The music world mourns the loss of Sonny Curtis, a legendary rock 'n' roll artist and songwriter, who passed away at the age of 88. Curtis, best known for penning the iconic theme song to the beloved television series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," left an indelible mark on popular culture. His death was confirmed by his wife, Louise Curtis, after a sudden illness.
His contributions to music extend far beyond the instantly recognizable "Love is All Around." A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Crickets member (inducted in 2012), Curtis also wrote the rebellious rock anthem "I Fought the Law," a song that has been covered by countless artists across genres, from punk legends The Clash to country icons Johnny Cash and Nanci Griffith. His songwriting prowess also touched upon other notable hits, including Keith Whitley's country classic "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" and the Everly Brothers' "Walk Right Back." The breadth of his work showcases a versatility that transcended musical boundaries, appealing to a wide audience throughout his career.
Born during the Great Depression in Texas, Curtis's childhood friendship with Buddy Holly shaped his early musical trajectory. He played alongside Holly in the formative years of rock and roll, even opening for Elvis Presley during the King's early days. Curtis' songwriting talent emerged early, with hits like "Someday" for Webb Pierce and "Rock Around With Ollie Vee" for Holly under his belt before he reached 20.
Despite leaving The Crickets before Holly's rise to superstardom, Curtis returned after Holly's tragic death in 1959. His involvement in the album "In Style with the Crickets" cemented his legacy, adding another layer to his already impressive contributions to the music world. His work on the album solidified his place in rock and roll history.
His contribution to television history is equally significant. The theme song for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," a simple yet powerful melody with poignant lyrics, perfectly encapsulated the show's spirit of independence and optimism. The song's enduring appeal, enhanced by Mary Tyler Moore's iconic hat toss, continues to resonate with audiences today.
Beyond his individual achievements, Curtis remained an active musician throughout his life, collaborating with other members of The Crickets and releasing solo albums. His induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007 further demonstrate the depth and lasting impact of his musical legacy. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's recognition of The Crickets as 'the blueprint for rock and roll bands' encapsulates the enduring power of Curtis's influence on generations of musicians. He leaves behind a rich musical tapestry that will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sonny-curtis-who-wrote-the-mary-tyler-moore-show-theme-song-dies-88/
