JD Souther, songwriter for Eagles and Linda Rondstadt, dies at 78
He wrote '70s California hits like "Best of My Love" and “James Dean."
John David "JD" Souther, a songwriter known for writing big hits for '70s rockers like the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has died. According to a public statement from his representatives, Souther "passed away peacefully in his New Mexico home." He was 78.
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Born on Nov. 2, 1945 in Detroit, Mich., but raised in Amarillo, Tex., Souther started his musical career with a local band called The Cinders, who released their first record on a small label in 1965. A few years later, Souther moved to Los Angeles, where his career really took off.
He met Glenn Frey of the Eagles, with whom he began a longtime creative collaboration. They formed their own folk duo under the name Longbranch Pennywhistle and released one album, but they found more success with Souther writing some of the Eagles' biggest hits like "Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” and “New Kid in Town." He also co-wrote “Heartache Tonight" with Frey, Bob Seger, and Don Henley.
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JD Souther attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on June 13, 2013 in New York City.Souther also recorded albums as a solo artist, starting with his self-titled debut in 1972. His biggest solo hit was “You’re Only Lonely," the title track from his 1979 album, which reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Eagles weren't the only artists Souther wrote for, either. He penned "Run Like a Thief" for Bonnie Raitt and several songs for Linda Ronstadt, including "Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.” He and Ronstadt even dated for a time, and recorded several duets including “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win,” and “Hearts Against the Wind." He co-wrote James Taylor's "Her Town Too." When Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, he was described as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters."
In addition to music, Souther was also an actor. He appeared in TV shows like Nashville, Thirtysomething, and Purgatory, as well as movies like Postcards from the Edge and Deadline.
Souther was supposed to kick off a tour with Karla Bonoff on Sept. 24 in Phoenix, Ariz., but those dates have now been canceled.
Souther is survived by two sisters, his former wife and her daughter, and his beloved dogs Layla and Bob.
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