Will Jennings, the Oscar-winning lyricist known for timeless hits such as "My Heart Will Go On," "Tears in Heaven," and "Up Where We Belong," has died at the age of 80. His passing was confirmed by his caregiver, Martha Sherrod, who reported that Jennings died at his home in Tyler, Texas on Friday, September 6. He had been in declining health for the past five years. Jennings made a significant impact on the music and film industries, earning accolades that include three Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, and two Academy Awards.
Born Wilbur Hershel Jennings on June 27, 1944, in Kilgore, Texas, he began his career in music after a brief stint as a teacher at Austin State University. His rise in the industry began in the mid-1970s, and he collaborated with composer Richard Kerr to produce hits for Barry Manilow, including "Looks Like We Made It" and "Somewhere In The Night."
His Oscar-winning work shines through in the power ballads he penned for films. Jennings first received an Academy Award nomination for "People Alone" in 1980, ultimately securing his first Oscar for "Up Where We Belong" in 1983. The following decade, he tackled the emotional depths of loss with Eric Clapton on the song "Tears in Heaven," which was featured in the film "Rush." His most iconic achievement came with Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" for James Cameron’s blockbuster film, "Titanic," further solidifying his legacy in song.
Other notable artists who benefited from Jennings' lyrical craft include Roy Orbison, Whitney Houston, B.B. King, and Diana Ross. He continued to write for film, collaborating with James Horner on pieces such as "Where Are You Christmas?" from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and "All Love Can Be" for "A Beautiful Mind." In 2006, Jennings earned further recognition with an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife Carole and his sisters Joyce and Gloria. A profound loss to the music community, Jennings' legacy will continue through the indelible songs that resonate with audiences around the globe.