The music world mourns the loss of Will Jennings, the lyricist behind timeless hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “Tears in Heaven”, who has died at age 80.
At a Glance
- Will Jennings, an Oscar-winning US lyricist, has died at age 80.
- Jennings was known for hit songs such as “My Heart Will Go On,” “Tears in Heaven,” and “Up Where We Belong.”
- He died at home in Tyler, Texas; the cause of death was not disclosed.
- Jennings wrote over 500 songs for artists such as B.B. King, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey.
- He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
A Monumental Talent Passes
Acclaimed lyricist Will Jennings, known for his Oscar-winning work on “My Heart Will Go On” and “Tears in Heaven,” passed away at the age of 80. Jennings created words that evoked deep emotions and resonated across generations. He died at his home in Tyler, Texas, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
The impact of Jennings’ work on the music industry is profound. Born Wilbur Jennings in 1944, he initially pursued a career in academia, teaching at the University of Wisconsin. However, his passion for music led him to Nashville in 1971, where he became a celebrated lyricist in the country music scene.
Hits and Achievements
Jennings quickly made his mark, achieving his first No. 1 country hit in 1975 with “Feelins’” by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. His talents soon took him beyond country music; he moved to Los Angeles and transitioned to pop music, writing hits for Barry Manilow and Dionne Warwick.
Will Jennings, Oscar-winning lyricist of 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'Tears in Heaven,' dies at 80 https://t.co/zFryodXFdy
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) September 8, 2024
Another pivotal collaboration was with Eric Clapton. Together, they wrote “Tears in Heaven,” a tribute to Clapton’s late son, which became a massive hit and won a Golden Globe. Jennings shared the poignant story behind the song: “Eric had the first verse of the song written… This is a song so personal and so sad… it is unique in my experience of writing songs.”
Will Jennings, the two-time Oscar-winning lyricist who co-wrote Celine Dion’s "My Heart Will Go On" and Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven," has died at the age of 80 https://t.co/z8wm86ButX
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) September 7, 2024
A Legacy of Lyrical Masterpieces
Jennings also penned “Up Where We Belong,” performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, winning an Oscar and Bafta for the song. However, “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Céline Dion for the movie “Titanic,” remains his most successful piece. It won multiple awards, including four Grammys and an Oscar. Jennings revealed the inspiration for the song: “I had met this very vibrant woman who was about 101 years old… And she came into my mind. And I realized she could have been on the Titanic.”
A master of storytelling through song, Jennings collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Roy Orbison, Mariah Carey, Laura Branigan, and Dionne Warwick. Over his career, he wrote over 500 songs that have been recorded by some of the industry’s biggest names.
Will Jennings, an Oscar-winning writer behind mega-hits like "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie "Titanic" and "Tears in Heaven", died at the age of 80, his talent agency confirmed to CBS News. https://t.co/Qwt4vVpZwh
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 8, 2024
Tributes from the Music World
Jennings’ passing has prompted many tributes from notable personalities in the industry. Songwriter Diane Warren praised his enduring legacy: “The love for your brilliant songs will go on forever.”
Despite leaving us, Jennings’ lyrical legacy continues to inspire and move people worldwide. The music world has lost a true master of lyrical storytelling, but his timeless words will echo in the hearts of many for generations to come.
Sources
1. Will Jennings, Oscar-winning lyricist of My Heart Will Go On, dies aged 80
