LOS ANGELES (AP) — John David “JD” Souther, an influential musician and songwriter known for his significant contributions to the country-rock genre in Southern California during the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 78. His collaborations with notable artists such as the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt were pivotal in shaping this sound.
Souther’s musical legacy includes co-writing some of the Eagles’ most celebrated tracks, such as “Best of My Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “New Kid in Town,” and “James Dean.” He passed away at his home in New Mexico on Tuesday, as confirmed by an announcement on his website. He had recently been preparing for a tour with Karla Bonoff, set to begin on September 24 in Phoenix, but those plans have now been canceled.
Born in Detroit and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Souther made his way to Los Angeles in the late 1960s. There, he formed a lasting partnership with Glenn Frey, a fellow Michigan native and a key member of the Eagles. Their collaboration began in a band known as Longbranch Pennywhistle, with Frey crediting Souther for broadening his exposure to country music.
In a touching statement following Frey’s death in 2016, Souther reflected, “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. … The music and the love are indestructible.”
Beyond his work with the Eagles, Souther collaborated with many other artists including James Taylor, Bob Seger, and Bonnie Raitt. His solo career was marked by success as well, with his notable hit “You’re Only Lonely” from his 1979 album of the same name. He recorded several duet songs with Linda Ronstadt, including “Prisoner in Disguise” and “Hearts Against the Wind,” showcasing their artistic chemistry as well as their romantic history.
Souther was a significant figure in the music scene and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, recognized as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.” He was also well-known socially; among his high-profile relationships were Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, and Stevie Nicks, who once described him as “very, very, very male chauvinistic and very sweet and cute and wonderful but very Texas” in a 1982 interview.
AP correspondent Margie Szaroleta reports on the death of singer-songwriter JD Souther at the age of 78.
Souther’s connection to the Eagles was so close that he even appeared on the back cover of their iconic 1973 album, “Desperado,” where he and others recreated the capture of the Dalton Gang. He fondly recalled his time at The Troubadour, a famed West Hollywood music club, as a formative experience in songwriting, where he encountered many legendary artists like Elton John, Carole King, and Neil Young. “It was our university,” he stated, highlighting the unforgettable creative atmosphere of that time.
In addition to his musical contributions, Souther made appearances as an actor on shows like “thirtysomething,” “Nashville,” and “Purgatory,” as well as in films such as “Postcards from the Edge” and “My Girl 2.” His artistic versatility added another dimension to his already impressive career.
JD Souther’s impact on music and his legacy of songwriting will continue to inspire artists and fans alike for generations to come.
