Acclaimed songwriter and musician J.D. Souther, known for his contributions to some of the Eagles’ most renowned songs, has passed away at the age of 78. His death on September 17, 2024, was confirmed, with the cause yet to be disclosed. Souther, a driving force behind the 1970s Southern California country-rock sound, played a pivotal role in shaping the Eagles’ music with songs like “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.”
Souther was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1945 and spent his formative years in Amarillo, Texas, before relocating to Los Angeles, California in the late 1960s. In Los Angeles, he formed a close partnership with Glenn Frey, one of the founding members of the Eagles. Their earliest collaborations took place in a short-lived band named Longbranch Pennywhistle, which later paved the way for their successful songwriting partnership for the Eagles. Reflecting on his time at The Troubadour, a renowned music club in West Hollywood, Souther once stated, “It was the best study in songwriting I can imagine.”
Aside from his work with the Eagles, Souther’s influence extended to other major artists. He crafted hits for Linda Ronstadt, with whom he was romantically involved, and their collaborations, such as “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues,” became staples in Ronstadt’s musical collection. Souther also wrote for Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks, and George Strait, among others. His exceptional talent as a songwriter led to his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. He also performed with notable artists like James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Dan Fogelberg, and Christopher Cross.
While he achieved great success writing for others, Souther’s solo career was more understated. His most popular solo track, “You’re Only Lonely,” made it into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. He also recorded several duets with Ronstadt, including “If You Have Crying Eyes,” “Prisoner in Disguise,” and “Hearts Against the Wind,” which was included in the soundtrack for the 1980 film Urban Cowboy.
On top of his musical pursuits, Souther dabbled in acting, with appearances in TV shows such as “thirtysomething” and “Nashville” and movies like “Postcards from the Edge” and “My Girl 2.”
Souther’s death occurred a few weeks ahead of his scheduled performance with longtime collaborator Karla Bonoff in a fall concert series. His passing has sparked a wave of tributes from fellow musicians and fans, recognizing his substantial contributions to music. He is survived by his two sisters, his ex-wife, and her daughter.
Throughout his career, Souther was instrumental in defining the Southern California country-rock sound that characterized an era. His influence continues to resonate with both musicians and audiences today.
