The celebrated songwriter and collaborator with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, JD Souther, passed away at his home in New Mexico, Breitbart reported.
Souther's influential career began in Detroit, where he was born, before moving to Amarillo, Texas, where he was raised. His journey in music started after relocating to Los Angeles in the late 1960s. It was there that he formed a crucial partnership with Glenn Frey, leading to the creation of Longbranch Pennywhistle, setting the groundwork for what would come next in his prolific music career.
Through his alliance with Glenn Frey, Souther would go on to become an integral part of the country-rock movement that swept through the 1970s. This genre-blending brought him into collaborations with the Eagles, contributing to timeless hits such as "Best of My Love," "Heartache Tonight," and others, which helped the Eagles soar to great heights in the music industry.
His work extended beyond the Eagles; JD Souther also enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Linda Ronstadt, another icon of the era. Their collaborations added depth to his career and expanded his influence in music.
Souther's career was notably marked by his times at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, a venue famous for its role in launching numerous music careers. He described it as an unrivaled hub of musical brilliance, which played a significant role in his development as a songwriter. “The best study in songwriting I can imagine,” Souther recalled, listing music legends like Neil Young, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell, who frequented the club.
The Troubadour was not only a hub for creativity but also a place of significant connections. It was here that Souther met and bonded with many prominent artists, and it was also where the seeds for the Eagles were planted, as members Don Henley and Glenn Frey met there.
Recognizing his vast contributions to music, Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. This accolade celebrated his lifelong dedication to crafting songs that have remained in the hearts of many across generations. His ability to intertwine lyrics with melodies garnered him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike.
Beyond his group pursuits, Souther also achieved success as a solo artist. His hit "You’re Only Lonely" is perhaps the most evident testament to his talent in reaching audiences as a lone performer. He also teamed up with artists such as James Taylor and Bob Seger, showcasing his versatility and appeal across different music genres.
The tragic news of Souther's passing brings forth a wave of nostalgia and appreciation from those who knew him and those who were merely touched by his music. His partnership with Karla Bonoff for an upcoming tour, which was scheduled to begin on September 24, has been canceled following his death.
As the music community reflects on his impressive career, memories of his early days resonate more profoundly, especially considering his reflections on past collaborations. Following the death of his friend and collaborator Glenn Frey in 2016, Souther expressed a profound sense of loss, recalling, “Our first year together will always seem like yesterday to me... His amazing capacity for the big joke and that brilliant groove that lived inside him are with me, even now,” highlighting the deep connections formed through music and friendship.
JD Souther’s contribution to the music world continues to echo through his songs and the artists he inspired. His melodies, themes, and collaborations have left an indelible mark on the music industry, underscoring his role as not just a musician but as a history-maker in the world of music.
