JD Souther Dies

He formed his first band, a folk duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle, alongside Glenn Frey.

John David Souther, commonly known as JD Souther, was born on November 2, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Growing up in Texas, Souther was exposed to a variety of musical influences, ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to country, which later shaped his unique style. Souther learned to play multiple instruments,

including the piano, drums, and guitar, during his youth. He attended West Texas State University for a short time before dropping out to pursue his musical career. His first recordings were with a local group called The Cinders, who traveled to the nearby Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico.

Their first 45 rpm record was released on the small RIC label in 1965. The following year, Norman Petty successfully shopped their recordings to Warner Brothers Records for a second single release under the name John David and The Cinders. In the 1960s, Souther moved to Los Angeles, where he formed his first band, a folk duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle,

alongside Glenn Frey, who later became a founding member of the Eagles. This partnership laid the groundwork for Souther’s deep ties to the California country-rock scene. Longbranch Pennywhistle released a self-titled album in 1969, released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen’s Amos Records. Souther’s friendship with Frey would prove pivotal in his career, as he went on to co-write many of the Eagles’ most famous hits, including “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight.”

Souther’s solo career began in the early 1970s, marked by a mix of folk, rock, and country music. His self-titled debut album, released in 1972, received critical praise but didn’t chart highly. He gained greater recognition with his 1976 album Black Rose, which included contributions from high-profile musicians like Linda Ronstadt and Don Henley.

Souther’s Written and Co-Written Songs
  • “Best of My Love” written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “Doolin’ Dalton” written by Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “Faithless Love” written by JD Souther performed by Linda Ronstadt
  • “Heartache Tonight” written by Don Henley, Bob Seger, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “Hearts Against the Wind” written by JD Souther performed by Linda Ronstadt and JD Souther
  • “Her Town Too” written by James Taylor, JD Souther, Waddy Wachtel performed by James Taylor with JD Souther
  • “How Long” written by JD Souther performed by John David Souther
  • “If Anybody Had a Heart” written by JD Souther, Danny Kortchmar performed by John Waite
  • “If You Have Crying Eyes” written by JD Souther performed by John David Souther
  • “I’ll Take Care of You” written by JD Souther performed by Kenny Rogers
  • “James Dean” written by Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “Kite Woman” written by JD Souther performed by Longbranch/Pennywhistle
  • “Last in Love” written by Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Nicolette Larson
  • “Looks Like It’s Gonna Rain Today” written by Even Stevens, JD Souther, Billy Joe Walker Jr. performed by Billy Burnette
  • “Mexico” written by JD Souther performed by The Souther, Hillman, Furay Band
  • “Midnight Prowl” written by JD Souther performed by John David Souther
  • “New Kid in Town” written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “Night” written by JD Souther, Waddy Wachtel performed by JD Souther
  • “Out to Sea” written by JD Souther performed by Larry Murray
  • “Prisoner in Disguise” written by JD Souther performed by The Souther, Hillman, Furay Band
  • “Run Like a Thief” written by JD Souther performed by John David Souther
  • “Silver Blue” written by JD Souther performed by Linda Ronstadt
  • “Simple Man, Simple Dream” written by JD Souther performed by John David Souther
  • “Talking to the Moon” written by Don Henley, JD Souther performed by Don Henley
  • “The Fast One” written by JD Souther performed by John David Souther
  • “The Heart of the Matter” written by Don Henley, Mike Campbell, JD Souther performed by Don Henley
  • “The Sad Café” written by Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “‘Til the Bars Burn Down” written by Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by JD Souther
  • “Victim of Love” written by Don Henley, Don Felder, Glenn Frey, JD Souther performed by Eagles
  • “When There’s Time (For Love)” written by JD Souther, Eddie Schwartz, Lawrence Gowan performed by Lawrence Gowan
  • “White Rhythm and Blues” written by JD Souther performed by Linda Ronstadt
  • “You’re Only Lonely” written by JD Souther performed by JD Souther

Linda Ronstadt’s renditions of Souther’s compositions further elevated his status as a songwriter, with her recording his songs like “Faithless Love” and “Prisoner in Disguise.” Souther’s most commercially successful album, You’re Only Lonely (1979), featured the hit single of the same name, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Another notable collaboration was with James Taylor and JD on the song “Her Town Too.” Souther was known as part of the famous Southern California music scene of the 1970s, which included artists like Jackson Browne, the Eagles, and Ronstadt. Though he stepped back from recording for much of the 1980s, he returned in 2008 with If the World Was You,

an album that incorporated jazz influences into his music. In addition to his music career, Souther has had a notable acting career, particularly in television. He appeared in several episodes of the TV drama Thirtysomething as the character John Dunaway, a love interest for Melissa. He also appeared in series like Nashville, where he played a seasoned songwriter,

which seemed like a natural fit given his real-life experience in the music industry. His acting roles have tended to mirror his musical career, portraying characters with artistic depth and complex personal lives. Souther has kept much of his personal life private,

though he was briefly married to Alexandra Sliwin, a singer and collaborator, from 1969 until 1972. His long-standing relationships within the music industry, however, are well-known, particularly his close ties to Linda Ronstadt, with whom he had a romantic relationship early in his career.

Despite these personal connections, Souther has remained unmarried for much of his life and has not had children. While JD Souther has not garnered the same level of mainstream fame as some of his peers, his influence on American rock and country music is immense. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013,

recognizing his work with the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and other notable artists. Though Souther has not won many individual awards, his contributions to hit songs like “New Kid in Town” and “Best of My Love” have won Grammy Awards as part of the Eagles’ success.

Movies and TV
  • Nashville (2012-2017) 7 Episodes
  • Deadline (2012)
  • The Pennsylvania Miners’ Story (2002)
  • Providence (2000) 2 Episodes)
  • Purgatory (1999)
  • How to Make the Cruelest Month (1998)
  • My Girl 2 (1994)
  • To Cross the Rubicon (1991)
  • Postcards From the Edge (1990)
  • Thirtysomething (1989-1990) 5 Episodes
  • Always (1989)

Souther’s legacy as one of the premier songwriters of his generation is cemented not only by his collaborations but by the lasting impact of his music on the rock and country genres. His music continues to be celebrated by both fans and fellow musicians alike. JD Souther died peacefully Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in his New Mexico home. He was 78. He is survived by his two sisters, his former wife Sarah Souther and step-daughter Anja Nicholson.

Further Reading
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Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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