New Jersey songwriter and Bon Jovi collaborator dies at age 66

Jack Ponti, a producer and songwriter known for his collaborations with Bon Jovi and Alice Cooper, has died at the age of 66.

The New Jersey native died Monday, according to an obituary in the Asbury Park Press. A cause of death was not given.

Ponti, born Giacomo Pontoriero in Newark, lived in Red Bank.

“Jack had a rare ability to make people feel seen and valued, whether in the music studio or at home,” the obituary reads. “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 musician's career began in the late 70s when he played guitar in a band called Rest along with singer Jon Bon Jovi. This was before Bon Jovi gained huge popularity in the '80s.

Rest never received a major record deal, although it received support from larger New Jersey acts Southside Johnny and the E Street Band.

In the end, the group split up, but Ponti and Bon Jovi stayed in touch and eventually co-wrote “Shot Through the Heart” from Bon Jovi's self-titled debut album in 1984.

Ponti helped write songs for Alice Cooper, Kane Roberts, Keel, Trixter, Bonfire, Babylon AD and more. He also produced albums for the rock and metal bands Baton Rouge, Kittie, Otep and Dora Pesch; worked with Toms River's Skid Row in its early days and managed R&B singer India Arie.

The musician is survived by his wife Tatyana, his daughter Neva, his granddaughter Jordyn and his sister Nikki.

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