Sonny Curtis, a revered figure in the vintage rock ‘n’ roll scene known for penning the iconic track “I Fought the Law” and crafting the memorable theme song for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” has passed away at the age of 88.
Curtis, a member of the Crickets who was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, died on Friday as confirmed by his wife of over fifty years, Louise Curtis. His daughter, Sarah Curtis, also shared the news of his passing on his Facebook page.
Expressing her grief, Sarah stated, “I’m devastated to share that my father Sonny passed away yesterday after a sudden illness. I’m thankful that I was by his side at the end, along with my mom. It was a peaceful moment, and he did not endure any suffering.”
Describing her father’s remarkable life, she added, “He lived a more extraordinary life than anyone I’ve ever known. He left a lasting impact on this world and in the hearts of all who crossed paths with him. While it’s a somber day, we should reflect on his life with joy rather than sorrow. That’s how he would have wanted it.”
Curtis was a prolific songwriter, contributing to numerous hits such as Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” and the Everly Brothers’ “Walk Right Back.” His musical talents were recognized by artists like Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, Bruce Springsteen, and the Grateful Dead, who covered his compositions.
During his early days, Curtis shared a close bond with Buddy Holly and showcased his songwriting prowess by crafting hits like “Someday” for Webb Pierce and “Rock Around With Ollie Vee” for Holly before the age of 20. His association with Holly’s Crickets saw him rejoining the group following Holly’s tragic death in 1959, leading to the release of the album “In Style with the Crickets” featuring the hit “I Fought the Law.”
The timeless appeal of “I Fought the Law” with its iconic line “I fought the law — and the law won” gained popularity in 1966 through a rendition by the Bobby Fuller Four, subsequently covered by various artists spanning punk, country, and mainstream rock genres.
Apart from his rock achievements, Curtis made a notable mark with the uplifting theme song “Love is All Around” for the TV series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The song, synonymous with the show’s success, was embraced by a diverse range of artists over the years, adding to Curtis’s musical legacy.
Continuing his musical journey, Curtis ventured into solo projects, achieving a country Top 20 hit with “Good Ol’ Girls” in 1981 and collaborating with members of the Crickets on several albums. His contributions to the music industry were acknowledged with inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the Crickets, solidifying his place in music history.