POPULAR singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis has died at the age of 88.

The rock pioneer, who was known for fronting Buddy Holly's band The Crickets, died of a "sudden illness", his family said.

Curtis' daughter Sarah confirmed the news of his death in a heartbreaking social media post.

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.

“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.”

Curtis began collaborating

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