Now, I know that I was aware of Will Jennings - especially back in the day when I would use all of my free time to pore over the liner notes of Steve Winwood records like Arc of a Diver, Talking Back to the Night, Back in the High Life and Roll with It. But, if I am being honest - his name disappeared from my memory through the years even if his always quality work did not - thus, underscoring the anonymity that often accompanies even the best tunesmiths as the performing stars get most of the media attention and love from the fans.

As for Winwood, his star was on the rise again in the 80's during his remarkable comeback years and all four of the albums mentioned had hits that cemented the gold status of Steve Winwood's solo career and Will Jennings made his mark on all of them co-writing many of the songs that remain synonymous with the Winwood name to this day including "While You See a Chance", "Higher Love" and "Back in the High Life Again".

Unable to attend the tribute Steve submitted a video with a story that when they were working together Jennings would share a classical composition by Thomas Tallis (1505-1585) and that melody would be one that Steve got to sing back to Will many years later as a token of their friendship during the last phone call they had together.

L-R_ Wendy Moten, Lilly Winwood and Emmylou Harris perform Higher Love.
(Photo Credit: Amiee Stubbs Photography)

Through Steve, Jennings was introduced to Eric Clapton. The two collaborated on the heartbreaking "Tears in Heaven" (1991) - with Jennings adding a bridge to a very personal piece that Clapton penned when his four-year-old son Conor fell out of a window and died in New York City - helping turn a tragedy into triumph for Slowhand as the song propelled his Unplugged release to the top of the charts in 1992.

However, Will's biggest success came later in that decade with 1997's Titanic theme "My Heart Will Go On". Jennings wrote it with James Horner and the song really came to life with the power packed vocals of Celine Dion. It was a huge radio hit that won a number of awards.

L-R_ Wendy Moten, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Lance Freed, Russ Titleman, Emmylou Harris,
Lilly Winwood and Rodney Crowell. (Photo Credit: Amiee Stubbs Photography)

Back in Nashville, Lance Freed (Music Publisher) and Russ Titelman (Producer / Eric Clapton Journeyman and Unplugged) both talked about Will's creativity, kindness and his impact on the industry while sharing a timeline of his impressive career. We learned that Jennings was also an advocate for songwriters' rights and was a mentor to many musicians.

The tribute to Will included performances by Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Wendy Moten and Lilly Winwood (daughter of Steve Winwood). Rodney with Will wrote the lyrics to "What Kind of Love" (1992) inspired by a recording of a melody that Roy Orbison had made before his death so that was the tune Crowell chose to play. Afterwards he mentioned that he lived next door to the Winwoods in Nashville and he literally watched the next artist grow up.

Remembering Will Jennings - one of this generation's most significant songwriter.

Lilly Winwood with Wendy and Emmylou presented "Higher Love". Amy Grant said that she had not met Will but has been singing his words for her whole life and the Jennings penned "Oh How the Years Go By" proved most poignant in the moment. Harris had met the man - and knew him quite well - calling him a gentleman and a scholar. Wendy stated that she knew Will through his songs and was terrified to sing this one. No need to worry as Miss Moten nailed "My Heart Will Go On" earning her a standing ovation.

In closing the remarks from Darrell Franklin, SVP at Sheltered Music Publishing summarized this special Celebration of Life with - "Will wasn't just a master of words, but he wrote songs for the common man. He understood that language and spoke to their hearts. His work will undoubtedly continue to inspire songwriters and music lovers for generations to come."

The Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame hosts many special events like this one in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on WILL JENNINGS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Will Jennings | Country Music Hall of Fame