BMI Remembers Legendary Songwriter Sonny Curtis

BMI was very saddened to learn legendary songwriter Sonny Curtis passed away on Friday. Curtis was best known as a member of The Crickets and as the writer of enduring classics like "I Fought the Law" and the beloved theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He was 88 years old.

Curtis, born and raised in Meadow, TX (pop.600), was a celebrated songwriter, guitarist, and pioneering figure in American music. He played an integral role in the birth of rock n' roll, performing alongside childhood friend Buddy Holly, opening for Elvis Presley, and penning hits before he was 20. After Holly's death in 1959, Curtis rejoined his group, The Crickets, and helped define their sound, writing "I Fought the Law," which became a hit for the Bobby Fuller Four and was later covered by legends from The Clash to Johnny Cash to Hank Williams, Jr.

In addition to his rock legacy, Curtis made a lasting mark on country music, writing hundreds of songs recorded by artists such as Keith Whitley's 1989 CMA Single of The Year ("I'm No Stranger to the Rain") and the Everly Brothers ("Walk Right Back"). His catalog was covered by Joan Jett, Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, Bruce Springsteen, J.J. Cale, the Grateful Dead, and more. Curtis's knack for melody and lyrics found new heights in 1970 with "Love is All Around," the theme for The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His upbeat, memorable tune became synonymous with optimism and aspiration.

His songwriting legacy is reflected in his membership in BMI's "Million Airs Club" for hits such as "I Fought the Law," "More Than I Can Say," "Walk Right Back," "The Straight Life," and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain," each a testament to his enduring impact on popular music.

Curtis's influence extended beyond his songwriting. He released solo albums like Sonny Curtis and Spectrum, continued to perform with The Crickets, and wrote "The Real Buddy Holly Story" as a tribute to his late friend. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1991), Nashville's Musicians Hall of Fame (2007), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Crickets (2012), and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013).

While Sonny Curtis will be sorely missed by his fans, friends and family at BMI, his legacy will continue to inspire generations, echoing the joy and resilience he brought to music and life.