Musician Sonny Curtis, a member of the Crickets and writer of the theme song for 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', passes away at the age of 88.
Sonny Curtis, a pioneering figure in rock 'n' roll music and the composer of the iconic theme song for the TV show "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," has passed away at the age of 88.
Curtis, a childhood friend of Buddy Holly's, was an active musician in the formative years of rock. He joined Holly's band, the Crickets, and together they achieved early success with hits like "That'll Be the Day" and "Peggy Sue." However, Curtis left the group before Holly became a major star but returned after Holly's tragic death in 1959.
As a solo artist, Curtis made a handful of albums, including "Sonny Curtis" and "Spectrum." But he is perhaps best known for his work as a songwriter. He penned or co-wrote hundreds of songs, including "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" for Keith Whitley, "Walk Right Back" for the Everly Brothers, and "I Fought the Law" for The Crickets, a song that has been covered by numerous artists since, including the Clash, Johnny Cash, Nanci Griffith, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen.
Curtis' most enduring contribution to popular culture, however, is undoubtedly "Love is All Around." Initially written for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," the lyrics include "Who can turn the world on with her smile? / Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?" The original lyrics were more tentative compared to the later versions, but the song's uplifting and indelible quality has made it one of the most cherished themes in television history.
The theme song was originally intended to be sung by Andy Williams, but he turned it down. Instead, Curtis' easygoing baritone was heard instead, a voice that would later be heard in the theme song of another iconic TV show, "Laverne & Shirley."
Curtis' contributions to music were recognised throughout his career. He was inducted into Nashville's Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Crickets in 2012, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991.
In later years, Curtis continued to play with Allison and other members of the Crickets. He settled in Nashville in the mid-1970s and lived there with his wife, Louise.
The Crickets also released several albums, including "The Crickets and Their Buddies," featuring appearances by Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, and Phil Everly.
Curtis' legacy will live on in the music he created and the shows he contributed to. "Love is All Around" will continue to be a reminder of his talent and the impact he had on popular culture.
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