Will Jennings, the acclaimed songwriter behind iconic hits such as “My Heart Will Go On” from the film “Titanic” and “Tears in Heaven,” passed away at the age of 80, his talent agency confirmed to CBS News.
“May his memory be a blessing,” said Sam Schwartz of The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.
While no cause of death was announced, multiple reports indicate that Jennings had been battling an illness for some time.
Jennings, born in Kilgore, Texas on June 27, 1944, pursued a career in Hollywood after a successful period as a professor. He taught at Tyler Junior College, Austin State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before making his mark in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Jennings collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffet, Barry Manilow, and Roy Orbison.
Jennings’ legacy is marked by two Academy Awards for co-writing the iconic theme songs for “Titanic” and “An Officer and a Gentleman.” He also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Tears in Heaven,” performed by Eric Clapton, from the movie “Rush.”
His contributions to the world of music were recognized in 2006 when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Jennings is survived by his wife, Carole, and his sisters, Joyce and Gloria.
