Entertainment
Will Jennings, Co-Writer Of ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ Is Dead
Will Jennings, the renowned lyricist behind timeless hits like Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” has passed away at 80, according to reports from several U.S. media outlets.
He reportedly died at his home in Texas, though the cause of death has not been revealed.
Jennings, a native of Kilgore, Texas, enjoyed a prolific career spanning five decades.
His journey in Hollywood began in 1976, and he quickly rose to prominence with the success of songs like Barry Manilow’s “Looks Like We Made It,” co-written with Richard Kerr in 1977.
READ MORE: Report: Shell Will Lay Off Hundreds In Workforce, Houston To Be Impacted
His partnership with Kerr continued with Manilow’s hit “Somewhere in the Night,” cementing Jennings’ reputation as a master songwriter.
Over the years, he wrote for legendary artists including B.B. King, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Roy Orbison, and many others.
Jennings’ work on film soundtracks garnered widespread acclaim. He won his first Academy Award in 1983 for the song “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman.
He later earned a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Eric Clapton on “Tears in Heaven” for the movie Rush.
However, it was the 1997 Titanic soundtrack that brought Jennings his greatest recognition.
His lyrics for “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Celine Dion, won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammy Awards in 1998, making it one of the most beloved songs in cinematic history.
Over his illustrious career, Jennings was nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning three, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tributes from the music industry have poured in. Singer Peter Wolf called Jennings “a maestro, a brilliant mind, and a gentle spirit,” highlighting his generosity and patience as both a collaborator and friend.
Will Jennings leaves behind a lasting musical legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
READ MORE: WHO Expresses Regret Over US’ Withdrawal
Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Adeleke Congratulates New DG, PEBEC, Princess Audu
Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
READ MORE; I Love Men Who Use Sex Toys On Me, Says Ada La Pinky
Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
Watch Video here
Kano Police Warn Residents Of Imminent Terror Attack Threats
TCN Completes Relocation Of 8 Towers, Ends Power Rationing In Abuja
Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun Land Disputes: Osun Constitutes A 100-Member Boundary Resolution Committee
Savannah Energy Provides Unaudited FY 2024 Trading Updates
Okpebholo Moves To End Indiscriminate Parking, Gridlock In Edo State
Leadership Newspaper Backs Adeleke For Second Tenure, Names Him ‘Gov Of The Year’
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
