Joseph Brooks (songwriter)
Joseph Brooks | |
|---|---|
Brooks in 1978 as he appeared in If Ever I See You Again | |
| Born | Joseph Kaplan March 11, 1938 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | May 22, 2011 (aged 73) New York City, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Suicide by asphyxia |
| Other names |
|
| Children | 4 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, director, producer, screenwriter, musician |
| Instrument | Piano |
Joseph Brooks (born Joseph Kaplan; March 11, 1938 – May 22, 2011), was an American songwriter, composer and filmmaker. He was a successful author of commercial jingles during the 1960’s, before pivoting to a filmmaking career. His 1977 romantic drama You Light Up My Life, which he wrote, directed, produced, and scored; spawned the hit song of the same name, earning Brooks an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award.
Brooks became the subject of an investigation after being accused of a series of casting-couch rapes. He was indicted in 2009, but killed himself on May 22, 2011, before his trial.