Celebration of Life Honors Legendary Songwriter Will Jennings

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater was filled with an atmosphere of reflection and celebration yesterday afternoon as the music community gathered to honor the life and legacy of Will Jennings. Jennings, an extraordinary songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music industry, passed away on September 6, 2024, in his home in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 80.

Known for his remarkable lyrical talent, Jennings penned numerous timeless masterpieces for a diverse range of musical legends, including Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, Roy Orbison, B.B. King, Celine Dion, and Tim McGraw, among others.

The celebration was a touching and joyous reflection on Jennings’ monumental contributions to music. The event featured highlights of Jennings’ illustrious career through personal testimonies from fellow songwriters, artists, and friends who reminisced about his kindness, creativity, and the profound impact he had on the music industry. The gathering also included moving performances of some of Jennings’ most beloved songs, with artists who had collaborated with him offering heartfelt renditions of his classics.

Special guest appearances and performances included Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Wendy Moten, and Lilly Winwood, daughter of Steve Winwood. One particularly poignant moment during the event was a video tribute from Steve Winwood, who spoke fondly of a special piece of music Jennings often played for him. Winwood recounted a cherished memory from a decade ago when he sang this melody to Jennings, a moment he will always hold dear.

Jennings was widely celebrated for his extraordinary songwriting abilities and his immense influence on the world of music. Born in Kilgore, Texas, and later moving to Tyler, Jennings was originally inspired by iconic blues songs. Realizing that he couldn’t make a living writing blues songs, Jennings pursued degrees in poetry and eventually became an Associate Professor of English and French literature at the

University of Wisconsin. However, his passion for music led him to Nashville, where he caught the attention of music publisher Lance Freed in 1974, who signed Jennings to a publishing deal.

Jennings’ collaboration with Eric Clapton on the timeless classic “Tears in Heaven,” written in the wake of Clapton’s tragic loss, earned Jennings global recognition and multiple Grammy Awards. His biggest hit remains the 1997 Titanic theme “My Heart Will Go On,” a song co-written with composer James Horner and sung by Celine Dion, which won numerous awards, including Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes, becoming the most-played radio hit in history.

Jennings’ legacy includes an array of hits such as “Up Where We Belong,” “Can’t We Go On Together,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” “People Alone,” “Back in the High Life Again,” “My Father’s Eyes,” “Free Fallin,” “While You See a Chance,” “Please Remember Me,” “Where Are You Christmas,” “Somewhere in the Night,” and “Street Life.” He also co-wrote “Higher Love” with Steve Winwood, which landed at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100.

Recognition of Jennings’ work extends beyond just accolades. He received numerous Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards for “My Heart Will Go On” and “Up Where We Belong.” His contributions earned him inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, and The Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame in Austin.

Beyond his musical achievements, Jennings was a staunch advocate for songwriters’ rights and a mentor to aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. His passing signifies the end of an era, but his timeless songs serve as a testament to his extraordinary talent. Will Jennings’ legacy continues to inspire future generations through his music, influence, and the fond memories of those privileged to know and work alongside him. Jennings is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carole Thurman, and his two sisters, Joyce and Gloria.

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