Sonny Curtis, Renowned Songwriter and Crickets Member, Dies at 88
Sonny Curtis, acclaimed songwriter of "Love is All Around" and "I Fought the Law," Crickets member, died at 88, leaving a significant musical legacy.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Sonny Curtis, a significant figure in rock and roll and a childhood friend of Buddy Holly, passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of a prolific musical career.
- He was widely recognized for composing the iconic theme song "Love is All Around" for the popular 1970s television series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
- Curtis also penned the classic hit "I Fought the Law" and wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs covered by diverse artists including Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, and Bruce Springsteen.
- As a member of The Crickets, he continued the group's legacy after Buddy Holly's death and notably opened for Elvis Presley, highlighting his early career.
- His extensive contributions to music were honored with inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Sonny Curtis's passing with a neutral, informative tone, focusing on his significant musical contributions. They present a comprehensive overview of his career, highlighting his iconic songs and collaborations without employing loaded language or selective emphasis, ensuring a balanced and respectful tribute to his legacy.
"Curtis was a childhood friend of Buddy Holly’s and an active musician in the formative years of rock, whether jamming on guitar with Holly in the mid-1950s or opening for Elvis Presley when Elvis was still a regional act."
Chicago Sun-Times"It’s a sad day, but what a life."
Deadline"Sonny Curtis, a vintage rock 'n' roller who wrote the raw classic “I Fought the Law” and posed the enduring question “Who can turn the world on with her smile?” as the writer-crooner of the theme song to “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” has died at 88."
ABC News"It's a sad day, but what a life."
CBS News"Curtis was a childhood friend of Buddy Holly’s and an active musician in the formative years of rock, whether jamming on guitar with Holly in the mid-1950s or opening for Elvis Presley when Elvis was still a regional act."
Associated PressArticles (6)
Center (5)
FAQ
Sonny Curtis was renowned for writing the iconic TV theme 'Love is All Around' for 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and the classic hit 'I Fought the Law.' He wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs covered by artists like Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, and Bruce Springsteen.
Sonny Curtis was a childhood friend of Buddy Holly and a member of The Crickets. After Holly's death, Curtis helped continue the group's legacy and notably opened for Elvis Presley early in his career.
Curtis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, honoring his extensive contributions to music.
Growing up in rural West Texas, Curtis learned guitar from his aunt and was influenced by listening to rhythm and blues artists on the radio along with Buddy Holly, developing his songwriting while working on his family's farm.
Yes, Curtis wrote 'The Real Buddy Holly Story' to correct misconceptions from a 1978 film; he recounted that Holly always treated producers with respect and denied a famous on-screen fight scene with producer Owen Bradley, stating it never happened.
History
- 1M3 articles