John David “JD” Souther, an iconic figure in the landscape of American music, has passed away at the age of 78. A celebrated Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, John David Souther leaves behind a rich legacy defined by his exceptional songwriting prowess and significant contributions to the Southern California sound. Known for his close collaborations with legendary bands like the Eagles and artists such as Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, John David Souther’s influence on a generation of musicians and songwriters is undeniable.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Amarillo, Texas, John David Souther’s journey in music began in the late 1960s when he moved to Los Angeles. It was in LA where he forged a pivotal partnership with Glenn Frey of the Eagles. Their early collaboration included forming the band Longbranch Pennywhistle and recording an album for Amos Records. This initial venture was a precursor to a songwriting partnership that would yield some of the Eagles’ most enduring hits. John David Souther co-wrote classics like “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Doolin-Dalton,” cementing his role in the Eagles’ phenomenal success. His songwriting talent also extended to “Heartache Tonight,” a hit co-written with Frey, Don Henley, and Bob Seger, showcasing his ability to create chart-topping hits across collaborations.
Before his move to Los Angeles, John David Souther’s musical roots were nurtured in Amarillo, where he played with a local band called The Cinders. This early experience led him to Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico, the legendary studio of Buddy Holly’s producer. Under the name John David and the Cinders, they recorded tracks that were shopped to Warner Bros., resulting in a single release and marking the beginning of his professional music career.
Alongside his successful collaborations, John David Souther also carved out a notable solo career. He released his self-titled debut album in 1972, establishing his individual artistry. Later, he formed The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band with Chris Hillman (formerly of The Byrds) and Richie Furay (from Poco), further exploring the country-rock sound that defined the era. His 1976 solo album, Black Rose, produced by Peter Asher, featured a memorable duet with Linda Ronstadt, “If You Have Crying Eyes,” highlighting their personal and professional connection. John David Souther achieved his biggest solo success with “You’re Only Lonely” from his 1979 album of the same name, which climbed to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving his ability to captivate audiences as a solo performer.
John David Souther’s songwriting extended beyond his own albums and the Eagles. He penned “Run Like a Thief” for Bonnie Raitt and contributed significantly to Linda Ronstadt’s repertoire with songs like “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.” Their musical synergy was further highlighted through duets such as “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win,” and “Hearts Against the Wind,” the latter featured in the film Urban Cowboy. Another notable collaboration was with James Taylor on “Her Town Too,” which reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating his versatility and appeal across different musical partnerships.
Beyond songwriting and performing, John David Souther also explored acting, appearing in television shows like Thirtysomething and Nashville, as well as films including Postcards from the Edge, My Girl 2, and Deadline. This foray into acting showcased his diverse talents and further cemented his presence in popular culture.
In 2013, John David Souther was rightfully inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognized as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.” His later musical endeavors included his final original album, Tenderness, released in 2015, which was praised for bridging the gap between the 70s LA sound and the Great American Songbook. In July, an expanded edition of his 1979 album, You’re Only Lonely, was released, adding to the ongoing appreciation of his work. Sadly, a planned tour with Karla Bonoff, scheduled to begin on September 24, has been cancelled due to his passing.
John David Souther is survived by his two sisters, his former wife and her daughter, and his beloved dogs Layla and Bob. In honor of his life and legacy, donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization he deeply cared about. John David Souther’s contributions to music as a songwriter, performer, and collaborator will continue to resonate, ensuring his place as a true legend in American music history.
