Gimbel's work included Killing Me Softly with his Song - recorded by Roberta Flack, the Fugees and others - and the theme to TV series Happy Days.
He also wrote the English lyrics to the Brazilian bossa nova melody, The Girl from Ipanema.
Gimbel died on 19 December at his home in Montecito, California, his son Tony Gimbel told The Hollywood Reporter.
Music rights organisation BMI said it was "greatly saddened" by news of Gimbel's death. It described him as a "truly gifted and prolific writer" who would be greatly missed by friends and fans.
