Will Jennings, Songwriter of ‘Titanic’ passed away at 80

Will Jennings, the acclaimed songwriter best known for his poignant lyrics in the blockbuster film "Titanic," has passed away at the age of 80. His collaboration with composer James Horner on the iconic song "My Heart Will Go On" not only garnered critical acclaim but also became a cultural phenomenon, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Jennings' ability to weave emotional narratives into his lyrics allowed him to transcend conventional songwriting, establishing a unique space within the music industry that combined literary depth with melodic beauty.

Born in 1945 in Texas, Jennings began his career in music during the 1970s, penning songs for various artists across genres. However, it was his partnership with Horner that solidified his legacy. The release of "Titanic" in 1997 marked a turning point in both Jennings' career and popular music as a whole; the song's powerful themes of love and loss encapsulated not only the film's narrative but also echoed universal human experiences. The song won numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and multiple Grammy Awards, further cementing Jennings' status as a masterful lyricist.

Jennings won an Academy Award for Best Original Song along with composer James Horner for the haunting ballad from the 1997 disaster film, which was made legendary by Celine Dion.

He also won the coveted award for “Up Where We Belong” from “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “People Alone” from “The Competition.”

During his career, the Songwriters Hall inductee co-wrote six songs that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: Barry Manilow’s “Looks Like We Made It” (1977); Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes’ “Up Where We Belong” (1982); Winwood’s “Higher Love” (1986); Houston’s “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” (1987); Winwood’s “Roll With It” (1988); and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” (1998).

Jennings also collaborated with Clapton on “Tears in Heaven,” which hit No. 2 on the Hot 100 and topped Billboard‘s Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks in 1992. The tribute to Clapton’s late son also earned the pair a song of the year trophy at the 35th annual Grammy Awards.

Will Jennings was born in Kilgore, Texas, on June 27, 1944. He graduated from Tyler Junior College and taught English prior to his career as a songwriter and lyricist.

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Sarah H

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