Sonny Curtis, a cornerstone of early rock ‘n’ roll who helped shape the sound of American music for more than six decades, died at age 88, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of songwriting and performance.
Born in 1937 in the tiny town of Meadow, Texas, during the Great Depression, Curtis developed his musical talents early, learning guitar at just four years old under the influence of his uncles, who were established Texas bluegrass musicians.
Curtis’s career began to take shape in his teens when he formed musical partnerships with Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery, leading to performances opening for legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. His innovative guitar work, particularly being the first to use a Fender Stratocaster on a rock record, helped establish the sonic template for generations of musicians to follow.
The revolutionary teenager who strummed his way into rock history alongside Buddy Holly, defining a generation’s sound with his Stratocaster.
In 1958, Curtis officially joined The Crickets as lead guitarist and vocalist following Holly’s departure from the group. After Holly’s tragic death in 1959, Curtis maintained The Crickets’ legacy, continuing to perform and record influential early rock music, including the iconic “I Fought the Law,” which he wrote and would later be covered by bands ranging from The Clash to Green Day.
Throughout his prolific career, Curtis wrote over 500 songs spanning multiple genres, with his compositions recorded by artists as diverse as Tom Petty, Hank Williams Jr., and The Everly Brothers. Curtis also penned the hit song “Walk Right Back” for the Everly Brothers, which later became a successful recording for Anne Murray as well. His meticulous approach to recording vocals, ensuring the instrumental backing was mostly complete before capturing vocal performances, helped create the distinctive sound that made his songs so memorable across vocal genres.
Perhaps most recognizable to television audiences was his theme for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” featuring the memorable line “Who can turn the world on with her smile?” The song became a cultural touchstone for working women across America during the 1970s.
His expertise in sync licensing proved particularly valuable as his songs appeared in numerous films and television programs throughout his career, generating substantial royalties long after their initial release.
Curtis received numerous accolades for his contributions to American music, including induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991, the Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of The Crickets.
His 1981 country hit “Good Ol’ Girls” and Keith Whitley‘s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” further demonstrated his versatility as a songwriter across multiple decades and musical styles.
