J.D. Souther, Songwriter Behind Country-Rock Classics for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, Dies at 78
J.D. Souther, the influential singer and songwriter known for his contributions to the Southern California country-rock sound of the 1970s, has died at the age of 78. The Eagles confirmed his death, stating he passed away at his home in New Mexico, though no specific cause or date was given. Souther was scheduled to begin a tour next week in Phoenix.
Souther co-wrote many hits for the Eagles, including “New Kid in Town” and “Heartache Tonight,” as well as Linda Ronstadt’s “Faithless Love.” He also found success as a solo artist with his 1979 top-10 hit “You’re Only Lonely.” Besides his musical accomplishments, Souther had acting roles in TV shows like “Thirtysomething” and “Nashville,” and films such as “My Girl 2” and “Postcards From the Edge.” Other artists like Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, George Strait, and the Dixie Chicks also recorded his songs.
Born in Detroit and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Souther began his musical journey as a jazz drummer before switching to guitar. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he formed the duo Longbranch Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey. The duo disbanded in 1970, and Souther went on to have a solo career. During this time, Frey, along with other future Eagles members, played in Linda Ronstadt’s backing band, setting the foundation for the formation of the Eagles. Souther was briefly considered to join the Eagles but declined, choosing to focus on songwriting instead.
In 1973, Souther formed the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band with Chris Hillman of the Byrds and Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield, producing two country-rock albums. He resumed his solo career with his 1976 album “Black Rose,” featuring a duet with Ronstadt, and his 1979 hit “You’re Only Lonely.” Although his 1984 album “Home by Dawn” was critically acclaimed, it failed commercially, leading Souther to step back from recording due to the industry’s growing focus on music videos, which he felt detracted from the music’s core essence.
Despite his break from the industry, Souther co-wrote Henley’s 1989 hit “The Heart of the Matter.” He returned to music in 2008 with the jazz-influenced album “If the World Was You.” Souther was a two-time Grammy nominee and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is survived by two sisters, a former wife, and her daughter. His impact on country-rock and his legacy as a songwriter and musician will be remembered for generations.
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