Alice Cooper, songwriter for Bon Jovi, dies at 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 Thompson Memorial Home, located in his hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey.

“While he is 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 obituary said.

Born Giacomo Pontoriero in Newark in 1958, Ponti began his music career playing guitar in a band called The Rest in the 1970s. The 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 Rest failed to secure a recording contract and eventually broke up. Ponti, however, became a songwriter and producer, writing “Shot Through the Heart” for Bon Jovi’s first album, and “Hey Stoopid” for Alice Cooper. Other acts he wrote songs for include Babylon AD, Nelson and Trixter, according to Loudwire.

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 has sold more than five million records and won four Grammy Awards.

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

“Jack had the rare ability to make people feel seen and appreciated, both in the music studio and 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 said. “His warmth and wisdom will continue to resonate through the countless lives he touched long after the music is gone.”

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