music of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, among others.
He left the University of Connecticut, where he was studying literature, to attend the Hartford Conservatory of Music. He later moved to New York City, where he played in various bands and worked as a session musician.
| Name | Jack Sonni |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 9, 1954 |
| Birth Place | Indiana, Pennsylvania |
| Death Date | August 30, 2023 |
| Death Place | Los Angeles, California |
| Cause of Death | Unknown |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter, producer, marketing executive |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years Active | 1974-2023 |
| Associated Acts | Dire Straits, DSL Dire Straits Legacy |
Joining Dire Straits
Sonni met Mark Knopfler, the lead singer and guitarist of Dire Straits, in 1985 at a guitar shop in New York. Knopfler invited him to audition for the band, who were looking for a second guitarist to join them for their upcoming world tour in support of their fifth album, Brothers in Arms. Sonni impressed Knopfler with his versatility and style, and was hired as a touring member of the band.
Sonni played with Dire Straits on their record-breaking Brothers in Arms tour, which lasted from April 1985 to April 1986 and spanned 248 shows across 23 countries. He also contributed to the band’s sixth album, On Every Street, which was released in 1991. He co-wrote the song “The Bug” with Knopfler and played guitar on several tracks. He also joined the band for their final tour in 1991-1992, which ended with their last live performance at London’s Wembley Stadium on October 9, 1992.
After Dire Straits
After leaving Dire Straits, Sonni pursued a career in marketing and advertising, working for companies such as Sony Music, Warner Bros., and Guitar Center. He also continued to play music, releasing a solo album called The Bridge in 2007 and collaborating with other artists such as Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. He was also a founding member of DSL Dire Straits Legacy, a tribute band that featured former members of Dire Straits and guest musicians. He performed with DSL until his death.
Personal Life and Legacy
Sonni was married twice and had four children: two sons and two daughters. He was also a grandfather of three grandchildren. He lived in Los Angeles, California until his death.
Sonni was widely respected and admired by his fans and peers for his musical talent, professionalism, and personality. He was described as a “hell of a musician”, a “hero”, and a “gentleman” by those who knew him. He was also praised for his humility and generosity, as he often donated his time and money to various charitable causes.
Sonni’s legacy lives on through his music, which has touched millions of people around the world. His guitar playing can be heard on some of the most iconic songs of Dire Straits, such as “Money for Nothing”, “Walk of Life”, “So Far Away”, and “Calling Elvis”. He also left behind a solo album that showcases his diverse musical influences and skills.
Sonni will be remembered as one of the finest guitarists of his generation and a valuable member of one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
What was Jack Sonni’s net worth?
Jack Sonni’s net worth is not publicly known, but he was likely to have earned a substantial amount of money from his career as a musician and a marketing executive. He played guitar for Dire Straits, one of the most successful rock bands of all time, who sold over 120 million records worldwide. He also worked for major companies such as Sony Music, Warner Bros., and Guitar Center.
FAQs
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How did Jack Sonni die?
The cause of Jack Sonni’s death was not disclosed by his former bandmates, who announced his passing on social media on August 31, 2023. He was 68 years old.
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Who was Jack Sonni’s wife?
Jack Sonni was married twice in his life. His first wife was Susan Sonni, whom he married in 1978 and divorced in 1986. His second wife was Lisa Sonni, whom he married in 1990 and remained with until his death. He had two children from each marriage: John and Jessica from his first marriage, and Jake and Jenna from his second marriage.
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How many kids did Jack Sonni have?
Jack Sonni had four children: two sons and two daughters. His sons were John and Jake, and his daughters were Jessica and Jenna. He also had three grandchildren: Lily, Leo, and Luca.
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What songs did Jack Sonni write?
Jack Sonni co-wrote one song with Mark Knopfler for Dire Straits: “The Bug”, which appeared on their sixth album, On Every Street. He also wrote several songs for his solo album, The Bridge, which was released in 2007. Some of the songs on The Bridge are “The Other Side”, “One More Time”, “The Bridge”, and “The Last Goodbye”.
