NASHVILLE, TN (CelebrityAccess) — Singer and songwriter Larry Joel Henley, best known for co-writing the Bette Midler smash "Wind Beneath My Wings," died on Dec 18th from Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. He was 77 at the time of his death.

Henley and his writing partner Jeff Silbar earned a Grammy for Song of the Year for "Wind Beneath My Wings" in 1989, but the track was originally recorded by Roger Whittaker in 1982.

Henley also wrote "Till I get it right" which Tammy Wynette propelled onto the a number 1 country hit in 1973. Other chart success for Henley included "Is It Still Over?" which he wrote with Ken Bell and which was recorded for a #1 hit by Randy Travis in 1989.

Henley and Silbar also co-wrote "He's a Heartache (Looking for a Place to Happen)" which country singer Janie Fricke took to #1 in 1983.

In addition to his writing chops, Henley took a turn on stage as well, performing as the falsetto vocalist of early 60s pop group The Newbeats, charting with two hits, including 1964's "Bread & Butter."

He was a 2012 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. – Staff Writers

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