Will Jennings, Oscar-Winning Co-Writer of “My Heart Will Go On,” Dies at 80

Will Jennings, the renowned Oscar-winning songwriter famous for hits like “My Heart Will Go On” from the blockbuster “Titanic” and “Tears in Heaven,” has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by his talent agency to CBS News.

Sam Schwartz from The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc. shared a heartfelt message, stating, “May his memory be a blessing.”

While the cause of death has not been disclosed, reports suggest that Jennings had been unwell for a significant period.

Born on June 27, 1944, in Kilgore, Texas, Jennings was the youngest of three siblings. Before making a name for himself in Hollywood, he worked as a professor at Tyler Junior College followed by Austin State University, and later spent three years teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Throughout his impressive career, Jennings collaborated with iconic artists such as Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffet, Barry Manilow, and Roy Orbison.

He was awarded two Academy Awards for co-writing the unforgettable themes of “Titanic,” performed by Celine Dion, and for “An Officer and a Gentleman,” which he co-wrote with Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Jennings also won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, along with Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Tears in Heaven,” which was performed by Eric Clapton for the film “Rush.”

In recognition of his contributions to music, Jennings was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.

Musician Peter Wolf paid tribute to Jennings, sharing his sorrow on social media. He expressed, “‘A Lot of Good Ones Gone’ … A sad time, the passing of Will Jennings, a maestro, brilliant mind, and a gentle spirit. Will shared his talents with me, ever patient and generous; he was a treasured friend and teacher, enriching my life in so many ways. It was an enormous honor to have worked with such a musical genius for so many years. To quote one of his favorite poets, W.B. Yeats, ‘Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.'”

Will Jennings is survived by his loving wife, Carole, and his sisters, Joyce and Gloria.

Source: CBS News