Remembering Cynthia Weil: The Songwriting Legend
A Legendary Songwriter Leaves Us
Cynthia Weil, a songwriter of legendary status, bid adieu to the world on June 1 at the age of 82. Her significant contributions to the music industry, including hits such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” “On Broadway,” “We Gotta Get out of This Place,” and many more, etched her name into the annals of music history.
A Catalyst for Dolly Parton’s Rise
Among Weil’s notable works is the 1977 country-pop single “Here You Come Again,” performed by Dolly Parton. This track played a pivotal role in catapulting Parton into mainstream success, marking her first major crossover hit.
Upon learning of Weil’s demise, Parton expressed her heartfelt tribute via social media, lauding the departed songwriter’s enduring body of work and expressing her deep gratitude.
Parton shared her thoughts, saying, “I was profoundly saddened to learn of Cynthia Weil’s passing. She ranks among the greatest writers in history, and I am eternally grateful to her and her partner Barry Mann for penning my first million-selling song, ‘Here You Come Again.’”
The Song That Almost Wasn’t
Initially, the track, composed in 1975 by Weil and her husband-cum-longtime collaborator Barry Mann, was intended for Brenda Lee’s revival. However, following Lee’s passing, Parton was chosen to perform the song.
Already renowned within the country music sphere for hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton was yet to make a significant mark on the broader music scene. This changed when “Here You Come Again,” after undergoing certain adjustments to make it a fusion genre piece, became a major hit.
The song stayed atop the American country charts for over a month and broke into the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. It also bagged Parton her first Grammy Award in 1978 for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, and propelled the same-titled album to success.
In her tribute, Parton added, “I have always been and will always remain grateful to her. Her absence will be felt deeply, but her incredible musical legacy will never be forgotten.”
Lasting Legacy
“Here You Come Again,” along with “9 To 5” and the Kenny Rogers collaboration “Islands in the Stream,” is among Parton’s only three top ten hits on the mainstream American music charts.
Weil’s daughter, Jenn Mann, paid a touching tribute to her mother on Friday. She described her as the best mother, grandmother, and wife a family could ever wish for.
Her tribute on social media reads: “Cynthia Weil’s Grammy award-winning lyrics touched the hearts and souls of hundreds of millions of people worldwide, cementing her legacy as one of the most iconic songwriters of the 20th century.
“Cynthia is survived by the love of her life Barry Mann, her husband, soulmate, and co-writer, her loving daughter Dr. Jenn Mann and her fiancé Eric Schiffer; and granddaughters Quin and Mendez.”
Cynthia Weil’s death marks the end of an era, but her enchanting lyrics and memorable songs ensure that her legacy will live on, touching the hearts of music lovers around the world.