Entertainment
Rock Music Icon Passes Away At 78
J.D. Souther, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for crafting iconic country-rock hits for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt that epitomized the Southern California sound of the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 78. A representative for the Eagles confirmed his death to the Los Angeles Times, which occurred at his home in New Mexico.
Details regarding the cause and exact time of his death were not disclosed, but Souther was scheduled to start a tour in Phoenix next week, so the sad news was unexpected to most. Souther was a pivotal figure in the development of the Southern California country-rock sound that dominated the airwaves in the mid-1970s.
Born John David Souther on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he quickly became enmeshed in the local music scene. Souther’s influence on the genre came not only through his solo work but also through his collaborations with some of the era’s most iconic artists, including the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt.
J. D. Souther, American country rock singer-songwriter 10 December 2008
His songwriting was marked by its sophisticated melodies and introspective lyrics, qualities that made his music resonate deeply with listeners. His partnership with the Eagles was particularly fruitful; he co-wrote some of their biggest hits, including “Best of My Love,” “Victim of Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “New Kid in Town.” These songs helped cement the Eagles’ place in music history and contributed to the definition of the country-rock genre.
Together again.
Glenn Frey (November 6, 1948 – January 18, 2016)
John David “J.D.” Souther (November 2, 1945 – September 17, 2024)
Photo- Their band, Longbranch Pennywhistle, late 60’s early 70’s. pic.twitter.com/NcvuC49Q2R
— Mike Henderson (@mhenderson33) September 18, 2024
In addition to his work with the Eagles, Souther also had a significant impact on Linda Ronstadt’s career, contributing to her albums and writing songs she would turn into hits, such as “Faithless Love” and “Prisoner in Disguise.” His romantic relationship with Ronstadt further intertwined his personal and professional life with the evolving country-rock scene of Los Angeles.
As a solo artist, Souther released several albums that, while not achieving the commercial success of his collaborative works, were critically acclaimed and showcased his range as a musician and songwriter. His debut album, “John David Souther,” was released in 1972 and was followed by “Black Rose” in 1976 and “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979, the title track of which became his only solo top ten hit.
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Throughout his career, Souther’s music evolved, reflecting changes in his own artistic interests and the shifting landscapes of the music industry. Even in later years, he continued to influence the music world through new albums and collaborations. His 2008 album, “If the World Was You,” was followed by “Natural History” in 2011 and “Tenderness” in 2015, each album exploring different facets of his musical abilities and stylistic preferences.
Souther’s contributions to music have been recognized with various awards and nominations, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. His legacy is not just in the songs that topped the charts but also in his ability to blend storytelling with melody, creating an enduring body of work that continues to influence musicians and songwriters.
