JD Souther Dies at 78: Singer-songwriter who wrote hits for The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt dies at his home in New Mexico
Singer-songwriter JD Souther has died at the age of 78.
The Detroit-born musician, who wrote country-rock songs for popular acts including the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, died at his home in New Mexico, an Eagles spokesman told the Los Angeles Times.
According to the outlet, it is not yet clear what the cause and date of Souther’s death are.
Souther, who wrote Eagles classics such as 1976’s New Kid in Town and 1979’s Heartache Tonight and Ronstadt’s 1974 song “Faithless Love,” was scheduled to begin tour in Phoenix next week.
Souther, who had a hit of his own with 1979’s You’re Only Lonely, also wrote songs for artists such as the Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and George Strait.
Singer-songwriter JD Souther, who wrote country rock songs for popular acts such as the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has died at the age of 78. Pictured in NYC in 2018
Souther, who had a hit with You’re Only Lonely, pictured in Amsterdam in 1976
Souther also worked as an actor, appearing in series such as Nashville and Thirtysomething, as well as films such as Postcards From the Edge and My Girl 2.
Souther took the stage earlier this year during a January concert at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
During the show, the newspaper reported, Souther was praised by Don Henley as one of the “tight-knit community of songwriters and singers” he and his late bandmate Glenn Frey could rely on during creative dips in the 1970s “when we got stuck on a song or were trying to come up with new material.”
Henley indicated that Souther was involved in the production of three of the band’s number one singles.
Social media was flooded with commemorations for the late musician-actor
Two-time Grammy nominee Stephen Bishop posted the following message on X/Twitter: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear that my friend JD Souther has passed away.
‘JD and I shared many memories, but one that stands out the most is when we wrote a song together in the ’80s called For Love.
Bishop continued, “Although we never finished the song, we did make a demo and I will always cherish that collaboration. JD was a remarkable talent and his contributions to music are immeasurable. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.”
The Detroit-born musician died at his home in New Mexico, an Eagles spokesman told the Los Angeles Times. Pictured in LA in 2020
Souther appeared opposite James Taylor at the Atlanta Civic Center on May 13, 1981
He ended his story with the words, “Rest in peace, my friend.”
Another user wrote: ‘RIP JD Souther even though he is not officially a member of the Eagles. His impact on the success of the Eagles was immeasurable. A true legend that few realize!’
One user said: ‘JD Souther has passed away. RIP sir. Your music will live on after us.’
Another user said: ‘Oh man! JD Souther passed away. Oh my god. One of his many songs that my generation sang along to is Faithless Love on Linda Ronstadt’s Heart Like A Wheel album. Beautiful. His harmonies. Ooof!’
