Renowned Lyricist Dies at 80

Will Jennings, the renowned lyricist behind iconic songs like “My Heart Will Go On” and “Tears in Heaven,” has passed away at 80, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music that touched millions.

At a Glance

Will Jennings, Oscar-winning lyricist, died at 80 in his Texas home.
He co-wrote hits including “My Heart Will Go On” and “Tears in Heaven.”
His career spanned five decades, collaborating with numerous music legends.
He won multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.

A Lifetime of Musical Achievements

Will Jennings, born Wilbur Jennings in 1944, began his illustrious career in Hollywood in 1976 after initially pursuing academia. His journey in the music industry spanned an impressive five decades, during which he collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business and penned lyrics that would become part of the American cultural fabric.

Jennings’ versatility as a songwriter was evident in his ability to craft hits across various genres. He started in the country music scene, achieving his first country No. 1 in 1975 with “Feelins'” by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. His transition to pop music brought forth chart-toppers like Barry Manilow’s “Looks Like We Made It” and Dionne Warwick’s “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.”

Oscar-Winning Collaborations

Jennings’ talent for creating emotionally resonant lyrics for films earned him numerous accolades. He won his first Academy Award in 1983 for “Up Where We Belong” from “An Officer and a Gentleman.” This success was followed by another Oscar win for the globally beloved “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic” in 1998, which also secured him a Golden Globe and a Grammy.

“I had met this very vibrant woman who was about 101 years old when I met her … And she came into my mind. And I realised she could have been on the Titanic. So I wrote everything from the point of view of a person of a great age looking back so many years,” Jennings said when speaking of the work he did on “Titanic.”

His collaboration with Eric Clapton on “Tears in Heaven” further showcased his ability to capture profound emotions in lyrics. The song, a tribute to Clapton’s late son, won a Grammy and received a Golden Globe nomination, cementing Jennings’ status as a master of his craft.

A Legacy in Music

Throughout his career, Jennings wrote for a diverse array of artists including B.B. King, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffett, and Roy Orbison. His partnership with Steve Winwood produced hits like “Higher Love,” further demonstrating his range and adaptability in the music industry.

“A sad time, the passing of Will Jennings, a maestro, brilliant mind and a gentle spirit. It was an enormous honor to have worked with such a musical genius,” said singer Peter Wolf on social media.

Jennings’ impact on the music world was officially recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. His ability to craft lyrics that resonated across generations and genres made him one of the most respected figures in the industry. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fellow artists and admirers, highlighting the profound influence he had on American music.

Will Jennings’ passing marks the end of an era in songwriting, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the timeless music he created. His words will continue to touch hearts and inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers for years to come.