Will Jennings, the Oscar-winning lyricist behind some of the most iconic songs in popular music and film, has died at 80. After several years of declining health, his talent agency confirmed his passing on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at his home in Tyler, Texas. “May his memory be a blessing,” said Sam Schwartz with The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.
Born in Kilgore, Texas on June 27, 1944, Jennings began his career as an English professor before transitioning to full-time songwriting. His remarkable ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics led to collaborations with numerous renowned artists and resulted in some of the most beloved songs of the past several decades.
Jennings’ most famous works include the Titanic theme “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Celine Dion, and “Tears in Heaven,” co-written with Eric Clapton. Both songs earned him Academy Awards, adding to his impressive accolades, including three Grammy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
Throughout his career, Jennings demonstrated versatility by writing for diverse artists, including Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, B.B. King, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffett, Barry Manilow, and Roy Orbison. His collaborations spanned genres and generations, showcasing his ability to adapt his writing style to complement different musical voices.
One of Jennings’ earliest successes came in 1977 with Barry Manilow’s hit “Looks Like We Made It,” co-written with composer Richard Kerr. Two years later, this partnership continued with another top-10 hit for Manilow, “Somewhere in the Night.”
Jennings’ work with Steve Winwood proved exceptionally fruitful, resulting in a series of successful albums and hit songs. Their collaboration began with Winwood’s 1981 album “Arc of a Diver” and continued with “Talking Back to the Night” in 1982, which produced the hit “Valerie.” Their partnership reached new heights with the 1986 album “Back in the High Life,” featuring the Grammy-nominated song “Higher Love.”
In 1982, Jennings received his first Academy Award for “Up Where We Belong,” which he co-wrote with Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes performed the song, which was featured in the film “An Officer and a Gentleman” and became a chart-topping hit.
Jennings’ ability to capture raw emotion in his lyrics was perhaps most evident in his 1991 collaboration with Eric Clapton on “Tears in Heaven.” The song, written for the film “Rush,” earned Jennings a Grammy Award for Song of the Year and deeply resonated with listeners worldwide.
However, the 1997 blockbuster “Titanic” would cement Jennings’ place in music history. The film’s theme, “My Heart Will Go On,” co-written with composer James Horner and performed by Celine Dion, became a global phenomenon. The song earned Jennings his second Academy Award and is considered one of the most-played radio hits in history.
Following the announcement of Jennings’ death, many musicians and collaborators offered tributes. Peter Wolf, who collaborated with Jennings on two albums, characterized him as a maestro with a brilliant mind and gentle spirit. Wolf further elaborated that Jennings generously shared his talents, displaying patience and kindness. He described Jennings as a valued friend and mentor who significantly enhanced Wolf’s life in numerous ways.
Musician Christopher Cross, who also had the opportunity to work with Jennings, called the experience a “master class in lyric writing.” Songwriter Diane Warren expressed her admiration, stating that “the love for your brilliant songs will go on forever.”
Jennings’ impact on the music industry was formally recognized in 2006 when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This honor solidified his status as one of his generation’s most accomplished and celebrated lyricists.
Beyond his work in popular music, Jennings also made significant contributions to film soundtracks. In addition to his well-known hits, he wrote “Where Are You Christmas?” with James Horner and Mariah Carey for the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “One Day I’ll Fly Away,” which was featured in the film “Moulin Rouge!”
Jennings is survived by his wife, Carole Elizabeth Thurman, and his sisters, Joyce and Gloria. He had no children.