Sonny Curtis, songwriter behind « I Fought the Law » and « The Mary Tyler Moore Show » theme, died Friday at 88 after a sudden illness.
Sonny Curtis, the prolific songwriter behind « I Fought the Law » and The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song, died Friday at age 88.
His wife Louise Curtis confirmed his death to the Associated Press, with his daughter Sarah Curtis noting on Facebook that he had been suddenly ill.Why It Matters
Curtis’ death marks the end of an era for American popular music.
His songwriting spanned multiple decades and genres, from rock ‘n’ roll’s formative years through television’s golden age. The songwriter’s work influenced countless artists and became woven into the cultural fabric of American entertainment, with songs that remain instantly recognizable today.What To Know
Born during the Great Depression to cotton farmers in Texas, Curtis was a childhood friend of Buddy Holly and played a crucial role in rock music’s early development.
He wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs recorded by artists ranging from Bing Crosby to Bruce Springsteen. His most famous compositions include « I Fought the Law », which he reportedly wrote in a single afternoon, and « Love is All Around », the theme for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
