Renowned singer-songwriter JD Souther, who helped shape the sound of the 1970s, has passed away, leaving a profound mark on the music world.
JD Souther, best known for co-writing iconic hits for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has died at the age of 78. The singer, a key figure in defining the Southern California country-rock sound, was at his home in New Mexico at the time, though details surrounding his death remain undisclosed.
Musician J.D. Souther performs at “A Song Is Born” 16th Annual GRAMMY Foundation Legacy Concert at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre on January 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Souther’s death was confirmed by a representative of the Eagles. The singer was even scheduled to begin a tour in Phoenix next week. His absence will undoubtedly be felt throughout the music industry, particularly by those whose careers he touched.
His songwriting prowess contributed significantly to the success of the Eagles, with tracks like “Best of My Love,” which became a No. 1 hit. Souther’s close friend, musician Don Henley, recently paid tribute to him during a January performance and called him part of the close-knit community of musicians who helped shape the band’s sound.
Aside from his achievements in music, Souther also had a successful acting career. He appeared in shows such as “Thirtysomething” and “Nashville” and movies like “My Girl 2.” Meanwhile, he worked with several other artists, making songs that were recorded by the likes of Bonnie Raitt and George Strait.
The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief. His official Facebook page shared, “On behalf of Team JD, we are sad to share this news with all of you. 💔”
Meanwhile, songwriter, Stephen Bishop, took to X to express his condolences, “JD and I shared many memories, but one that stands out is when we wrote a song together called ‘For Love’ back in the 1980s.” Bishop went on to explain that although they never finished the song, he would always “cherish that collaboration.”
Senior pop editor for TiVo, Stephen Thomas Erlewine, reflected on Souther’s legacy with his contributions to the Eagles. In addition, freelance writer Ethan Beck called his classics better than the more mainstream 1970s music. He also highlighted tracks like “The Fast One” and “Some People Call It Music.”
Fans echoed these sentiments upon learning about Souther’s death. On X, one wrote, “He was a brilliant songwriter and an exceptional singer. His ‘You’re Only Lonely’ is emotionally stirring and hauntingly beautiful.” Another commented on Facebook, “He was an intricate part of The Eagles without being an Eagle. He’s reunited with Glenn. Rest easy, and thank you for the music.”
A touching message came from someone who claimed to have worked with Souther and Bob Dylan. They recalled a songwriting session between the two legends and finally added, “His songs are of the highest caliber and will always be played and remembered.”
Souther’s deep connection to music was evident from the beginning of his life. Born in Detroit in 1945, he was surrounded by talent from an early age. His father, John Souther, performed with big bands under the stage name Johnny Warren.
After moving frequently, the family settled in Amarillo, Texas, where Souther spent much of his youth. His exposure to legendary performers like Victor Borge and jazz greats shaped his love for songwriting.
By the time he moved to Los Angeles after Amarillo college, Souther was ready to dive into the city’s bustling music scene. He quickly found himself among future stars like Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne at the iconic Troubadour club.
Joe Vitale, Timothy B. Schmit, JD Souther, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Don Felder following their performance at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California, December 1979 | Source: Getty Images
This led to the formation of Longbranch/Pennywhistle, a band he created with Frey. Though the group didn’t find commercial success, it set the stage for Souther’s solo career.
Throughout the 1970s, Souther became a sought-after songwriter and collaborated with many top artists of the era. This cemented his status as one of the defining voices of Southern California’s country-rock movement.
JD Souther from The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band performs live on stage in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1976 | Source: Getty Images
Moreover, in 1979, Souther achieved solo success with the hit “You’re Only Lonely.” His talent later extended to acting, and his biggest part was a recurring role in “Nashville” as Watty White, a friend of the Wyatt family.
Despite periods of relative quiet, Souther’s influence remained strong in the music world. His legacy as a songwriter and performer will continue to live on through the unforgettable music he leaves behind. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this time.
