Jack Sonni was a musician and writer best known as the second guitarist for Dire Straits during their “Brothers in Arms” era.
- Died: August 30, 2023 (Who else died on August 30?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 68.
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Jack Sonni’s legacy
Though Sonni was studying literature at the University of Connecticut, the multi-instrumentalist’s passion for music prompted him to transfer to the Hartford Conservatory of Music. There, the pianist, trumpet player, and guitarist further honed the craft he had been working on since he was a child.
Sonni moved to New York in the 1970s, working as a session musician and performing with his own band, the Leisure Class. In 1978, while working at Rudy’s Music Stop, owned by renowned luthier Rudy Pensa, he met the members of Dire Straits and formed a friendship. Six years later, when David Knopfler and Hal Lindes left the band, Mark Knopfler asked Sonni to step in.
Sonni became known as “the other guitarist” with Dire Straits, recording “Brothers in Arms” with the band and touring for the album. “Brothers in Arms” was a huge success, selling 30 million copies worldwide and spawning hits like “Money for Nothing” and “Walk of Life.” On July 13, 1985, he played the Live Aid concert with the band.
Sonni retired from music in 1988, after the birth of his twin daughters. He went into marketing, then returned to literature in 2006. Until it closed in 2017, he was writer-in-residence at the Noepe Center for Literary Arts on Martha’s Vineyard.
Tributes to Jack Sonni
Full obituary: The Mirror US
