The music industry mourns the loss of a country-rock pioneer who shaped the sound of Southern California in the 1970s.
As reported by Breitbart News, John David "JD" Souther, a prolific songwriter and musician known for his collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has died at the age of 78.
Souther's contributions to the music industry were significant, particularly in the realm of country-rock. He co-wrote some of the Eagles' biggest hits, including "Best of My Love," "James Dean," "New Kid in Town," and "Heartache Tonight." His collaborations extended beyond the Eagles, working with other notable artists such as James Taylor, Bob Seger, and Bonnie Raitt.
Souther's career spanned several decades and included various musical endeavors. He formed a band called Longbranch Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey, who later became a founding member of the Eagles. This partnership laid the foundation for many future collaborations.
In 2013, Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, where he was described as "a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters." This recognition highlighted his significant impact on the music industry and his role in shaping a distinctive musical style.
Souther's solo career was also noteworthy. He released his self-titled debut album in 1972 and went on to record several more, including the 1979 album "You're Only Lonely," which featured his biggest hit as a solo artist, the title track.
Souther often spoke about the importance of The Troubadour, a famous West Hollywood music club, in his development as a songwriter. He described his time there as "the best study in songwriting I can imagine," citing the numerous talented artists who performed at the venue.
In a statement on his website, Souther recalled:
So many great songwriters came through — Laura Nyro, Kris Kristofferson, Randy Newman, Elton John, James Taylor, Tim Hardin, Carole King, Rick Nelson, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Waylon Jennings, Tim Buckley, Gordon Lightfoot, Taj Mahal and more. It seems impossible now to imagine that much music in a year and a half or so, but that was my life and the Troubadour was our university.
This environment nurtured Souther's talent and facilitated important connections in the music industry, including his meeting with Linda Ronstadt and witnessing the formation of the Eagles.
Beyond his songwriting and performing career, Souther demonstrated versatility in other areas of entertainment. He appeared as an actor in several television shows, including "thirtysomething," "Nashville," and "Purgatory." His film credits included roles in "Postcards from the Edge," "My Girl 2," and "Deadline."
Souther's collaborations as a singer were equally diverse. He worked with artists such as Don Henley, Christopher Cross, Dan Fogelberg, and Roy Orbison, showcasing his ability to adapt to different musical styles and contexts.
His songwriting prowess extended to creating hits for other artists. He penned "Run Like a Thief" for Bonnie Raitt, and "Faithless Love" and "White Rhythm and Blues" for Linda Ronstadt. His collaboration with James Taylor resulted in the song "Her Town Too."
JD Souther's passing marks the end of an era in the music industry. His contributions to country-rock and the Southern California sound of the 1970s were significant and lasting. Souther's legacy includes not only his solo work but also his numerous collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. His ability to craft memorable songs and his influence on a generation of songwriters ensure that his impact on American music will be remembered for years to come.
