Sonny Curtis, the author of The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme and guitarist for The Crickets, has passed away.

Legendary musician Sonny Curtis has passed away

According to The Sun: Famous singer and songwriter Sonny Curtis has died at the age of 88.

The rock icon, who was the lead singer of Buddy Holly's The Crickets, passed away due to a 'sudden illness', his family reported.

Getty AP

Curtis's daughter, Sara, confirmed this tragic news in an emotional social media post.

“I am devastated that my dad Sonny passed away yesterday after a sudden illness. I am so grateful to have been with him in his last moments along with my mom. It was peaceful, and he did not suffer. He was 88 and lived an exceptional life. He left his mark on the world and in the hearts of all who knew him. Today is a sad day, but it was a wonderful life. Let's look at his life with joy, not sadness. He would have wanted that.”

Curtis started collaborating with Buddy Holly before The Crickets formed in 1957. They opened shows for artists such as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

After Holly's tragic death at the age of 22, Curtis became the lead vocalist and guitarist of the group. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with The Crickets.

Throughout his career, Curtis wrote numerous songs, including 'Rock Around With Ollie Vee', written at the age of 20. He also created music for the television show 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', which aired on CBS for seven seasons.

“It was a deal that happened in one day. I had a very good friend who worked at the Williams-Price Agency, and they managed Mary Tyler Moore,”

Curtis recalled in 2017 about writing this song.

Among his solo achievements is a top-20 hit on the country charts with 'Good Ol’ Girls' in 1981. In 1991, he became a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Louise and daughter Sara.

Redferns Sonny Curtis left a vibrant mark on the music world, gaining popularity thanks to his talent and unique style. His creativity influenced many contemporary musicians, and his classic songs continue to resonate on the airwaves today. With his passing, the music community has lost one of the brighter representatives of rock and roll.