Sonny Curtis, the Texas-born singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buddy Holly and creation of the theme for the “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died on Friday, September 19.
Curtis was 88. He is survived by Louise, his wife of more than 50 years, as well as a daughter, Sarah.
Sarah shared the news of her father’s death in a Facebook post on Saturday morning, revealing the musician’s cause of death in the process.
‘He didn’t suffer’
Sonny Curtis died following what his daughter said was a “sudden illness,” according to her social media post.
“I’m heartbroken to tell you that my dad Sonny passed away yesterday after a sudden illness,” Sarah wrote. “I’m so grateful that I was with him at the end, along with my mom. It was peaceful and he didn’t suffer.”
During his decades in the music business, Curtis put together a unique and accomplished career that is worth remembering following his passing.
A legendary run
Curtis, who began playing guitar at a young age, met Buddy Holly at age 15 in 1952. Six years later, he joined Holly’s band, The Crickets, and remained with the group after Holly’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1959.
Curtis also wrote major hits such as “Walk Right Back,” performed by The Everly Brothers and “I Fought the Law,” which was made popular by The Bobby Fuller Four and later covered by The Clash and other bands.
Additionally, Curtis wrote and recorded “Love Is All Around,” the theme song for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991, the Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Crickets in 2012.
“He was 88 and he lived a more exceptional life than anyone I’d ever met,” Curtis’ daughter said Saturday. “He made a mark on this world, and he made a mark on the hearts of all who knew him. It’s a sad day, but what a life. May we look at his life with joy rather than sadness. He would have wanted that.”
