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My Heart Will Go On co-writer Will Jennings dies at age 80

BBG News

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for music, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss upon hearing about the passing of Will Jennings at the age of 80. His impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and his contributions to some of the most iconic songs of our time are truly unforgettable.

Will Jennings, the songwriter known for hit songs such as My Heart Will Go On, has died at age 80.

Jennings’ death was announced on Friday, August 6 by his longtime publisher.

No cause of death was revealed, but the songwriter had reportedly been ill for some time. 

In 1998, Jennings shared an Oscar with the late James Horner for their collaboration on the iconic Titanic theme song, which was a massive hit sung by Celine Dion and topped music charts.

Approximately 13 years prior, Jennings was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Up Where We Belong,” a track featured in the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman.” That film starred Debra Winger and Richard Gere.

He shared that honor with co-writers Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

In 1993, the poignant ballad “Tears in Heaven,” performed by Eric Clapton, was featured in the film Rush. This heartfelt song won both a Golden Globe and a Grammy that year.

Born in Kilgore, Texas in June 1944, Jennings continued his education by earning a degree in English from Stephen F. Austin State University in his native state. Following this achievement, he spent three years teaching English at the University of Wisconsin located in Eau Claire.

Throughout the course of his illustrious career, Jennings composed numerous chart-toppers for various artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, among others.

Houston’s “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and Barry Manilow’s “Looks Like We Made It” both reached the top of the charts.

Jennings was responsible for creating two number-one songs for Steve Winwood, namely “Higher Love” and “Roll With It.” Additionally, he is known for other hits such as “Back in the High Life Again” and “Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do.

The prolific artist was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.

Longtime friend Peter Wolf paid tribute to Jennings on social media.

Reflecting on the loss, the ex-leader of J. Geils Band expressed his sorrow as he remembered Will Jennings, a remarkable composer, whose intellect shone brightly and possessed a tranquil soul.

“He graciously and generously passed on his skills to me, always showing patience; he was not just a friend, but a valued mentor who greatly enriched my life.

Working alongside such a musical genius for all those years was an immense privilege… In the words of one of his preferred poets, W.B. Yeats, “Recall where human glory first emerges and concludes, and let me add that mine was having such remarkable companions.

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2024-09-07 23:48

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