Joseph Brooks was hardly a household name, but his work became famous in 1977 when he penned the hit song “You Light Up My Life,” originally sung by Debby Boone. Â In fact, Brooks won an Oscar for the song, and went on to have a very prolific and successful career.
Unfortunately that career was marred recently by allegations of multiple sexual assaults, and over the weekend, as Brooks awaited trial for the charges, he took his own life. Â Authorities have said that Brooks left a three-page suicide note, which, among other things, discussed his health issues. Â Brooks is survived by a son, Nicholas Brooks, who himself is currently awaiting trial for murder.