Will Jennings, the acclaimed lyricist behind iconic hits such as Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” has passed away at the age of 80, according to reports from multiple U.S. media outlets.
Jennings reportedly died at his home in Texas, though the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Jennings, a native of Kilgore, Texas, enjoyed a prolific career spanning five decades.
His journey in Hollywood began in 1976, and he quickly rose to prominence with the success of songs like Barry Manilow’s “Looks Like We Made It,” co-written with Richard Kerr in 1977.
His partnership with Kerr continued with Manilow’s hit “Somewhere in the Night,” cementing Jennings’ reputation as a master songwriter.
Over the years, he wrote for legendary artists including B.B. King, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Roy Orbison, and many others.
Jennings’ work on film soundtracks garnered widespread acclaim. He won his first Academy Award in 1983 for the song “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman.
He later earned a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Eric Clapton on “Tears in Heaven” for the movie Rush.
However, it was the 1997 Titanic soundtrack that brought Jennings his greatest recognition.
His lyrics for “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Celine Dion, won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammy Awards in 1998, making it one of the most beloved songs in cinematic history.
Over his illustrious career, Jennings was nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning three, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tributes have poured in from the music world. Singer Peter Wolf described Jennings as “a maestro, brilliant mind, and a gentle spirit,” and praised his generosity and patience as a collaborator and friend.
Will Jennings leaves behind a timeless musical legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Will Jennings, co-writer of Titanic’s ‘My heart will go on’ dies at 80