His brief stint with The Crickets and the songs he penned for other artists, most notably “I Fought the Law” and “Walk Right Back,” helped lay the groundwork for what would become a defining blueprint of rock n’ roll. Not only were the songs commercially successful, but they also helped codify the sound, structure, and attitude that countless musicians would follow.

Through the lens of country and rhythm and blues, and shaped by his time with The Crickets, Sonny Curtis developed a knack for melody and songcraft rooted in the everyday experiences of love, loss, and resilience. contributing to his broad crossover appeal.

1. “Love Is All Around” – the history-making theme song from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, written and performed by Curtis
2. "I Fought the Law” – written by Curtis, recorded and released by the Bobby Fuller Four in 1965, and reached #9 on the on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later covered by the Clash, Dead Kennedys, Grateful Dead, and Nanci Griffith
3. “Walk Right Back” – written by Curtis, recorded and released by the Everly Brothers, peaking at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.

[HEAR THESE SONNY CURTIS TRACKS ON THE PLAINS TRAIL REGIONAL PLAYLIST]

Sonny Curtis was rumored to be the first rock 'n' roll musician to play a Fender Stratocaster, during Buddy Holly’s first Nashville sessions. In addition to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Curtis is also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame. He’s also inducted in the West Texas Walk of Fame in Lubbock.