Larry Joel Henley was born on June 30, 1937, in Arp, Texas. He began his career in music during the early 1960s and rose to fame as the falsetto-voiced frontman of The Newbeats, whose 1964 single “Bread and Butter” became a major international hit. The group went on to record several other charting songs, cementing Henley’s place in pop music history.

Beyond his work as a performer, Henley achieved lasting recognition as a songwriter. His most celebrated composition, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” co-written with Jeff Silbar, became a worldwide anthem after being recorded by multiple artists, most famously by Bette Midler in 1989. The song earned a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and remains one of the most enduring ballads of its era. Henley also co-wrote hits for country artists, including “’Til I Get It Right” for Tammy Wynette and “Is It Still Over?” for Randy Travis.

Henley’s career spanned decades, blending pop and country music, and his work influenced generations of performers. He was admired for his distinctive voice, lyrical sensitivity, and ability to craft songs that resonated deeply with audiences.

He is survived by family and friends who continue to honor his legacy.

Larry Henley’s life reflected both the exuberance of 1960s pop and the timeless artistry of songwriting, leaving behind a catalog that continues to inspire and uplift.