Sonny Curtis, a first-generation rocker and a highly successful songwriter, was saluted at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville as part of its “Poets and Prophets” series today.
The program was a compelling reminder of the many talented contributors to contemporary music who are not household names, but should be. The warm and self-effacing Curtis has had an extraordinary career, playing and recording with Holly before the Crickets were formed, writing the classic “I Fought the Law” (famously covered by the Bobby Fuller Four and the Clash) and writing and performing the indelible theme to the Mary Tyler Moore show.
Curtis reflected on his childhood (“We were poor with three Os”) and his friendship with Holly (“I think we were friends before we met.”)
Shortly after Holly’s death, Curtis joined the Crickets as the new lead vocalist. The band needed a new song and he delivered “I Fought the Law.” He said he played it for Jerry Allison and Joe B. Mauldin and they said “Hey man, that’s good enough for this album.” Shrewd move.
Curtis said his vocals ended up on the Mary Tyler Moore show opening “Love is All Around” because he insisted on it, telling the producers they couldn’t use the song without him. “I wouldn’t do that today,” he laughed.