Sonny Curtis, a renowned rock ‘n’ roll musician known for penning the iconic “I Fought the Law” and the famous theme song for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” has passed away at the age of 88.
On Friday, Curtis’ death was confirmed by Louise Curtis, his wife of over 50 years. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Crickets in 2012. His family announced on his Facebook page that he had recently fallen ill.
“He made a significant impact on the world and touched the hearts of many. It’s a somber day, but we should celebrate his life. He would have wanted that,” the family statement expressed.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum also paid tribute to Curtis, with CEO Kyle Young commenting, “Sonny Curtis was a modest and kind man who composed remarkable songs.”
Curtis’ songwriting legacy includes a vast array of hits, from Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” to the Everly Brothers’ “Walk Right Back,” which he wrote while undergoing Army training. His work has been interpreted by notable artists such as Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, Bruce Springsteen, and the Grateful Dead.
Curtis’ Early Collaboration with Buddy Holly
Born during the Great Depression in Texas, Curtis was a childhood friend of Buddy Holly and played a vital role in the early rock music scene. Even before he turned 20, he had penned songs like “Someday” for Webb Pierce and “Rock Around With Ollie Vee” for Holly. Although he left The Crickets before Holly became famous, he returned after Holly’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1959.
Curtis’ famous song “I Fought the Law,” written in just one afternoon, didn’t gain popularity until 1966, when the Bobby Fuller Four made it a Top 10 hit. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, solidifying its status in music history. “It’s my most significant copyright,” Curtis stated in 2014.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show Theme
One of Curtis’ most notable contributions was the theme song for the iconic CBS sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which premiered in 1970. Initially crafting commercial jingles, he created “Love is All Around,” which featured lyrics that have become timeless:
“Who can turn the world on with her smile? / Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? / Well it’s you girl, and you should know it.”
The show’s iconic image of Moore tossing her hat, paired with the song’s uplifting message, ensured its lasting impact, leading to covers by artists like Sammy Davis Jr. and Joan Jett. Despite initial reluctance from producers who considered having Andy Williams sing it, Curtis’ own voice became well recognized.
Solo Career and Legacy
Curtis had a successful solo career, releasing albums like “Sonny Curtis” and “Spectrum,” and reached the country Top 20 with “Good Ol’ Girls.” Residing in Nashville from the mid-1970s, Curtis continued to collaborate with Allison and other members of The Crickets, releasing albums featuring collaborations with stars like Eric Clapton and Graham Nash.
He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991 and later into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007 as part of The Crickets. Five years after that, he received recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for helping to lay the groundwork for rock bands, inspiring countless musicians worldwide.
