Alice Cooper songwriter Bon Jovi has died at the age of 66

Jack Ponti, a producer and songwriter who worked with Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper and other artists, has died. He was 66.

Ponti died on October 7, according to an obituary from the Thompson Memorial Home in his hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey.

“Although he is widely known for his musical genius, it was his boundless love for his family, his generosity and his fierce loyalty that truly set him apart,” the obituary reads.

Born Giacomo Pontoriero in Newark in 1958, Ponti began his music career in the 1970s as a guitar player in a band called The Rest. The lead singer was a then-unknown Jon Bon Jovi.

Despite support from Southside Johnny and the E Street Band and a demo produced by Billy Squier, the others failed to get a record deal and eventually split up. However, Ponti became a songwriter and producer, writing “Shot Through the Heart” for Bon Jovi's first album and “Hey Stoopid” for Alice Cooper. According to Loudwire, he also wrote songs for Babylon AD, Nelson and Trixter.

He also produced albums for bands such as Kittie, Otep, Baton Rouge and Doro.

After a brief retirement, Ponti returned to the music business in the mid-1990s and founded CazzyDog Management. He also managed R&B singer India.Arie, who sold over five million records and won four Grammy Awards.

Other clients his company represented included Boyz II Men and rapper Scarface.

“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 give advice, lend a hand or simply make those around him laugh,” the obituary reads. “His warmth and wisdom will resonate long after the music has faded, through the countless lives he touched.”

Ponti is survived by his wife Tatyana, his daughter Neva, his beloved granddaughter Jordyn and his sister Nikki, the obituary said.