Will Jennings facts for kids

Wilbur H. Jennings (born June 27, 1944 – died September 6, 2024) was an amazing American lyricist. He wrote the words for many famous songs. You might know his lyrics from "Tears in Heaven" and "My Heart Will Go On." Will Jennings won many big awards. These include three Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Academy Awards. He is also in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Will Jennings was born in Kilgore, Texas. He was the youngest of three children. He had two older sisters named Joyce and Gloria. Will went to school near Tyler, Texas.

After high school, he studied at Tyler Junior College. He even taught English there for a while. In 1967, he earned his college degree. This was from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Later, he taught at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire for three years.

A Career in Music

Will Jennings wrote songs for many different artists. Some of these famous singers include Steve Winwood, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, and Celine Dion. He also worked with B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett, and Mariah Carey.

Working with Steve Winwood

Will Jennings wrote many songs with the artist Steve Winwood. They created several albums together. These albums included Arc of a Diver and Back in the High Life. The album Back in the High Life had popular songs like "Higher Love" and "Back in the High Life Again." "Higher Love" was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

Hits for Movies

Will Jennings wrote many songs for movies. One of his most famous movie songs is "Up Where We Belong." He wrote this song for the film An Officer and a Gentleman. It became a number one hit for Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. This song also won an Academy Award and a BAFTA award.

In 1997, Will Jennings wrote the lyrics for "My Heart Will Go On." This song was for the movie Titanic. He wrote it with his friend James Horner. The song became a huge worldwide hit. It won a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Song. It also won several Grammy Awards.

Another big movie song he wrote was "Tears in Heaven." He wrote this with Eric Clapton. It won Song of the Year at the Grammys. It also won the Ivor Novello award. This award is for the best song from a film.

Will Jennings also worked with James Horner and Mariah Carey. They wrote "Where Are You Christmas?" for the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. He also wrote a song for the Oscar-winning movie A Beautiful Mind.

Other Famous Songs

Will Jennings wrote "Street Life" with Joe Sample. This was a big hit for the Crusaders. He also wrote "One Day I'll Fly Away" with Joe Sample. This song was featured in the movie Moulin Rouge!.

He wrote "Somewhere in the Night" and "Looks Like We Made It" for Barry Manilow. He also wrote "I'll Never Love This Way Again" for Dionne Warwick.

In Nashville, Will Jennings wrote country hits. He worked with Rodney Crowell. One of their songs, "Please Remember Me," was a number one country hit for Tim McGraw.

Personal Life

Will Jennings was married to his wife, Carolyn. He passed away at his home in Tyler, Texas, on September 6, 2024. He was 80 years old.

Awards and Honors

Will Jennings won many important awards for his songwriting:

• Academy Award: He won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
  • In 1983, for "Up Where We Belong" from An Officer and a Gentleman.
  • In 1997, for "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic.
• Golden Globe Award: He won two Golden Globe Awards.
  • In 1983, for "Up Where We Belong".
  • In 1997, for "My Heart Will Go On".
• Grammy Award: He won three Grammy Awards.
  • In 1993, for "Tears in Heaven" (Song of the Year).
  • In 1998, for "My Heart Will Go On" (Song of the Year and Record of the Year).
• BAFTA Award: He won a BAFTA award for "Up Where We Belong".

He was also nominated for other awards, including a Grammy for "Higher Love" and an Academy Award for "People Alone."