Dire Straits Member Jack Sonni Obituary and Cause of Death, Who Was Jack Sonni?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Sep 01, 2023
Dire Straits Member Jack Sonni Obituary and Cause of Death
Jack Sonni, renowned for his role as the guitarist for Dire Straits, has passed away at 68. The news was confirmed by the band Dire Straits Legacy, with whom he toured. His death leaves a void, as expressed by the Legacy group on Facebook. The band's official account also shared the news along with a photo of Sonni, captioned "Rest in Peace."
Sonni joined Dire Straits for the 1985 album "Brothers in Arms," contributing to hits like "Money for Nothing." He played a memorable role in the band's performances, donning his signature red suit. While the exact cause of his death remains unclear, health issues prevented his participation in upcoming gigs, according to Dire Straits Legacy.
Sonni's journey from forming a band called The Leisure Class in New York City to joining Dire Straits highlighted his passion for music. His friendship with Mark and David Knopfler paved the way for his involvement in the band. After the band's breakup, he pursued a marketing career but cherished his time playing alongside legendary guitarists.
With his unique guitar skills and contributions, Jack Sonni's legacy within the music industry and as part of Dire Straits will be remembered fondly. The exact cause of Jack Sonni's death, at the age of 68, has not been disclosed.
Who was Jack Sonni?
Jack Sonni, born on December 9, 1954, and sadly passing away on August 30, 2023, was a multifaceted American individual renowned as a writer, musician, and marketing executive. He gained prominence as "the other guitarist" during Dire Straits' influential Brothers in Arms era.
Sonni's notable musical journey unfolded within the context of Dire Straits, where he played a pivotal role as a guitarist. Particularly recognized for his contributions during the band's Brothers in Arms era, he became an integral part of the group's musical fabric. This era marked a significant period in Dire Straits' trajectory, characterized by the success of their iconic album "Brothers in Arms," which he significantly contributed to.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Sonni ventured into the realms of writing and marketing. His literary endeavors encompassed various genres, including crime fiction, showcasing his creative versatility. Moreover, his aptitude for marketing led him to hold a notable position as a marketing executive. This duality of artistic and business acumen showcased his multifaceted capabilities and interests.
Jack Sonni's legacy is intertwined with his time in Dire Straits and his exploration of diverse creative avenues. His contributions to the music industry, his literary endeavors, and his endeavors in marketing have left an indelible mark. The passing of this talented individual leaves a void, but his impact continues to resonate through his artistic achievements and his role in shaping the musical landscape.
Birth Name
John Thomas Sonni
Born
December 9, 1954
Birthplace
Indiana, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
August 30, 2023 (aged 68)
Genres
Rock
Occupation(s)
Musician
Instrument(s)
Guitar, vocals
Jack Sonni Career
After completing his education, Jack Sonni's journey took an influential turn when he was introduced to New York session guitarist Elliott Randall, famed for his solo on "Reelin' In the Years." This meeting, facilitated by keyboardist Michael Holmes, led to a mentorship that prompted Sonni to relocate to New York City and initiate his musical career. Between 1976 and 1985, he resided in New York, attempting to establish himself in session work and later focusing on his band, The Leisure Class.
In the late 1970s, Sonni's band gained prominence, becoming a regular act at Kenny's Castaways in Greenwich Village. His path intertwined with the music industry further as he worked at Alex Music and subsequently Rudy's Music Stop. It was at Rudy's that he encountered members of Dire Straits, including David and Mark Knopfler.
A visit to the Knopflers in London led to an invitation to join Dire Straits following David and Hal Lindes' departure. He contributed to the band's 1984 recording sessions for "Brothers in Arms" and participated in the subsequent tour, even playing guitar synthesizer on "The Man's Too Strong" and performing at Live Aid.
After his involvement with Dire Straits, Sonni transitioned to a marketing career, holding positions at Seymour Duncan, Rivera Guitar Amplifiers, Line 6, and eventually becoming the vice president of marketing communication for Guitar Center. He played a significant role in the creation and launch of the legendary POD product.
In 2006, Sonni redirected his focus towards writing and briefly lived in San Jose del Cabo, Healdsburg, and Brooklyn. He became associated with the Noepe Center for Literary Arts on Martha's Vineyard, where he was a writer-in-residence and house manager until its closure in 2017.
Concurrently, he resumed his musical pursuits with his band, The Leisure Class, and was an active participant in the DSL, Dire Straits Legacy project alongside former band members. Through his diverse endeavors, Jack Sonni's impact spanned music, marketing, literature, and collaboration with fellow musicians.
Dire Straits Member Jack Sonni Obituary and Cause of Death: FAQs
Jack Sonni was a musician, writer, and marketing executive, best recognized as "the other guitarist" in Dire Straits during the band's "Brothers in Arms" era.
After being introduced to New York session guitarist Elliott Randall, Sonni moved to New York City to pursue his musical career.
Sonni joined Dire Straits during the recording of their successful album "Brothers in Arms" and played a significant role as "the other guitarist."
He led the band The Leisure Class, which gained recognition as a regular act at Kenny's Castaways in Greenwich Village.
Jack Sonni passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 68.