Sonny Curtis: From Buddy Holly to Television Fame

Recognized instantly by many generations of television viewers, the theme song for 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' carries a legacy that eclipses the man behind it.

Before Sonny Curtis penned 'Love Is All Around' in 1970, he had already established a significant musical presence, collaborating with icons like Buddy Holly and delivering smash hits such as 'I Fought the Law.'

Curtis, born in West Texas in 1937, spent his early years on a cotton farm managed by his father. Reflecting on those times, Curtis described the hardships of harvesting cotton.

Music seeped into Curtis's life early, thanks to his aunt's guitar teaching. During hours spent on the farm, Curtis composed tunes in his mind: 'Driving the tractor back and forth, you have all the time in the world to think up songs.'

At just 14, Curtis crossed paths with Buddy Holly in Lubbock. Upon their meeting, he found Holly's effort to dye his hair left him resembling a black-and-tan coonhound, but they immediately bonded over their shared musical passion.

When asked about Holly's dedication to music, Curtis recalled Holly's unwavering belief in his own future success.

The two formed a deep friendship, often staying overnight at each other's homes and tuning into rhythm and blues broadcasts from Shreveport, which featured legends like Big Mama Thornton and Ray Charles.

Curtis and Holly were exploring their musical identity when Elvis Presley, still climbing to stardom, performed in their town, capturing their fascination not just with his music, but with the audience frenzy he inspired.

By 1956, Holly's band was opening for Elvis, positioning them at the crest of the burgeoning rock 'n' roll movement.

Recalling back to times with Elvis, Curtis noted his down-to-earth personality in the backstage environment.

Despite recording demo tracks, financial struggles forced Curtis to tour with Slim Whitman, who supported Curtis as a mentor.

Meanwhile, as Holly's new band, The Crickets, soared in popularity, Curtis had to watch from the sidelines, feeling excluded from their rise to fame.

Tragically, in early 1959, Holly's promising career ended abruptly with his untimely death in a plane crash. Curtis honored him as a pallbearer at his funeral.

Reflecting on Holly's age, Curtis marveled at the sheer volume of music Holly created in what was only the beginning of his potentially illustrious career.

Curtis eventually rejoined The Crickets, but the absence of Holly left a palpable void.

Curtis began to gain traction with his songwriting prowess. 'Walk Right Back,' penned by Curtis, became widely popular for the Everly Brothers.

'I Fought the Law,' another quick but memorable Curtis composition, has been covered by a range of artists, solidifying its place in music history.

Curtis now lives near Nashville with his wife, Louise, where they raised their daughter, and where he is honored in the Musicians Hall of Fame.

When The Crickets retired in 2012, they were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring impact.

Curtis's lasting renown, however, may lie in the theme he crafted for television. In 1970, living in Los Angeles, Curtis devised a theme song for a new sitcom centered around Mary Tyler Moore.

Drawing inspiration from a brief character outline, Curtis zeroed in on the protagonist's challenges, crafting lines that resonated with her journey to independence: 'How will you make it on your own?'

After composing the song, Curtis performed it for producer James L. Brooks, whose enthusiastic response led to numerous performances in a day.

Although initially uncertain if he would perform the song, Curtis's insistence ultimately secured him the gig, despite acknowledging later that his persistence might have been overbearing.

When Moore's sitcom gained popularity, Curtis was tasked with rewriting the lyrics to reflect the character's success in the second season.

Despite a career stretching back to rock 'n' roll's beginnings, Curtis remains modest, sharing simple advice for perseverance when prompted.

Mo Rocca quipped that Curtis's words of wisdom could well be the foundation of yet another memorable tune.