J.D. Souther, Prolific Songwriter Behind Eagles Hits, Dies at 78

J.D. Souther, a prolific songwriter whose work graced the catalogs of iconic artists like the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and James Taylor, has died at the age of 78, Rolling Stone reports.

Souther’s passing was confirmed by reps at Solters PR, who reported that he died peacefully at his home in New Mexico. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1945, Souther was raised in Amarillo, Texas. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he formed a lasting partnership with Glenn Frey of the Eagles. The duo briefly formed a band called Longbranch Pennywhistle, releasing a self-titled album in 1970.

Souther’s songwriting career soared throughout the 1970s, with numerous collaborations with the Eagles, including hits like “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Doolin-Dalton.” He also co-wrote their 1979 hit “Heartache Tonight,” a collaboration with Frey, Bob Seger, and Don Henley that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Souther’s success extended beyond songwriting for the Eagles. He released his self-titled debut solo album in 1972 and formed the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band with former Byrds member Chris Hillman and Poco’s Richie Furay. His 1976 solo album, “Black Rose,” featured a duet with then-girlfriend Linda Ronstadt on “If You Have Crying Eyes.” His biggest solo hits included “You’re Only Lonely” (1979) and the 1981 duet with Taylor, “Her Town Too.”

Souther’s prolific songwriting credits include “Run Like a Thief” for Bonnie Raitt’s 1975 album “Home Plate” and several songs for Ronstadt, including “Faithless Love” and “White Rhythm and Blues.” He also recorded multiple duets with Ronstadt, such as “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win,” and “Hearts Against the Wind,” which was featured in the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.”

Beyond music, Souther pursued a successful acting career, appearing in television shows like “Thirtysomething,” “Nashville,” and “Purgatory,” as well as films like “Postcards from the Edge,” “My Girl 2,” and “Deadline.”

Souther’s contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. He was lauded as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”