Eagles hitmaker JD Souther passes away aged 78

Singer-songwriter J.D. Souther has died at the age of 78 at his home in New Mexico. Known for his pivotal contributions to country-rock music, Souther wrote numerous hits for major acts like the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. His passing was confirmed by a representative for the Eagles, though the cause of death has not been revealed.

Souther was a key figure in shaping the sound of the Eagles, co-writing some of their biggest songs, including “New Kid in Town” and “Heartache Tonight.” His songwriting talents extended to other major artists, such as Ronstadt, for whom he wrote the 1974 classic “Faithless Love.” His own musical career was also marked by success, including his 1979 solo hit “You’re Only Lonely,” which became a chart-topping track on Billboard’s adult-contemporary list.

Beyond his work with the Eagles and Ronstadt, Souther penned songs for the Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, and George Strait, making him a highly sought-after songwriter across genres. In addition to music, he pursued acting, appearing in TV shows such as Nashville and Thirtysomething, and in films like Postcards From the Edge and My Girl 2.

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, Souther’s legacy as a songwriter has left an indelible mark on American music. In a 2008 interview, he reflected on nearly joining the Eagles, but decided his passion was in songwriting rather than being in the band itself. He continued to perform throughout his life, with concerts scheduled well into 2024.

His final appearance was in January 2023 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, where he was praised by Don Henley as a vital part of the Eagles’ success. Henley noted how Souther had helped him and Glenn Frey during creative lulls in the 1970s, with Souther playing a role in crafting three of the band’s number one hits.

Tributes poured in across social media as news of Souther’s death spread. Fellow musicians and fans celebrated his contributions to music, with Grammy-nominated artist Stephen Bishop sharing his memories of writing a song with Souther in the 1980s. Others highlighted Souther’s profound influence on the Eagles, praising him for his exceptional songwriting and artistry.

Souther is survived by two sisters, an ex-wife, and her daughter. His work will continue to live on through the countless artists he collaborated with, the timeless songs he created, and the deep impact he had on music fans worldwide.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay