Hit Songwriter Larry Henley Dies at Age 77

Songwriter Larry Henley, best known for the '80s hit "Wind Beneath My Wings" died in Nashville on Thursday, at age 77.

His lawyer and business manager Charlie Andrews confirmed his death, following a long illness.

"Wind Beneath my Wings," performed by Bette Midler in the film Beaches, was the No. 1 song in 1989 and won the Grammy Award for record of the year. Henley, Midler, and co-writer Jeff Silbar all shared the award.

In 2012, Henley joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, receiving praise from Hall of Fame chairman Pat Alger for continually STANDING UP for songwriters' rights.

Henley was born June 30, 1937, in Arp, Texas and initially had his sights set on being an actor.

After changing his track to singing and songwriting, he was part of a Louisiana singing group, Newbeats. Their hit "Bread and Butter," became a top 10 hit in 1964. Following that fame, Henley toured with the Rolling Stones and the Kinks, to name a couple.

He took a break from touring and made his life in Nashville, pursuing songwriting exclusively. He co-wrote country hits like "Til I Get it Right," by TAMMY Wynette, and Janie Fricke's "He's a Heartache (Looking for a Place to Happen)."

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