At the age of 80, songwriter Will Jennings has died, his publisher confirmed to Variety on Saturday, September 7. Oscar-winning in 1999, he co-wrote the song “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Celine Dion and which became a cult classic with David Cameron’s film “Titanic.”
He is also the author of the song “Up Where We Belong”, performed by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes for the film “An Officer and a Gentleman”, for which he also received an Oscar.
One of the most famous lyricists of his generation
But Will Jennings was also known for writing “Tears in Heaven” (performed by Eric Clapton) for the film “Rush,” which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Original Song as well as Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. He also won three Grammy Awards.
Will Jennings was one of the most celebrated songwriters of the modern era, having had major success writing for Whitney Houston, Steve Winwood and Dionne Warwick. He also worked for and with Roy Orbison, Mariah Carey, BB King, Rodney Crowell, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, Jimmy Buffett and Joe Sample.
- BFMTV.com
