Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sonny Curtis Dies at 88

Sonny Curtis, the prolific singer-songwriter known for composing the theme song to "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and the rock classic "I Fought the Law," has died at age 88 after a sudden illness. Born in Texas during the Great Depression, Curtis was a childhood friend of Buddy Holly and played guitar with him in the 1950s, later joining The Crickets and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Throughout his 70-year career, he wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs recorded by artists ranging from Keith Whitley to the Everly Brothers, with his work also covered by Bing Crosby, Bruce Springsteen, and the Grateful Dead. Despite significant influence on rock and country music, Curtis remained relatively low-profile, enjoying a normal life while sustaining a successful music career. His daughter expressed gratitude for being with him at the end, highlighting his exceptional life and lasting impact on those who knew him. Curtis' legacy endures through his timeless songs, including the iconic "Mary Tyler Moore Show" theme that continues to resonate.