Sonny Curtis, Legendary Songwriter of ‘I Fought the Law’ and Buddy Holly Bandmate, Dead at 88
via Music News Radio / YouTube
Early Career and Songwriting Legacy
Sonny Curtis, the celebrated guitarist and songwriter, has died at the age of 88. His daughter Sarah Curtis Graziano confirmed he passed away in the hospital from complications of pneumonia.
Curtis was a key member of The Crickets, Buddy Holly’s backing band, and wrote the rock classic “I Fought the Law,” later made famous by the Bobby Fuller Four and The Clash. He also penned the beloved Mary Tyler Moore Show theme “Love Is All Around.” Alongside fellow Cricket Jerry Allison, Curtis played on Eddie Cochran recordings such as “Three Steps to Heaven” and “Cut Across Shorty.”
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Family’s Tribute
On Facebook, Sarah shared a heartfelt message: “I’m heartbroken to tell you that my dad Sonny passed away yesterday after a sudden illness. I’m so grateful that I was with him at the end, along with my mom. It was peaceful and he didn’t suffer.”
She continued, “He was 88 and he lived a more exceptional life than anyone I’d ever met. 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.”
Life With The Crickets
After Buddy Holly’s death in 1959, Curtis stayed with The Crickets as the group shifted through different frontmen, including Earl Sinks, David Box, and Jerry Naylor, before Curtis himself took over as lead singer. He served as both lead guitarist and vocalist from 1962 to 1985, returning again from 1994 until the band’s end in 2016.
Beyond his work with The Crickets, Curtis wrote “Walk Right Back” for The Everly Brothers and co-wrote “More Than I Can Say,” later a hit for Leo Sayer.
Curtis is survived by his wife Louise Halverson, whom he married in 1970, their daughter Sarah, and three granddaughters.
