The Crickets are saying goodbye to a beloved member and the music world is mourning after it was announced frontman Sonny Curtis died on Friday, September 19, 2025. He was 88 years old. The musician’s daughter, Sarah, announced his death through a Facebook post she uploaded to his page the following day.
She wrote, “I’m heartbroken to tell you that my dad Sonny passed away yesterday after a sudden illness. I’m so grateful that I was with him at the end, along with my mom. It was peaceful and he didn’t suffer.”
GettyShe went on, “He was 88 and he lived a more exceptional life than anyone I’d ever met. He made a mark on this world, and he made a mark on the hearts of all who knew him. It’s a sad day, but what a life. May we look at his life with joy rather than sadness. He would have wanted that.”
Fans showed an outpouring of love in response to the post. One said, “Sonny was was always kind and a great person to work with on gigs,” before calling him, “One great songwriter!”
Another penned the sweet sentiment, “My condolences to you and your family. Your dad was an incredible songwriter and storyteller. He brought alot of joy to the world with his words! May he rest in peace.”
The Man Behind ‘I Fought the Law’
The Hollywood Reporter says along with being the frontman of his own band, The Crickets, Curtis was a prolific songwriter for other artists. One of his most unforgettable hits was “I Fought the Law,” which was originally recorded by The Crickets in 1959 before becoming a major success after The Bobby Fuller Four released their version in 1965.
The outlet also lists “Walk Right Back,” which he wrote for The Everly Brothers, and “More Than I Can Say,” performed by Leo Sayer, as some of his other most memorable works.
Sonny Curtis’ Unusual Hall of Fame Induction
In 2012, Curtis and the rest of the members of The Crickets were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in a move which many fans considered overdue. Goldmine magazine says member Buddy Holly was controversially inducted without his bandmates in 1986.
The report says Holly was undoubtedly the focal point of the group, but fans didn’t understand his bandmates’ exclusion considering they weren’t a “backing band for a solo artist.”
The same year of The Crickets’ induction, several other full bands were inducted who had also been lef tout when their lead singers were inducted. They included The Miracles, Bill Haley’s Comets, The Famous Flames, Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps and The Midnighters.
