JD Souther, Singer and Co-Writer on Eagles Classics, Dies at 78

Mar. 15, 2025

JD Souther in San Francisco, 1977.Photo:Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images

Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images

John David “JD” Souther, known for his collaborations with artists such as theEagles,James TaylorandLinda Ronstadt, has died. He was 78.

The 2013 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee — who was born in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Amarillo, Texas — previously had a band called Longbranch Pennywhistle with the Eagles’Glenn Frey, after they met in Los Angeles in the late ’60s.

Amid his longtime partnership with Frey, Souther went on to work on some of the Eagles’ biggest hits including “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid in Town” and “Doolin-Dalton,” as well as co-writing “Heartache Tonight” withBob Seger, Frey andDon Henley.

JD Souther in 2007.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Souther’s many collaborations through the years also included working onBonnie Raitt’s “Run Like a Thief,” as well as multiple songs for his ex Ronstadt, 78, including “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.”

Souther and Ronstadt teamed up for duets such as “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind" as well, with the latter being featured on the soundtrack for the 1980 movieUrban CowboystarringJohn TravoltaandDebra Winger. Souther also teamed up with Taylor, 76, on his 1970 hit “Her Town Too.”

In addition to his collaborations, Souther had a solo career, releasing songs such as “You’re Only Lonely” from the 1979 album of the same name. He also formed the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band in the ’70s with formerByrdsmember Chris Hillman and Poco’s Richie Furay.

Music aside, Souther starred in shows includingNashville,ThirtysomethingandPurgatory,as well as the filmsPostcards from the Edge,My Girl 2andDeadline.

JD Souther in Indio, California, on April 18, 2012.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Rita Wilsonwas among those paying tribute to Souther on social media, sharing a lengthy caption onInstagramalongside multiple snaps of the pair.

“This one hurts. My dear friend, songwriter and artist, JD Souther, has passed away. JD gave us so much in his music,” Wilson’s message included, listing some of the musician’s hits through the years and noting his “massive” influence on her.

“You can imagine what that feels like to sing with one of your hero’s on a song he wrote. One time, he came over for dinner before a show in LA, and lost his wallet, which delayed him for the show. We eventually found it the next day. It made for an exciting start to the show, though!” she continued, revealing that the last time she saw him was at theJimmy Buffettributeconcert in April.

“He will be greatly missed. But, his music lives on. Rest in Peace and music, sweet JD,” Wilson wrote.

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SingerRichard Marxcommented on the actress’s post, “Damn it. What a gift he was. 💔,” asJohn Stamosadded, “Oh man. Sorry Rita.”

source: people.com