John David "JD" Souther, a celebrated figure in the music world and a pioneer of the Southern California country-rock sound, has passed away at the age of 78.
ABC News reported that Souther was best known for his songwriting collaborations with iconic bands and artists like the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His death was announced on his official website.
Souther’s passing brings an end to a life and career that heavily influenced a generation of musicians.
Souther died at his home in New Mexico on a Tuesday. He was about to embark on a tour with Karla Bonoff, scheduled to begin on September 24 in Phoenix, but the tour was canceled due to his unexpected death.
Born in Detroit and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Souther's journey in music led him to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he quickly became a key figure in shaping the Southern California sound.
Souther’s close relationship with Glenn Frey, one of the founding members of the Eagles, began when they formed the band Longbranch Pennywhistle together. This partnership not only helped define the Eagles' unique style but also introduced Frey to country music, which became a signature sound for the band.
Throughout the 1970s, Souther worked with the Eagles on several of their most memorable songs. His contributions included “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid in Town,” and the chart-topping hit “Heartache Tonight.” Souther also appeared on the back cover of the Eagles' *Desperado* album in 1973, cementing his legacy within the band’s history.
Before his collaborations with the Eagles, Souther made a name for himself performing at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, a venue known for launching the careers of many influential musicians.
There, he met Linda Ronstadt, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, with whom he would later collaborate on various projects. He also befriended other prominent songwriters like Carole King, Elton John, and James Taylor.
Souther's self-titled debut album was released in 1972, showcasing his talent as a solo artist. He continued to make waves in the music scene, forming The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay, adding yet another chapter to his already impressive career.
Although much of his fame came from working with other artists, Souther enjoyed his own success as a solo artist.
His 1979 album, *You’re Only Lonely*, produced the hit single of the same name, which became his biggest solo success. In addition to this, Souther worked extensively with Linda Ronstadt, co-writing and performing duets like “If You Have Crying Eyes,” “Prisoner in Disguise,” and “Hearts Against the Wind.”
His songwriting prowess extended beyond the Eagles and Ronstadt. He penned tracks for artists like Bonnie Raitt, including “Run Like a Thief,” and contributed to Ronstadt’s hits like “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.”
His versatility as a songwriter and performer solidified his reputation as a key player in the 1970s music scene.
Beyond music, Souther ventured into acting, with appearances in television shows such as “thirtysomething” and “Nashville,” as well as films like “Postcards from the Edge” and “My Girl 2.” His talents weren’t limited to music alone, as he explored storytelling through different mediums.
In 2013, Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a testament to his incredible influence on the world of music. The organization described him as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”
Souther’s peers have paid tribute to him since his passing. Stevie Nicks fondly remembered Souther as being both “very sweet and cute” but also “very, very, very male chauvinistic.”
Despite their differences, she expressed admiration for his talent and character. After the death of Glenn Frey in 2016, Souther reflected on their bond, saying, “Our first year together will always seem like yesterday to me. His amazing capacity for the big joke and that brilliant groove that lived inside him are with me, even now, in this loss and sorrow.”
In his later years, Souther continued to reflect on his time at The Troubadour, describing it as “the best study in songwriting I can imagine.”
He took pride in having been part of a scene that nurtured many of the greatest songwriters of the time, from Kris Kristofferson and Randy Newman to Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Souther himself contributed to this legacy, shaping not just the music of the 1970s, but the artists who followed in his footsteps.
As the world mourns the loss of JD Souther, his influence remains immortal in the music he created and the artists he inspired. His songs, from “Heartache Tonight” to “You’re Only Lonely,” continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike, proving that his contribution to the world of music will not be forgotten.
