John David “JD” Souther, a pivotal figure in the Southern California music scene and a celebrated songwriter, has died at the age of 78, passing away at his home in New Mexico on Tuesday, according to an announcement made on his official website.

Souther was renowned for his work with iconic artists like the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and his contributions to classic rock helped define a generation of music and will surely be remembered long after his death this week, as Breitbart reports.

Souther was born in Detroit but grew up in Amarillo, Texas. He later moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he met Glenn Frey, co-founder of the Eagles. Their friendship and collaboration marked the beginning of his prolific career as a songwriter and musician.

Early Collaborations and Formation of the Eagles

In the early years of his career, Souther and Frey formed the band Longbranch Pennywhistle. During this time, Souther gained valuable experience as a songwriter while frequenting The Troubadour music club in Los Angeles, where he crossed paths with other notable songwriters, including Carole King, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell.

In fact, it was at The Troubadour where Don Henley and Glenn Frey first met, which eventually led to the formation of the Eagles, a band that would go on to achieve global fame. Souther’s involvement in their early years significantly shaped the band's sound, as he co-wrote several of their biggest hits, including “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.”

Major Contributions to Iconic Hits

Souther's songwriting abilities extended beyond the Eagles. He collaborated with a wide range of artists throughout his career, including Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Bob Seger, and Bonnie Raitt. His duets with Ronstadt, such as “Prisoner in Disguise” and “Hearts Against the Wind,” became widely popular and remain beloved classics.

In 1976, Souther released his second solo album, Black Rose, which included another notable duet with Ronstadt titled "If You Have Crying Eyes." His own success as a solo artist grew further with the release of his hit song “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979, which became his most famous solo track.

A Songwriting Legacy Cemented

Souther’s impact on the music industry was acknowledged when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. The Hall described him as "a principal architect of the Southern California sound" and a key influence on an entire generation of songwriters. His contributions to the rock and country-rock genres during the 1970s helped shape a signature sound that still resonates with listeners today.

In addition to his work with rock legends, Souther also wrote songs for other prominent artists. He penned “Run Like a Thief” for Bonnie Raitt and “Faithless Love” for Linda Ronstadt, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier songwriters of his era. His collaboration with James Taylor on “Her Town Too” remains a highlight of his songwriting career.

Multi-Talented: Singer, Songwriter, and Actor

Souther's talents extended beyond songwriting. He lent his vocal talents to other artists, including Don Henley, Christopher Cross, and Dan Fogelberg. He also pursued acting, appearing in various television shows such as "thirtysomething" and "Nashville," as well as films like "Postcards from the Edge" and "My Girl 2."

Despite his acting ventures, Souther remained dedicated to music throughout his life. In fact, he was preparing for a tour with singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff, set to kick off on Sept. 24 in Phoenix. However, the tour has now been canceled following his sudden passing.

Reflections on Glenn Frey and the Troubadour Era

When Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, Souther reflected on their time together, saying, “Our first year together will always seem like yesterday to me.” He went on to express the deep connection he felt to Frey and their shared musical journey, noting that Frey’s “brilliant groove” was something that stayed with him throughout his life.

Souther also frequently spoke about the importance of The Troubadour music club in shaping his early career. He referred to it as “the best study in songwriting I can imagine,” highlighting the immense creative energy of the club during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

A Lasting Influence on American Music

As one of the defining figures of the Southern California sound, Souther leaves behind a rich musical legacy. His work influenced countless musicians who followed in his footsteps, and his songs continue to be celebrated by fans across generations. The songs he co-wrote for the Eagles remain some of the most enduring and recognizable tunes in American rock history.

Souther’s passing is a significant loss for the music world, particularly for those who remember the golden era of Southern California rock in the 1970s. His ability to craft heartfelt and memorable songs earned him a place among the great songwriters of the 20th century.

Conclusion

JD Souther, a key architect of the Southern California sound and influential songwriter, has died at the age of 78.

His work with the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and numerous other iconic musicians left a lasting impact on American music.

Souther’s contributions helped define a generation of rock and country-rock, and his passing marks the end of an era.  The music world mourns the loss of a legend who shaped the sounds of the 1970s and beyond.