JD Souther, the celebrated singer-songwriter and actor known for co-writing iconic Eagles hits such as “New Kid in Town” and “Best of My Love,” has died at the age of 78. He passed away peacefully at home in New Mexico on Tuesday, though no cause of death has been disclosed.
Souther was gearing up for joint concert dates with fellow 1970s singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff this fall, having performed just five days prior. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous hits for the Eagles, including “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim of Love,” and “How Long,” which was later covered by the band in 2007. He was also instrumental in Don Henley’s solo career, co-writing classics like “The Heart of the Matter.”
While Souther’s solo career didn’t reach the heights of his songwriting for others, he did achieve significant success with the 1979 hit “You’re Only Lonely,” which topped the adult contemporary chart for five weeks. He also collaborated closely with Linda Ronstadt, dating her in the 1970s and penning songs such as “Prisoner in Disguise.”
In addition to his musical legacy, Souther had an acting career, appearing in shows like “Thirtysomething” and “Nashville.” He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
Souther’s journey began in the 1970s, starting with his debut album under David Geffen’s Asylum Records. He enjoyed a brief stint in the supergroup Souther-Hillman-Furay Band before focusing on his solo work. He took a long hiatus from recording, returning in 2008 with “If the World Was You.” His last album, “Tenderness,” was released in 2015.
Reflecting on his legacy, Souther remained close to many of his collaborators, including Ronstadt, and continued to perform until his passing. He is survived by his two sisters and his former wife, along with her daughter. In his memory, donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization he cherished.
