JD Souther, the renowned singer, songwriter, and actor known for co-authoring major hits for the Eagles, including “New Kid in Town” and “Best of My Love,” has passed away at the age of 78. His representatives at Solters PR confirmed he died peacefully at home in New Mexico, though no cause of death has been disclosed.
Souther was preparing for a series of joint concerts this fall alongside fellow singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff and had performed just five days prior to his passing.
In addition to his work with the Eagles, Souther penned several other tracks featured on their albums, such as “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim of Love,” “James Dean,” and “Doolin-Dalton.” He also wrote the song “How Long,” which the Eagles covered in 2007. His collaborative efforts extended to Don Henley, leading to the creation of tracks like “The Heart of the Matter” and several pieces from Henley’s solo projects.
Although Souther’s solo career did not reach the same level of fame as his prolific songwriting for others, he achieved a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 with “You’re Only Lonely,” a ballad that also topped the adult contemporary chart for five consecutive weeks. His subsequent duet “Her Town Too” with James Taylor nearly broke into the top ten as well.
A significant figure in the Southern California music scene, Souther had close ties with Linda Ronstadt, for whom he wrote songs like “Prisoner in Disguise” and “Faithless Love.” His work extended to artists such as the Dixie Chicks, George Strait, and Bonnie Raitt.
In an interview, Souther addressed the common perception that he might feel resentment over the Eagles’ success with his songs. Instead, he acknowledged the financial benefits and expressed no anger. He humorously noted that Glenn Frey once remarked that Souther might not have achieved a greater solo career because he provided the best songs to others.
Souther also enjoyed an unexpected acting career, making his debut in the television series “Thirtysomething” in 1989. He later appeared in the first season of “Nashville” and in various films, recognizing the opportunities due to the offers he received from notable directors like Steven Spielberg and Mike Nichols.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. Souther’s early work included a brief stint in the band Longbranch Pennywhistle with Frey and a later supergroup, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, which only released two albums.
Over the years, he released several albums, with the last being “Tenderness” in 2015, while taking a significant break from recording between the years of 1984 and 2008. He expressed contentment with his level of fame, emphasizing gratitude and a preference for a quieter life away from the spotlight.
Souther is survived by his two sisters and his former wife and her daughter. In his memory, donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization he cherished.