Record producer Jack Ponti has died at the age of 66.
The songwriter, who previously worked with legendary musician Jon Bon Jovi, died on October 7.
An online obituary confirmed the sad news, but his cause of death has not yet ben publicly shared.
‘While widely recognized for his musical genius, it was his boundless love for his family, generosity of spirit, and fierce loyalty that truly defined him,’ the message read.
‘Jack had a rare ability to make people feel seen and valued, whether in the music studio or at home.
‘His generosity extended beyond his family, as he was always ready to offer advice, lend a hand, or simply bring laughter to those around him.
‘His warmth and wisdom will continue to resonate through the countless lives he touched, long after the music fades.’
A visitation for Ponti, born Giacomo Pontoriero, was held yesterday, before his burial today in New Jersey.
The Newark-native nurtured his passion for music for a young age and he stepped into the spotlight in the 1970s while performing with Bon Jovi in the band, The Rest.
However, they weren’t given a recording contract and ended up splitting, with the lead singer going on to form Bon Jovi, while Ponti worked as a songwriter and producer.
Speaking of their close bond in a chat with Legendary Rock Interviews in 2012, he commended his former bandmate as a true rockstar.
‘I’ve known Jon since he was in high school. My first impression is the same today as it was then,’ he said. ‘You either have it, or you don’t, and he has it times fifty. He also had incredible drive, ambition, focus, and resiliency.
‘Jon and me really laid the nucleus for both of our careers playing in that band together. It was a very important time. We had big dreams, good times, a learned a lot together.
‘Jon grew up worshiping people like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Tom Petty, the real artists’ artists. It’s astonishing what happened. It changed all of our lives and I am eternally grateful.’
Ponti went on to write songs for Bon Jovi, as well as a host of other bands and performers – including Alice Cooper, Nelson and Keel.
He also briefly returned to the stage when he formed his own group, Surgin’, in 1985, and dropped the album, When Midnight Comes.
After briefly leaving the music industry, he returned as a talent manager and worked alongside iconic singer India.Arie over the years – before he was appointed CEO of Merovingian Music in 2006.
Ponti is remembered by his wife, Tatyana, daughter Neva, granddaughter Jordyn, and his sister, Nikki.
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