Sonny Curtis left an indelible mark on American music, shaping rock, country, and pop with timeless songs that continue to resonate across generations. From his early days alongside Buddy Holly to penning classics like “I Fought the Law” and “Love Is All Around,” his influence stretched far beyond the stage.

Born in Meadow, Texas, in 1937, Sonny Curtis grew up surrounded by bluegrass traditions, learning guitar from his uncles in the Mayfield Brothers band. By the mid-1950s, he was performing with Buddy Holly, even opening shows for Elvis Presley. Though Holly later formed The Crickets without him, Curtis rejoined the group in 1958, just before Holly’s tragic death. Curtis then stepped into the role of lead guitarist and vocalist, helping the band carry on its legacy.

Curtis’s true impact came through his songwriting. His catalog includes:

• “I Fought the Law” – First recorded by The Crickets, later immortalized by the Bobby Fuller Four, The Clash, and Green Day.
• “Walk Right Back” – Written during his Army service, it became a hit for the Everly Brothers in 1961 and later for Anne Murray.
• “More Than I Can Say” – Co-written with Jerry Allison, recorded by Bobby Vee, and revived as a global hit by Leo Sayer in 1980.
• “Love Is All Around” – The beloved theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, cementing his place in pop culture.
• “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” – A No. 1 country hit for Keith Whitley in 1989.

His songs crossed genres effortlessly, recorded by artists ranging from Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, and The Grateful Dead.

Curtis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Crickets, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the West Texas Walk of Fame. His career spanned seven decades, during which he also worked as a session guitarist and jingle writer for major brands, showcasing his versatility.

What makes Sonny Curtis remarkable is how his work bridged eras. His songs became standards, reinterpreted by new generations of musicians, proving their timeless appeal. “I Fought the Law” became a rebellious anthem, while “Love Is All Around” captured optimism and resilience. Curtis’s ability to write music that was both deeply personal and universally relatable ensured his place in the fabric of American music.

In remembering Sonny Curtis, we celebrate not just a songwriter, but a storyteller whose melodies and lyrics continue to echo across stages, radios, and hearts worldwide.

Be sure to join us for Sock Hop Saturday Night this evening at 8 p.m.. Host Bruce Vasbinder will pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sonny Curtis with a special set during the second hour of the show.