John David “JD” Souther, a renowned singer-songwriter and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, passed away at 78. Known for co-writing iconic hits with the Eagles, James Taylor, and Linda Ronstadt, Souther died peacefully at his home in New Mexico. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Born on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Souther moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he forged a long-lasting partnership with Eagles’ Glenn Frey. Together, they formed the band Longbranch Pennywhistle, releasing their sole album in 1970.
Throughout the 1970s, Souther co-wrote several Eagles classics, including “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Doolin-Dalton.” He also collaborated on “Heartache Tonight,” which became the Eagles’ final chart-topping single in 1979. As a solo artist, Souther found success with hits like “You’re Only Lonely” and his duet with James Taylor, “Her Town Too.”
His songwriting credits extend beyond the Eagles, contributing to Bonnie Raitt’s 1975 album Home Plate and several hits for Linda Ronstadt, such as “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.” Souther also performed duets with Ronstadt, including “Prisoner in Disguise” and “Hearts Against the Wind,” featured in the 1980 film Urban Cowboy.
In addition to his musical achievements, Souther pursued acting, appearing in TV series like Thirtysomething, Nashville, and Purgatory, as well as films like Postcards from the Edge and My Girl 2.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, Souther was celebrated as a key figure in shaping the Southern California sound, influencing generations of songwriters.
Souther’s life was marked by artistic brilliance and personal reflection. In a 2016 interview with PBS, he reflected on his career, stating that he felt fortunate in his timing and opportunities. After taking a hiatus from music between 1984 and 2008, Souther returned to the industry, releasing four more albums and reigniting his love for his craft.
He was scheduled to tour with Karla Bonoff later this year, but the tour has since been canceled.
Souther’s legacy as a songwriter, artist, and architect of the Southern California sound will continue to influence and inspire musicians for generations to come.
