Unfortunately, sad news was published on August 30, 2023, with the statement that Jack Sonni, the ex-member and guitarist of Dire Straits, had passed away.
Jack possessed remarkable musical talent, acknowledged for his exceptional skills on the guitar. He sadly passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 68. Sonni was a familiar face on the vibrant music scene in Greenwich Village and leaves behind a legacy of musical excellence.
On December 9, 1954, John Thomas Sonni was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He was also recognized by the name Jack Sonni. Sonni was a multi-talented American, and not only a musician but also a writer and marketing executive. In his final years, he hosted a radio program. Also, Sonni has played with Dire Straits Legacy alongside other past members of Dire Straits.
Jack’s most notable role was as “the other guitarist” in Dire Straits during the time when the album “Brothers in Arms” achieved worldwide acclaim. Undoubtedly, he left his signature during the peak of Dire Straits, bringing a genuine Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit to the band we hold dear.
Jack’s fascination with music began at a young age. He initially started with the piano, then the trumpet, and at the age of 14, he switched to the guitar. His love for the sound and feel of the guitar led him to leave the University of Connecticut, where he was studying literature, in order to enroll at the Hartford Conservatory of Music.
His deep passion for the instrument and the music it could create drove this decision. In 1976, Sonni moved to NYC to begin his career. He lived there from 1976 through 1985, and during those years, his band became a Monday night fixture at Kenny’s Castaways on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village.
In the fall of 1977, Sonni started working at Alex Music on 48th Street in Manhattan. In 1978, he began working at the newly opened Rudy’s Music Stop, owned by luthier Rudy Pensa. It was there that he first met David and later Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Subsequently, Sonni visited the Knopfler’s in London. After David and Hal Lindes departed from the band, the band invited Sonni to join them for the 1984 recording sessions of ‘Brothers in Arms’. Jack accepted the offer and played the guitar synthesizer on the song “The Man’s Too Strong”. He was also part of Dire Straits’ “BiA Tour” in 1985. Also, Jack played at the Live Aid concert at Wembley on July 13, 1985, with Dire Straits.
Jack Sonni passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a deep sense of sadness. The cause of his death remains a mystery at this moment. No details about what happened have been shared. We will provide updates as soon as we receive more information about the circumstances of his passing.
As of now, only The DSL – Dire Straits Legacy music band and group have conveyed a message on their official Facebook page. The post, shared on August 28, 2023, reads:
“Dear fans, unfortunately, Jack Sonni will not be able to participate in our upcoming gigs due to health problems.”
Also, Alan Clark wrote a Facebook post where he shared with the fans the sad news about Jack. Alan has wrote:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say my friend and Dire Straits’ colleague has left us. Rest in peace, amigo.”
The family of Jack Sonni will share his obituary and details about his funeral arrangements in due course. Currently, the family is taking the necessary time to heal from this loss. Once they feel prepared, they will provide updates regarding the plans for his funeral.”
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