Jack Sonni, the iconic guitarist known for his stint with the legendary rock band Dire Straits, led by Mark Knopfler, has passed away at the age of 68.
A longtime comrade of Mark Knopfler within Dire Straits during the mid-1980s, American guitarist Jack Sonni breathed his last on August 30th, 2023. He joined the group in 1985, during the recording of "Brothers in Arms," an album that would go on to achieve cult status. He graced the stage with the band in July 1985 during the iconic Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium.
Jack Sonni, previously employed at a guitar store, replaced Hal Lindes within Dire Straits in December 1985. Renowned for his role as the "other guitarist" alongside Mark Knopfler, Jack Sonni had initially learned to play the piano and trumpet before transitioning to the guitar.
"I had been working for a few years in a small but real guitar shop in Manhattan, and Mark [Knopfler] walked in one day. He was in town to start recording 'Making Movies' and was looking for a new guitar. We quickly became friends and spent a lot of time together over the next four years. There was never any talk of me playing in his band. It wasn't until December 1985 that he asked me to come to Montserrat, finish the album, and go on tour with him," he revealed in an interview with Direstraitsblog in 2020.
The musician also expressed his pride in contributing to "Brothers in Arms," the band's best-selling album, featuring hits like "Money for Nothing," "Brothers in Arms," "So Far Away," and "Walk of Life." For him, the album was not just a commercial success but also a fantastic artistic achievement. His only regret was not benefiting more financially from it.
After departing from Dire Straits in 1988, Jack Sonni ended his music career to work as a marketing manager for a guitar amplifier brand.
Jack Sonni's legacy lives on through his memorable contributions to Dire Straits' music, particularly the timeless melodies that continue to resonate with fans around the world. His impact on the music industry will always be cherished, and he will forever be remembered as an integral part of one of the greatest rock bands in history.
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